Chapter 109
The moment Adeline heard Leif suggest a late–night snack, alarm bells started ringing in her head []
Seeing him exchange that secret glance with one of his guests only confirmed her suspicions []
This late–night snack was definitely a setup.]
She moved forward quickly but gracefully
Her heart raced while her exterior remained perfectly composed.[]
She approached Zarek’s side and said, “Sir, your nutritionist specifically prohibited eating anything after 9:30 PM. We should probably skip the late supper. 1
Zarek’s eyes softened with unmistakable appreciation. “Whatever you say.“]
Leir’s
Ts expression darkened “Ms. Paige seems to have quite a lot of authority over you
Adeline offered a polite, corporate smile. “I wouldn’t dream of telling Mr. Weasley what to do. I’m simply following Mrs. Weasley’s instructions to monitor his diet. The nutritionist she hired is incredibly strict–requires daily logs that can’t be faked. I’m just the messenger here.
Leif scoffed. So you’re using his mother to pressure me?]
“Not at all.” Adeline replied evenly.[]
“If Mrs. Weasley approves, there tonight’s supper would be fine, correct?” Leif pulled out his phone, making a show of preparing to call.]
He wasn’t buying her improvised story about nutritionists and maternal orders. It was obviously made up on the spot.
had intended to intimidate her, forcing Zarek to overrule her objection and join the late supper.
22
To his surprise, neither of them flinched.[]
They both seemed perfectly content to let him make the call.[]
Leif continued scrolling through his contacts.
Adeline thought: Go ahead. I dare you
She was betting he wouldn’t
What kind of man with Leif’s reputation would call someone’s mother at nearly 10 PM to ask permission to feed her adult son
Mrs. Weasley would probably charter a jet just to personally deal with him.]
–
a
midnight
mack? Any mother would be livid.
Seal
Www pres
That’s why Adeline had invoked Zarek’s mother rather than his father others might prioritize business relationships, but mothers? They’d destroy anyone who messed with their children.
Leif’s expression grew increasingly uncomfortable.
He cleared his throat. “Come on, it’s just a light snack, not a big deal. Let’s not bother Mrs. Weasley How about this–just join us for a bit. Don’t make your Uncle Leif lose face in front of everyone.
Zarek turned to Adeline with dancing eyes. “What do you think?
Most of the time, his demeanor was cool and distant, his eyes velled behind a layer of frost. Even when he smiled, it rarely reached his eyes, wasting those striking features.]]
Not now. The frost had melted, revealing something almost playful.]
Adeline met his gaze and nearly lost her train of thought.]
She discreetly pluched her palm to regain focus before shaking her head firmly. “Absolutely not! Out of the question!“]
FT
Zarek gave Leif a regretful look. “You heard the boss. If I don’t listen, I’ll be in the doghouse for
days.
His tone, is choice of words, his expression
Even though Adeline knew he was acting, she felt a moment of genuine panic.[]
Tuo fart Way 100 far!
Sir, you’re laying it on thick
W
Wh
www
Keep tallang like that and people will start planning our wedding!]
Leif looked ready to explode with frustratiory
He gritted his teeth, dropping lus polished veneer. “Just come sit with us–no eating required. Surely that’s reasonable. I’ve bent over backward here, Ms. Paige. If you refuse this basic courtesy, I’ll take it personally.“] The conversation had reached a point where Adeline couldny keep speaking for Zarek []
The resort was a joint investment between both companies. Whether to burn bridges wasn’t a secretary’s call []
She looked to Zarck for guidance)
“Unele Leif looks ready to throw a tantrum. Fuse, we’ll join you for a bit,” Zarek said, sounding unreasonably cheerful]
Leif thought. This smug little brat has to have the last word every single time]
Adeline Bodded. “Very well
She stepped back.)
Was it her imagination, or did Zarek seem to be enjoying himself immensely?]
Wasn’t he concerned about Leir’s obvious plotting?]
He didn’t strike her as someone who would be so careless.]
Chapter 109
After all the back–and–forth, they agreed not to eat but would join the gathering
0
In the dining room, people filled both sides of a long table laden with various dishes, including late–night favorites like barbecue and mashed potatoes. The room smelled incredible.[]
Leif took the head of the table.[]
Zarek sat in the first position to his right.[]
Adeline and Claire remained standing at different points in the room.[]
Leif arranged for Natalie to sit next to Zarek.[]
Adeline thought. He’s still working that angle.[]
She couldn’t focus on that now. Instead, she shifted her attention to the person Leif had exchanged glances with earlier []
It wasn’t one of the four VIP’s or Claire, but rather a woman with delicate features and a pretty face that had clearly benefited from extensive cosmetic surgery–classic Instagram Face.]
Instagram Face was now seated next to Natalie.[]
Everyone began eating[]
“Mr. Weasley, surely a little mashed potato won’t hurt. These are simply divine, Instagram Face said, standing to serve him a portion.[]
Her long nails hovered over the bowl for a moment, trembling slightly.[]
Without a suspicious mindset, this might seem innocent–perhaps she’d burned her fingers.[]
Adeline watched carefully.
But combined with Leif’s earlier signal, it took on a sinister meaning. Could there be something under those nails?
Everyone seemed bafiled: How can someone be so stubborn?
Zarek politely thanked her.
But he didn’t touch the mashed potatoes.
No matter how much Leif and the others raved about the dish, insisting it was heavenly and not to be missed, Zarek simply wouldn’t touch it.
4×4
*
it.0
Leif eventually seemed to give up.
Natalie’s repeated attempts to get Zarek’s attention also failed spectacularly.
Gradually, everyone settled down.[]
Adeline felt relief wash over her.[]
Then she noticed Instagram Face getting up from the table.
She headed toward the exit.]
As she passed Adeline, she left behind the unistakable scent of cherry liqueur…
.0
www
*
w
By the time the late supper ended, Instagram Face hadn’t returned.[]
Zarek stood to say goodbye
Leif walked him to the door.
The others trailed behind like a royal entourage
d
Standing at the entrance, Adeline glanced outside and spotted Instagram Face wandering along a small path outside the villa. She appeared to be carrying a water bottle and walking unsteadily Had she abandoned her assigned task and decided to slip away for a drink?]
Adeline looked away []
Zarek and Adeline returned to their villa []
As soon as they entered, Adeline made a beeline for the water
After standing attentively all evening without a single sip, she was parched.]
Im starving Find me something to eat? Zarek called out
Adeline thought…D
What happened to the strict nutrition regimen?)
She set down her nearly–ply glass and checked the refrigerator.[]
Unfortunately, there wasn’t much to work with []
Their dinner had been prepared and delivered, and no one had anticipated that the CEO might want a midnight snack!]
The refrigerator contained only truit
Adeline washed some and brought it out []
Zarek looked at the fruit platter with mild disappointment. “Ms Paige. you’re becoming increasingly negligent in your duties. ]
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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.