Chapter 317

Diana POV

No girl could resist beautiful clothes.

He kept one arm around my waist while holding up a white dress with the other, pressing it against my chest. "Wear this today."

I looked at us embracing in the mirror, suppressing a smile. "I can't. It's too flashy. And I have work today."

The dress looked simple enough, but I knew this brand—any piece easily cost seven figures.

Wearing a seven-figure dress to work was absurd.

James disagreed, watching me through the mirror. "How is it flashy? This is one of the most basic pieces."

There were even more expensive items in this closet.

I said helplessly, "Mr. Howard, you can wear anything and it's normal. I'm just an assistant. Do you really think this suits me?"

James: "I don't know if it suits an assistant, but it definitely suits Mrs. Howard."

His words startled me. I turned to face him. "You're planning to announce it?"

He looked at me, his gaze carrying a hint of danger. "Am I something to be ashamed of?"

That look seemed to say if I dared answer yes, he'd deal with me immediately.

I swallowed nervously. "...No."

Only then did he look satisfied. "Good. Now change."

His matter-of-fact tone made my face flush. He was standing right there—how was I supposed to change?

His gaze grew increasingly heated, as if he wanted to devour me whole.

I quickly pushed against his chest. "Go out. Go make breakfast. Don't just stand here."

"Alright."

He agreed readily enough.

He kissed my ear quickly, his voice low and seductive. "Whatever darling says."

My legs went weak. I nearly collapsed.

In the end, I did put on the white dress and picked out his outfit for the day before emerging from the closet.

James had already prepared breakfast and set it on the table.

He stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows and beckoned to me. "Come here."

I walked over obediently.

He wrapped an arm around my waist and kissed my lips. "So obedient. Let's eat."

I stayed silent.

So he'd called me over just for that kiss?

During breakfast, I hesitated several times, words on the tip of my tongue that I kept swallowing back.

James: "Say what you want to say."

I set down my utensils and looked at him carefully. "James, about us getting married—can you not tell anyone yet?"

He didn't seem angry, just asked, "Why?"

Me: "It's nothing. I just feel like it's too fast. I haven't adjusted yet."

He gave me an inscrutable look.

He'd waited twenty-seven years, and I was saying it was too fast.

I was probably the only one who thought so.

But he still agreed. "Fine. But your adjustment period only lasts until before our wedding. You'd better adapt quickly."

I was dumbfounded, asking blankly, "Wed—wedding?"

James: "You didn't think getting a certificate was the end of it, did you?"

I fell silent.

That was exactly what I'd thought.

Though even if James and I agreed, the Howard family wouldn't allow it.

James's wedding couldn't possibly be quiet.

I just wasn't mentally prepared, but I wasn't opposed to it.

I was about to ask when the wedding would be when his phone rang.

James glanced at the caller ID but didn't answer.

I saw the name on the display: Faust.

Wasn't that Elizabeth's brother? The current president of the Carrington Group.

I didn't know why James wasn't answering.

But I clearly noticed his expression cool when he saw who was calling.

Had something happened between James and the Howard family?

As I was thinking, James looked over at me.

I met his gaze unexpectedly. The question I'd been about to ask died on my lips.

His business with the Carrington family—I didn't want to get involved.

But he brought it up himself. "At the charity gala, Elizabeth tried to hit you with her car. I terminated all collaborations with the Carrington family."

I was shocked, staring at him in disbelief. I hadn't expected this to actually involve me.

I remembered now—when I'd gone to pick up James that day, Elizabeth's driving had been erratic.

So she really had been trying to hit me.

James reached over and ruffled my hair. "Don't stress about it. The Carrington Group's methods have gotten dirtier over the years. I was planning to cut ties with them anyway. It doesn't have much to do with you. Though the Carrington family might come looking for you soon. I've arranged protection for you. Just be aware, but don't be afraid. They won't dare touch you."

I suddenly laughed coldly. "Five years ago, they probably never imagined they'd have a day like this..."

James looked at me questioningly.

I shook my head. "It's nothing."

After breakfast, we went to the office together.

When we got out of the car, James was still holding my hand.

In the elevator, when we reached his floor, I forcibly pulled my hand from his grasp.

He stared at me, clearly displeased.

I smiled at him placatingly.

Before the elevator doors opened, I quickly kissed his cheek. "Don't be mad."

He laughed despite his irritation. "Fine, I'm not mad. Mrs. Howard, you have half a month to prepare."

I froze.

What did that mean?

The wedding would be in half a month?

I wanted to ask for clarification.

But he'd already strode toward his office.

I had no choice but to follow him into the executive suite.

When Tina saw my dress, her eyes flashed with amazement, then jealousy.

She suppressed her emotions and gave me a fake smile. "Diana, the executive office has always required proper business attire. Isn't what you're wearing inappropriate? The boss will be angry if he sees it."

I silently rolled my eyes internally.

James was the one who'd insisted I wear this dress.

Angry? What would he be angry about?

I smiled just as falsely back at her. "Thanks for the reminder."

I didn't say another word.

Tina hadn't expected that reaction. She paused.

Seeing me sit down at my desk, she turned back around, her eyes constantly scanning my outfit. "Diana, that dress isn't cheap, is it? I remember the authentic ones cost seven figures. Where did you order your knockoff? The quality's actually pretty convincing. Can you send me the link..."

Before she could finish, my phone rang.

I answered it immediately, pretending I hadn't heard her.

Tina had to swallow her words, waiting for me to finish the call before asking again.