Playing the Villainess, He Fell for Me

Mayor Miller’s voice was filled with exasperation, and he ended with a sigh.

Anything involving too many people becomes complicated. He understood that, and so did Simon Lockwood.

”The mineral resources belong to the state, and Southland has no objection to their extraction,” Simon Lockwood said coolly. Before Mayor Miller could react with any pleasure, he stated his demand: ”However, the contract needs to be amended.”

As Mayor Miller’s expression stiffened, Simon Lockwood continued unhurriedly, ”Southland will not seek any profits from the mineral extraction, nor will we assume any of the associated risks.”

In other words, if any issues arose during the extraction—be it damage to the mountain from a miscalculation or an accident involving workers—Southland would bear no responsibility for compensation. The authorities would be solely liable.

The man’s tone was frigid. While his expression remained impassive, everyone in the room could feel an intangible pressure.

The various officials exchanged glances, but no one spoke. On the rare occasion that someone forced themself to try and argue, Jack Warren would casually shut them down.

Despite the cold day, beads of sweat broke out on Mayor Miller’s forehead. He stammered, ”Mr. Lockwood, that’s not how this works. We’re not some unscrupulous partner here; this is a legitimate, state-supported project. How can you say we can just amend the contract on a whim...?”

”It is precisely because this is a state-supported project that we must be crystal clear,” Simon Lockwood said, cutting right to the heart of the matter. ”I’m a businessman. I simply cannot engage in a venture that will cost me both money and my reputation.”

Southland was providing capital to build an economic tourism zone. The mineral extraction would inevitably require additional funding, which fell outside the scope of the tourism project. Logically, Southland should not be required to provide these funds, but the authorities were clearly trying to exploit this loophole.

”The funds will be drawn from Southland’s accounts. If an accident were to occur, would Southland then be expected to take responsibility?” Ignoring the sudden change in everyone’s expressions, Simon Lockwood let out a soft, humorless laugh. ”My apologies, but Southland cannot bear that responsibility. And neither can I.”

”If we truly cannot find a solution that satisfies both parties, then it simply means we are not suited for this project. Southland will withdraw its funding.”

Withdrawing funds due to an unforeseen impediment would not be a breach of contract.

As the man’s detached words hung in the air, the room fell completely silent.

Their underhanded little scheme had been laid bare for all to see. The expressions of the officials leading the negotiation turned sour, especially upon hearing that Southland would pull its investment.

Mayor Miller’s face went pale, his panic barely concealed. Still, he was a man who had seen his share of crises and quickly composed himself. His tone became slightly conciliatory. ”Mr. Lockwood, I understand your position completely. What you’re saying is reasonable. However, I don’t have the authority to amend the contract myself. How about I consult my superiors, and then we can make a decision?”

While Mayor Miller waited anxiously, Simon Lockwood said calmly, ”I’ll await your good news, Mayor Miller.”

After seeing the officials out, Jack Warren came in holding takeout boxes a subordinate had bought. ”Mr. Lockwood, you should eat something.”

They had been wrangling with those people since they arrived and hadn’t even had a chance to eat lunch. Jack Warren himself was starving.

He opened a takeout box. It was still warm—a portion of rice with one meat and one vegetable dish. The local food was heavy on spices, and the aroma was quite appetizing.

Simon Lockwood forced down a few bites, but the fiery pain in his stomach didn’t subside. In fact, it grew even more intense. He paused for a moment before instructing Jack Warren, ”Keep an eye on things for the next few days. Don’t let any of the local residents get near the site.”

Though the man’s voice was as detached as ever, Jack Warren detected a subtle difference and his heart tightened. ”Simon, are you all right?”

He knew Simon had a bad stomach, likely a result of going hungry one day and overeating the next during his childhood. The irregular hours in the early days of building his company had only aggravated the problem.

’But hasn’t it been much better since he returned to the country? Why is it suddenly acting up again?’

Jack Warren quickly fished some painkillers out of his bag, poured a glass of warm water, and watched Simon take them before speaking. ”I’ll go give instructions to our people.”

Simon Lockwood nodded in acknowledgment.

「The door opened and closed again.」

The modest office fell silent once more, with only the lingering aroma of food not yet fully dispersed.

The painkillers didn’t take effect immediately. Simon lowered his gaze, quietly waiting for the pain to subside. Aside from the pale color of his lips, it was nearly impossible to tell what kind of agony he was enduring.

The phone at his side vibrated once, then began to ring. Hearing the special ringtone, Simon Lockwood’s dark eyes slowly shifted.

「In the dressing room.」

Joanna Kennedy finished her day’s shoot, changed back into her own clothes, and immediately opened her phone, eager to video call a certain someone who was away on business.

The man was probably busy; the phone rang several times before he picked up.

”What is it?” The man’s voice on the other end was void of emotion. ”Are you done with work?”

”I’m done,” Joanna Kennedy answered honestly. Staring at the black screen, she pouted. ”Why is your camera off? I want to see you...”

On his phone screen, the girl’s dark hair fell casually over her shoulders. Her full, rosy lips were pursed in a slight pout, as if inviting a kiss.

Simon Lockwood’s gaze was fixed on the screen as he slowly said, ”I’m out. It’s not convenient.”

”Seeing you is enough for me,” Simon said.

It was akin to a line from a love song, yet he delivered it with such earnestness that Joanna Kennedy’s face immediately flushed. ”Oh, okay then,” she said, suddenly feeling shy. ”Just video me when it’s more convenient.”

”Alright.”

He agreed so quickly that Joanna found it a little strange. But before she could dwell on it, she heard Julie’s voice from outside, asking if she was ready.

Joanna called out in response, then said into the phone, ”I have to go, we’re heading out to eat.”

”Mm.”

After hanging up, Joanna Kennedy stared at the darkening phone screen, her brow slowly furrowing after a moment.

’Why did Simon seem so strange? It was almost as if he couldn’t wait for me to hang up.’ Joanna Kennedy shook her head, quickly dismissing the thought. ’Simon would never be like that.’

Julie called for her again from outside, saying that Leila Lawson was already waiting at the entrance. Joanna couldn’t dwell on it any longer and hurried out.

In the office, the dark screen of the phone reflected the man’s pale face. His brow was knitted tightly, and he looked severe.

’I really don’t look my best right now,’ Simon thought. ’Better not to scare Joanna.’

A commotion erupted outside—local residents had come to cause trouble. Fortunately, they had brought enough security this time. Under the bodyguards’ control, the noise quickly died down. Simon closed his eyes, masking the icy look in them.

’The people don’t fight the merchants, and the merchants don’t fight the officials. But often, you have no choice but to fight. That’s just how the world works.’

The rain was still falling under a gloomy sky. Joanna Kennedy got into the car, feeling a bit sheepish. ”I could have gotten there on my own. You didn’t have to trouble yourself to pick me up, Director Lawson.”

”It’s no trouble, it was on my way,” Leila Lawson said with a lovely smile, looking at the girl in the passenger seat. ”Joanna, there’s no need to be so formal with me.”