Chapter 92: A Delightful Visit

"You're here," he murmured, shutting his eyes to savor her presence.

His embrace clung a bit too tightly, a demonstration of the yearning he harbored. Enveloping her dispelled the tension that had built within him.

"I am…I'm here," she responded, her hands encircling his back, desperate to anchor herself to him.

Minutes passed before he finally released her. He kissed her again before helping her with her bags and guiding her toward his chauffeur-driven car waiting at the airport car park.

As they settled into the seats at the back, an undeniable desire welled up within Adrian, tempting him to kiss Sharon throughout the journey to the hotel if possible.

However, captivated by the enchanting beauty of Miami unfolding outside, Sharon leaned in closely, her gaze fixed on the scenic wonders passing by, inadvertently becoming the most breathtaking view for Adrian.

They arrived at Opulent Heights, and they made their way inside. Katie's eyes met with Adrian in the lobby, and he couldn't be bothered to decipher whatever expressions were in her eyes as he walked past her without acknowledgement, his hand securely on Sharon's waist, keeping her close to him.

If emotions took on hues, Katie's demeanor would radiate a vibrant, luminous green, casting its glow across the entire lobby.

Adrian Sterling was not known to have any apparent connections with any woman. He had never been spotted with anyone at social gatherings or events.

The question lingered in Katie's mind: Who was the woman he held so closely and affectionately to himself?

Silently, she watched them walk toward the elevator area, unable to do or say anything. Not even a greeting.

"Oh my goodness, did you see her?" Sharon said when they were in the elevator.

"Who?" Adrian asked.

"Katie Morris. I'm following her on social media. She has millions of followers!" Sharon said excitedly.

"Oh," Adrian simply said.

"Does she work here?" she asked.

"Yes, she's a hostess. She attends to VIP guests."

"Oh, do you think I can talk to her to hype my jewelry business on her page?"

Adrian shot her a look.

"No, don't do that. Don't talk to her at all. She's…never mind."

"Oh," Sharon said.

Detecting an unsettling aura regarding Katie, Sharon concluded the conversation. At that moment, she was determined not to let anything or anyone mar their togetherness.

Arriving at his penthouse suite, she marveled at the opulence, finding it surpassing the one they shared at Sterling Heights in New York.

In no time, she was in his arms, his kiss expressing the depth of his longing. After a while, he released her, and she excused herself for a shower.

Returning in a bathrobe, Sharon discovered an array of food Adrian had ordered for her.

After lunch, Adrian left to see Richard, while Sharon called Fannie and Thomas. She settled in and awaited Adrian's return.

Adrian was pleased to meet Richard in his office.

Adrian, with Sharon by his side, felt an undeniable need to distance himself from Katie. Sharon should have no knowledge of how the ambitious woman had been subtly seducing him.

He couldn't afford to jeopardize his blossoming relationship with Sharon and knew he couldn't take any chances.

Determined to create an environment solely for him and Sharon during her stay, he resolved to find a way to gently, yet firmly, usher Katie out of the picture.

The fragility of his newfound connection with Sharon demanded that he prioritize their bond over any external distractions.

"Richard, I need your help."

"What can I do for you, Mr. Sterling?"

"I have a lady friend over, and I need Katie out of here."

"I understand," Richard said. "She had a vacation not too long ago, so I cannot place her on leave."

"I was considering having her collaborate closely with the advertising agency. She could start working at their office, alongside their team, until the required promotional materials are ready," Adrian explained.

"That's actually not a bad idea. I'll work on it immediately," Richard said.

"Appreciate it."

Richard called the advert agency informing them about the new development as soon as Adrian left his office.

He then summoned Katie to his office.

"Katie, have a seat," Richard said, clearing his throat.

"I want to discuss a change in your work location temporarily. We'd like you to work at the advertising agency's office for the duration of the hotel's rebranding project."

"Why?" she asked, confused. "Aren't they supposed to work on it and get back to us?"

"We think it's better for us to be involved with the process," Richard explained.

Katie, perceptive as ever, raised an eyebrow,

"Did Adrian put you up to this, Richard?"

Richard hesitated, then nodded,

"Yes, he thought it would be beneficial for the project. It's all part of the rebranding strategy."

A wry smile played on Katie's lips,

"I see. Well, if that's what Mr. Sterling wants." She said standing up to leave, already sensing a shift in the dynamics of the office.

In a moment of stark realization, Katie felt the weight of her failed endeavors to seduce and entrap Adrian.

His swift decision to send her out of the office, driven by the presence of his female companion, shattered her illusions.

Biting her lip in frustration and regret, she acknowledged the futility of her plans. As disappointment settled in, Katie made a resolute choice, she decided to abandon any further attempts to seduce him, recognizing that the path she had chosen had led to a dead end.

All that time and effort, utterly in vain.