Chapter 107
Adeline raised an eyebrow. So that was her. Ah, now she saw Leif’s game[]
Zarek walked over to join the gathering
Adeline stayed back. This was supposed to be a wine tasting, and inserting herself would seem odd. If she wasn’t careful, she might end up drafted as the eleventh beauty. Then she’d have to deal with wandering hands, and even with Zarek’s protection, she’d still be in an awkward position–not like she could smash a bottle over someone’s head []
Besides, tonight she had a more critical mission… monitoring these people to make sure nothing suspicious ended up in her boss’s drink.]
She found a spot where she could observe the entire room without being conspicuous.[]
In the main hall, several sofas formed a large square arrangement, with multiple coffee tables scattered throughout []
When Zarek arrived, he ignored the seat Leif had obviously reserved for him, choosing instead a single armchair []
The message was crystal clear: keep your distance.[]
Leif looked uncomfortable.
He adjusted his position too, moving to a spot diagonal from Zarek to facilitate conversation]
The others followed suit, shifting closer to the two power players. They were clearly hoping to ingratiate themselves with Zarek, but he barely acknowledged them, even checking his phone instead.]
The Dominex heir certainly knew how to own a room. These people weren’t even on his radar…]
Adeline smiled to herself As if you people matter.]
Shifting her gaze, she noticed Claire playing bartender again. One of the so–called VIPs took the opportunity to grab her backside, his expression predatory. She didn’t protest, only responding with a practiced coy smile!]
But Adeline caught the disgust behind her smile. Even though her mask was nearly flawless.]]
Adeline mentally rolled her eyes, looking contemptuously at the rail–thin “VIP“: Some VIP–more like Very Irrelevant Person
She then observed Claire pouring Zarek a drink. He politely said, “Thank you.
It was just basic courtesy–something any decent person would do–yet Claire paused momentarily before smiling and responding “You’re welcome.
Her smile wasn’t flirtatious, but dignified and warm.]
Adeline was struck by this glimpse behind the façade.]]
But she quickly understood. When you’re treated like an object by someone like Leif, tossed to his friends to be handled at will, even ordinary respect becomes significant.]]
“Mr Weasley, this wine is from my private collection. I opened it especially for your visit. It’s been properly decanted–give it a try,” Leif said
He swirled his glass with one hand, his smile revealing calculation rather than warmth.
Zarek lifted the glass, examined its color, brought it to his nose, then took a small sip. “Hmm, it’s decent.
His tone was casual, his expression neutral
The others had prepared exaggerated compliments, especially the four so–called VIPs. One, supposedly a painter, had even mentally prepared an impromptu artwork offer.[]
But Zarek’s lukewarm “decent” made this million–dollar wine sound like a two–for–one supermarket special…]
Leif looked like he wanted to strangle the young executive.
I was doing business with your father when you were still in diapers![]
Such a cute chubby baby you were. How did you grow up to be so difficult? Even more impenetrable than your father []
The atmosphere grew awkward []
The VIPs and their various companions could only stare into their glasses.]
Zarek seemed completely oblivious that he’d killed the mood, lounging casually with his drink but showing no intention of taking another sip.[]
His gaze drifted toward a corter of the outside pool
Leaf noticed lum looking outside and followed us line of sight []
Realizing what had caught Zarek’s attention, he smiled knowingly []
So he’d been right []
This was exactly Zarek’s type.[]
Those self–righteous types always went for this style–disdaining the vulgar, disliking the overtly seductive, preferring to protect the innocent flower []
Thus was hus carefully planned trump card[]
“Bring Natalle in,” Leif instructed Claire with a tit of lus head []
Claire walked outside.[]
After a moment, she returned with a slender young woman[]
The girl wore a light purple dress, had porcelain skin, and thick flowing hair. Her makeup–free face glowed with youth, looking delicate and tender. With a touch of baby fat, gentle features, and wide, clear eyes, she looked at Zarek like a stattled deer
The four VIPs watched her with undisguised hunger.
The other women serving as compartons stared at Natalie with expressions ranging from cold dismissal to open hostility to eye–rolling contempt.[]
Adere opserved thoughtfully {}
She had also seen Zarek looking outside. When had he noticed this girl?]
Was he actually interested?
That seemed unlikely
Setting aside his still–ambiguous preferences, such an obvious trap shouldn’t fool him []
“Natalie, this is Mr. Weasley, Leif smiled at the girl
Natalie nervously wrung her hands, head lowered as she introduced herself in a voice barely above a whisper, “Hello, Mr. Weasley. I’m Natalie Yates. []
Her self–introduction had an awkward, unpolished quality.
Of course, coming from such a wide–eyed innocent, this awkwardness would only appear more endearing to most men.[]
Zarek said nothing, only offering a faint smile.[]
Leif spoke unhurriedly, “Natalie, find yourself a seat.
Okay. Natalie responded anxiously.
She glanced around the room. When her gaze met the VIPs, her nervousness transformed into visible terror. Her hands clasped tightly together, her breathing quickened, and she looked ready to cry
Meanwhile, the VIPs began to call out to her.[]
Natalie, come sit by me. You avoided me last night, and it broke my heart,
Don’t listen to him. He wasn’t heartbroken at all–he was having plenty of fun. I’m the one who couldn’t sleep thinking about you.”
They’re all wolves, sweetheart. Come sit with me, I’ll protect you.”
As they spoke, they started to rise toward her. Natalie, frightened, hid behind Claire, looking up at Zarek for help, clearly pegging him as the only decent person present.
Adeline thought:…
So last night wasn’t just debauchery–they’d been rehearsing this little drama.]
From character development to plot progression, quite the production.[]
Though she had to critique the flaws: with so many seats available, why focus only on sitting next to a man? What, were all the other seats covered in thumbtacks?
And why assume Zarek was a good person? Just because he was handsome… ah, right–the damsel in distress gravitating toward the most attractive rescuer was practically a law of physics.[]
Look at that determined expression, like she was applying for witness protection
“Stop scaring Natalie, Claire said protectively, then whispered to the girl, “Quickly find a seat, or they’ll..
She didn’t finish, simply using her eyes to suggest self–preservation.
Natalie, holding back tears, quickly walked to Zarek’s side and asked nervously, “May I sit down?”
Zarek was in a single armchair, but she acted as if she’d just realized this, looking at him with a helpless, desperate expression.]
Clearly expecting him to find a solution
“You can Zarek began slowly, paused, then said with unexpected kindness,”
…squat.”
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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.