“Since our partnership is going well, shouldn’t we shake on it?”

Tessa hesitated. She really didn’t want to shake his hand. When Mike extended his hand toward her, she hesitated for a moment. After what had happened earlier, the thought only made things more awkward. The way he looked at her now didn’t sit right. It was clear his intentions weren’t pure.

“Maybe we can skip the handshake,” she said uncertainly. “We’ve already agreed to the partnership, and I’ll deliver on everything I promised. As for the rest, I think it’s better if we don’t have too much unnecessary contact."

Mike’s expression turned sour. “Do you even hear yourself?” he snapped coldly. “We’re business partners now, and you’re saying we shouldn’t have much contact? Does that make any sense?”

Tessa paused. Thinking it over, she realized her words did sound unreasonable. They were partners after all, and there would be plenty of interactions ahead. If she avoided him now, what would that mean later? Meeting his sharp, questioning gaze, she felt a flicker of embarrassment. In the end, she had no choice but to reach out and shake his hand.

“Then here’s to a pleasant collaboration.”

But what she didn’t expect was for Mike to hold onto her hand without letting go. Just as she feared—he was every bit the sleazy man she thought he was. Even after learning who she was, he still couldn’t resist trying to take advantage of the moment.

Mike gripped Tessa’s hand tightly, refusing to let go. His rough fingers brushed lightly across the back of her smooth skin, and a look of satisfaction crossed his face. Seeing that, Tessa felt sick to her stomach. She yanked her hand away forcefully. “Mr. Lee, please show some respect. Don’t forget who I am.”

“So what if I know who you are?” he sneered. “If your mother can let you come negotiate deals yourself, you should’ve known things like this might happen. So, what’s there to be afraid of?”

He even sounded proud of himself. “Besides, compared to those greasy old men, I’d say I’ve still got the looks and the figure, don’t you think?”

Tessa was speechless at his confidence and didn’t want to waste another second arguing. She had better things to do.

“Mr. Lee, I understand what you’re getting at. But since I’ve already made my position clear, that means I have no interest in whatever you’re suggesting.” Her tone turned cold. “I’d advise you to know your limits and not waste either of our time. That would be best for both sides. Otherwise, I can’t promise that everything I offered you earlier will still reach your hands intact.”

Her words made Mike flinch. Tessa lifted the contract slightly in her hand, and his expression darkened. He realized he’d been careless—too impulsive and blinded by his own lust.

“Alright, alright, I get it,” Mike muttered, waving his hand in frustration, signaling that he wouldn’t push his luck any further.