Chapter 101
Adeline stood up, smiling as she grabbed the glass. Our CEO has a cold and can’t drink. Ill handle this one for him.
Just as the glass was about to touch her lips, a slender hand intercepted it. “Sit down. I’ve got this,” Zarek said quietly, his tone casual yet unmistakably protective]
He placed the glass back on the table as silence fell over the private dining room]
Tristan was gripping his own glass so tightly his knuckles turned white.
ite[]
The others around the table reacted differently–some exchanged knowing glances, others frowned slightly, while a few pretended not to notice anything unusual.]].
Adeline blinked, momentarily confused.[]
She sat back down obediently. Whatever game Zarek was playing, she figured he had his reasons. Best to follow his lead.[]
“Look at Mr. Weasley playing the knight in shining armor, Steven remarked with a smirk []
Though framed as a joke, the comment highlighted how Zarek had just snubbed Leif Hara for a woman–something even the Chairman wouldn’t have dared.]
Zarek shot Steven a cool look before breaking into an easy smile. You know me so well, Steven. Here, drink this one for me.” He followed with a theatrical little cough.]
Steven internally cursed: You absolute dick!]
When the heir to Dominex specifically asks you to drink his glass because he’s “sick,” how can you possibly refuse without making a scene?]
He reluctantly took the glass and downed it, his face flushing with barely concealed rage.[]
Jayden gave Steven an apologetic look. He’d tried countless times to get meetings at Dominex only to be shut out. A few days ago, he’d bumped into Leif at a cocktail party, and after some private conversation, Leif had offered to arrange tus meeting with Zarek.]
To be safe, he’d also brought Steven along.
But now it seemed Zarek wasn’t playing by anyone’s rules.[]
Was he seriously this hung up on Adeline?]
This level of protection suggested they were definitely more than colleagues… Thinking this, Jayden glanced over at Tristan]
Meanwhile, Leif laughed heartily to diffuse the tension. “You definitely shouldn’t drink with a cold.
He subtly signaled his assistant, who was still awkwardly holding the wine bottle, to step back.]
Zarek’s behavior made it crystal clear he wasn’t going to play nice with anyone.
With Arthur Weasley retiring soon, Dominex would be Zarek’s kingdom. Burning bridges with him would be a rookie mistake.
Leif had helped arrange this meeting for two reasons: to curry favor with the Grantham family and to get a read on Zarek’s management style.]
“If you’re bringing friends, Leif, a heads–up would’ve been nice,” Zarek said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
Despite his pleasant tone, his gaze was ice cold.
Leif pretended not to notice and maintained his cheerful facade: “I considered telling you, but honestly, I was afraid you’d ball. Poor Jayden here has been so stressed about the project he’s practically wasting away 1
With Leif having broken the ice, Jayden seized his opportunity. “Look, Zarek, about the loan–please give us another shot: I know certain… Incidents… have made you skeptical, but I promise none of that will impact the project. Tristan and 1 absolutely won’t let anything go sideways.
Throughout Jayden’s pitch, Tristan maintained a stony silence.[]
jayden hadn’t expected him to contribute anyway.[]
Zarek listened patiently, hus expression unreadable.[]
He took a slow sip of tea before asking casually, “Nothing to add, Tristan
His striking eyes lified to meet Tristan’s.[]
The tension in the room Uluckened instantly []
Tristan locked eyes with Zarek []
The initial chill between them transformed into explosive hostility–practically visible sparks flying through the air
Everyone tensed up
Jayden especially feared Tristan mught actually Tip the table. He placed a steadying hand on Tristan’s shoulder, Tristan, easy, he murmured, squeezing slightly
The pressure was a reminder that millions were at stake–now wasn’t the time to lose it []
Tristan shifted his glacial stare from Zarek 10 Adeline, drilling into her eyes. []
There was something almost wounded in his expression!
He looked at her like she’d betrayed him–as if she’d stolen his heart, emptied his bank accound, and run straight into Zarek’s arms.
Adeline found it absurd[]
She returned his gaze calmly, looking at lum like he was a toddler throwing a tantrum]
Finally, Tristan turned back to Zarek. “What Jayden sald… that’s my position too.
His expression remained frosty, only his slightly strained voice betraying his true feelings []
Zarek’s eyes gleamed with amusement “And what exactly did Jayden say? Sorry, terrible memory. Murad refreshing me. Tristan[]
Tristan’s fist clenched under the table {}
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Meus Des Your Little Crybaby Ungraded to Untouchable Queen
Chapter 101
If Zarek thought he could make him beg, he had another thing coming
Tristan abruptly stood, ready to storm out
Jayden quickly grabbed his arm, silently pleading with him to keep it together.[]
Steven stepped in to salvage the situation. Zarek, we’ve thoroughly reassessed the project–it’s another chance?]]
Arthur has already indicated that if you approve it, he’s on board. Jayden and Tristan came today in good faith. Why not give them
“Good faith? Zarek questioned, eyeing Tristan, who was still being restrained by Jayden. He shook his head. “Not seeing it
A vein pulsed visibly on Tristan’s forehead []
Seeing that Tristan was seconds away from causing a scene, Jayden had no choice but to haul him out of the room.
Inside, Leir realized Zarek was simply toying with Tristan, most likely because of Adeline. He smiled inwardly–this was actually promising
People with weaknesses were easier to handle than those without them]
Sure, Adeline was stunning, but beautiful women weren’t exactly rare. If Zarck had a thing for women, that gave Leif leverage.[]
He had plenty of gorgeous women at his disposal.[]
That Tristan, so hot headed,” Leif said with fake disapproval, then gave his assistant a subtle signal. Zarek’s tea is empty. Don’t just stand there.
The assistant took the cue immediately. As she stood, she flipped her hair with practiced casualness, her movements becoming more sensual.]
She picked up the teapot and stopped forward.[]
Zarek raised his hand slightly Tm good. We’re here for dinner, not a tea ceremony.]
Leif felt a twinge of disappointment.[]
Not interested, apparently.[]
You’re right. Let’s eat,” he said, picking up his fork.[]
Everyone began their meals.]
Adeline took a few bites, inwardly amused: Was Leif seriously trying to offer his assistant to Zarek?]
The old man’s tactics were as outdated as they were gross.[]
He clearly had no idea her boss wasn’t remotely interested in women–he’d have better luck offering some eye candy of the male variety
The mental image of Zarek selecting handsome young men made her bite back a laugh.[]
“Something funny, Adeline? A cool voice asked beside her ear, sounding like a teacher catching a student passing notes.[]
Adeline quickly straightened her expression. “Not at all.”
Zarek sighed dramatically and placed a fatty piece of pork rib on her plate. “Eat your protein. Your brain clearly needs the nutrients.”
Adeline froze
Holy slut, can he read my mind?]
While she was staring at Zarek with wide eyes. Tristan and Jayden returned []
Jayden had successfully talked Tristan down, but the moment they entered, Tristan spotted Adeline looking intently at Zarek. Instantly triggered again, he rushed over to position himself between them, blocking their line of sight []
Tristan glared at Adeline like she was public enemy number one []
Just as Adeline was calculating her escape route–she’d already slufted her weight, ready to bolt–Tristan suddenly spun around to face Zarek Lead[]
Adeline panicked. He’s not going to throw a punch is he?![]
Everyone in the room held their breath []
Zarel leaned back casually in lus chair. “Something else on your nund, Tristan?
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Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy DaisyNovel. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.