Marina ignored him, punched in her passcode, and walked in.
When she tried to pull the door shut, it hit resistance. She looked back to see Carson holding the door open with one hand, looking at her with an amused smile. "Want me to make you some hangover tea?"
"No thanks," Marina said coldly.
Carson didn't let go of the door. His handsome face was perfectly composed. "I actually came to ask for a favor."
"What is it?"
"My grandmother's birthday is coming up in a few days. I want to draw her a portrait myself, but I don't know how. Teach me." His voice was smooth and elegant.
"I don't do traditional Chinese painting," Marina replied.
"A sketch is fine!" Carson said quickly.
Marina scoffed. "A sketch for a birthday present?"
Carson didn't miss a beat. "As long as I drew it, she'll love it."
Marina remained impassive. "Sorry, I'm not a teacher. Hire a professional."
"I tried. Most of them are women. After last time, I'm genuinely terrified of being around other girls. So, you're my best option," Carson said with absolute conviction.
Marina sneered. He had just happily accepted Lucy's homemade breakfast that very morning, and now he was claiming to be terrified of women? The man's mouth operated entirely independent of his brain.
"No," Marina rejected him flatly.
Carson stared at her in silence for a long time. His intense gaze started making Marina uncomfortable. "What are you looking at?" she snapped.
Carson chuckled. "Why are you so mad? We talked everything out, you said you didn't hate me anymore, and you said we could exchange civil greetings. Is this your version of civil?"
He looked genuinely bewildered. "Is it because of the apartment? You're the one who wanted to buy it, I didn't force you. Why are you treating me like this?"
Marina was left speechless.

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