Chapter 108
Natalie froze in disbelief. Her doe eyes widened, unable to process what she’d just heard.[]
Leif’s face twitched slightly.[]
Wasn’t Zarek supposed to be the perfect gentleman? Shouldn’t he be protecting her right now–if not offering his lap, at least finding her a chair to sit beside him?]
Squat? Was she a dog or something?[]
The room went painfully silent.[]
It was like a theater production where one actor suddenly went off–script, leaving everyone else frozen, unsure how to proceed.]
Adeline thought Classic boss–cold as ice!]
She felt a wave of relief []
For a moment she’d actually worried he might be interested in the girl.[]
Honestly, if he had taken the bait, she would have privately judged his lack of judgment for falling into Leir’s obvious trap… but ultimately, his personal life was his business. 0
Natalie remained standing, looking unsteady on her feet.[]
“Claire, get Natalie a chair, Leif ordered, clearly displeased.[]
Claire quickly found a chair and placed it in the small space between Zarek and Leif, then guided the young woman to sit down like a protective older sister.]]
Natalie sat.
Knees together, hands folded neatly, in her lap, completely different from the other nine women with their flirtatious poses and confident sensuality…]
Or perhaps they only seemed different through men’s eyes.[]
Adeline suspected that apart from Claire, the other eight women weren’t acting at all. That contempt was genuine. They were probably thinking: I might be forward, but at least I’m not fake![]
The group resumed drinking and chatting.
Zarek completely ignored the girl beside him.
Leif was growing visibly anxious.
But if he directly suggested Zarek could take Natalie back to his villa, the cunning young CEO would certainly refuse.
Leif was convinced Zarek had noticed her–otherwise, why would he have been watching her outside?
Arling gesture, his tone
“Mr. Hara, Zarek said, mimicking Leif’s wine–swirling gesture, his tone deceptively casual, “what’s the deal with Natalie?”
“Ah, Natalie,” Leif perked up, slapping his knee. She’s truly a heartbreaking case. Daughter of one of my employees, such a good girl. Her father died in a car accident a few years ago, her mother has serious health issues, and she has a troublesome brother. She just started college last year, but she’s juggling caring for her mother while trying to earn tuition. Now her mother’s condition has suddenly worsened, and the surgery costs $200,000, so that’s why…
He sighed dramatically, feigning sympathy.
Natalie’s face turned crimson, her chin nearly touching her chest.[]
Zarex fell silent after listening!
Adeline thought…This storyline…]
She glanced at Claire, strongly suspecting she had helped Lelf craft this narrative.]
fel
Dead father, crucally ill mother, useless brother, poverty–stricken protagonist, when it rains it pours, expensive medical bills, innocent girl forced to sell herself for money.[]
It was Storytelling 101: stack these conditions and supposedly any powerful man would lose all critical thinking skills.
Wan
Maybe Zarek didn’t recognize the formula.
Everyone appeared relaxed, but they were all istening intently for Zarek’s reaction.]
7 junk..
20
Zarek began with a furrowed brow Leif watched him with eager anticipation. Go on, kid, admit you want to “save” the pretty girl All that posturing just to end up with the same basic instinct.[]
“This bottle of Komare Cont is worth about a million rigia?
What? Lell was caught off guard. Why bring up the wine again?]
“Ah, us evil capitalists,” Zarek said placing tus glass on the table with exaggerated regret. “One bottle of wine could save her family several times over 1
Leir face froze
Zarek seemed to have another thought and asked with mock concern “Mr. Hara, do you need an exorcist? I’m worried Natalie’s father night come strangle you in your sleep.
Let nearly choked]
Adeline cycled through every funeral she’d ever attended to keep from la uglung
Her boss was savage enough to criticize itself in the process. And so concerned about the ulder generation’s safety! What a thoughtful man
She wasn’t the only one struggling–several others looked physically pained from suppressing their amusement []
Natalie couldn’t even lift her face now
By this point, Leif finally got the message[]
This kid was playing him like a violin
No wonder Steven had warned him this young man was craftler than a fox, more venomous than a cobra, and impossible to manipulate[]
If he wouldn’t respond to the friendly approach, then Leif would have to get creative []
“Mr. Weasley, you certainly have… quite the sharp tongue,” Leif said with a forced smile, desperately salvaging the situation. “I never said I wouldn’t help Natalie. I’ve offered before, but this girl is proud and doesn’t want charity. But you’ve made me feel quite ashamed. Tomorrow 111 personally arrange for her mother’s medical bills. []
Zarek replied, 1 misjudged you, Mr. Hara. I’m sure you wouldn’t coerce a young woman into this kind of situation, I should punish myself.
He picked up his wine glass again and took a small sip.[]
Leif challenged, That’s your punishment? One sip? Not exactly severe, is it?“]
Zarek countered, “Gulping fine wine would be sacrilege.1
Leif pressed, “It’s just a bottle. Are you making excuses to avoid drinking?”
Zarek grew slightly serious. “It is just a bottle, but thinking that half a glass is worth about $100,000, and a proper toast would be $200,000… I’m genuinely concerned Natalie’s father might haunt us tonight. Aren’t you?
-1
Leif
TH
He rubbed his throbbing temples, abandoning the verbal sparring.
This kid needed his mouth superglued shut!
Adeline decided Zarek must have dominated debate competitions in college
She was starting to feel sorry for Leif. Why provoke someone like Zarek in the first place?
If Leif had deflated, the others were downright terrified of Zarek now.
This young executive was… absolutely ruthless.
He was like someone watching from a height, fully aware of their pathetic games but choosing not to expose them directly, instead toying with them like a cat with mice.]
Only at the end did the mice realize they’d been played all along.
It’s 9:30 already. Getting late, and I need to rest,” Zarek said, rising from the sofa.]
Leif stood up, and everyone else scrambled to their feet.[]
“9:30 and headed to bed, Mr. Weasley?” Leif asked incredulously.
“Early to bed, early to rise,” Zarek smiled pleasantly, then added with false concern, “Mr. Hara, maybe consider some damage
Damage control my ass!]
control.
Leif barely contained his fury. Zarek, I’m practically family, you know. I even held you when you were little. You should show more respect to your elders, or you’ll break our hearts.1 His eyes even glistened with fake emotion]
Adeline thought: Give the man an Oscar!
Zarek replied with a cryptic smile: “How exactly should I show respect, Uncle Leif?”
Everyone looked confused. they’d been on formal terms all evening, why the sudden shift to “Zarek” and “Uncle Leif“?[]
Leaf collected himself. “Since we have this rare opportunity, let’s forget the wine and have a late supper together.“]
Without waiting for Zarek’s response, he directed everyone toward the dining room, exchanging a meaningful glance with one of the men[]
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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.