Chapter 86: Catching Adultery
Tonight, James had prepared a surprise gift for her called "the love of one's life."
She would also give herself to him as a gift.
To make his wish come true.
As for Mia, if she was lucky enough to see her social media post and come over, she could just watch.
The whole way there, Amelia had a smile on her face.
The surprise she'd wanted to give on the first night of this business trip could finally be delivered.
...
James had chosen to celebrate her birthday at a restaurant across from the hotel.
In the evening, when she received the text message, she knew the restaurant had been reserved.
And carefully decorated too.
Thinking of this, Amelia's smile grew even brighter.
When she reached the restaurant entrance, she took off her shawl, revealing her perfectly contoured back and the subtle curves beneath.
This figure that drove men wild—no man could resist falling for her in this red dress, let alone James, who loved her deeply.
The waiter helped Amelia open the restaurant door. Seeing the decorations inside, her eyes sparkled with even more delight.
He had really put thought into this.
The lighting was just right, creating an incredibly romantic atmosphere throughout the restaurant.
The flowers were her favorites, the wine was her favorite, even the scent in the air was her favorite fragrance.
Every detail showed how well he knew her.
This thoughtfulness.
It could make up for James keeping things strictly professional with her at the office.
Amelia walked in gracefully on her high heels.
The waiter led her toward the long table inside. From a distance, she saw James sitting in his seat.
Still wearing the same suit from earlier in the day, not dressed up.
But she didn't mind.
Ever since she'd fallen for him, this already handsome man looked charming to her no matter what.
Amelia gazed at him tenderly and called out softly, "James..."
Just as she finished speaking, the lights suddenly went out.
Before she could feel excited.
Suddenly, a dozen people rushed out from around the corner.
"Ms. Martinez, happy birthday."
Leading them was one of her subordinates, pushing a double-layer birthday cake.
The others followed behind, singing birthday wishes together.
Amelia was completely speechless.
Her smile froze on her face.
In that moment, her expression was priceless.
Amelia never expected it would be the entire temporary team celebrating her birthday together.
Who wanted them to celebrate her birthday? Not one of them had any sense.
"Ms. Martinez, time to blow out the candles."
The candlelight was too dim, which at least saved Amelia's composure.
She lowered her head, hiding the anger and disgust on her face.
She cooperatively blew out the candles.
When the lights came back on, she lifted her head, her face already restored to a perfect smile. Looking at everyone, she said gratefully, "Thank you all so much, what a surprise."
"It's nothing, it's company tradition—whenever an employee has a birthday, the department celebrates together."
She didn't bother listening to the rest of Aaron's words, her gaze falling on James.
So, these people had disrupted his plans, which was why he was sitting there looking displeased?
...
Now that Amelia, the guest of honor, had arrived, the kitchen began preparing dinner, which was soon served.
It was her birthday today, so she accepted all comers.
She drank with each colleague one by one.
James was only here to make an appearance; his mind wasn't on this.
Watching his lively subordinates, he walked aside to call Mia.
At noon when he'd returned to his hotel suite, he'd found a missed call from Mia. When he called back, her phone was off.
He called the housekeeper, who said Mia was taking a nap.
He picked up his phone—Mia hadn't sent him any messages all afternoon.
He sent Mia a WhatsApp message: [Mia, what are you doing?]
The work here only had tomorrow morning left to wrap up, and he could fly back to Imperial City early in the afternoon.
Nearly a week without seeing her, his heart yearned to return.
Thinking of how clingy Mia had been before he left, he couldn't help wanting to get back sooner.
In the past, his eagerness to return home was because he missed Mia's body.
But now?
"James, have a drink?"
Amelia was clearly a bit drunk. Her already beautiful features, enhanced by the alcohol, made her eyes seem to carry invisible hooks.
James avoided her gaze, picked up his wine glass, and lightly clinked it against hers, taking a small sip.
Before she could speak again, he put down his glass and walked away.
Aaron had reserved the entire restaurant. James found a quiet spot, preparing to call Mia.
She hadn't replied to that WhatsApp message yet.
Just as he was about to make the call, a familiar fragrance mixed with alcohol hit his nose.
She leaned in from behind. James immediately stepped back, but there were plants behind him—nowhere left to retreat.
Amelia didn't move closer, keeping half a step's distance. She tilted her head slightly, gazing at him tenderly, her voice soft and her breath sweet: "James, I think I'm starting to like you."
One sentence, spoken so gracefully and beautifully.
Her voice was soft, almost like a murmur.
Tinged with intoxication.
In their relationship, she had always maintained perfect boundaries.
Her hooked gaze remained fixed on James's face. In the dim, ambiguous lighting, the atmosphere was just right.
She waited for James's response.
Between them, she'd always felt she held the upper hand.
So even crossing from friends to lovers, she would only hint at it while tipsy, waiting for James, the smart man he was, to pick up on the signal and make it clear himself.
"What did you say?"
James's expression clearly changed. He somewhat doubted his own ears.
Where he stood was right in the shadows.
The look on his face made it hard for Amelia to read clearly.
"James..."
Seeing his obvious emotional reaction, Amelia's eyes grew even more flirtatious, but she didn't continue.
Some hints are best left unsaid.
James suppressed the surging emotions in his heart. As Amelia approached in her drunken haze, he said firmly, "Amelia, you're drunk."
He knew very clearly that Amelia couldn't possibly have feelings for him.
"I am a bit drunk..."
Amelia's steps were unsteady, and she wanted to get closer.
James had already blocked her with his wine glass. The moment she stepped back, he moved sideways past her.
From start to finish, he never touched her.
James walked back to the dining table with an inscrutable expression, set down his red wine, and said flatly, "I'm heading back to the hotel. You all continue."
"Alright, Mr. Smith."
Aaron and the others respectfully acknowledged, all standing to see James off.
At his gesture, they sat back down.
Only after James strode away did everyone exchange confused glances.
Especially Aaron.
He'd arranged such an elaborate celebration today entirely because of the relationship between Amelia and James.
Otherwise, how could a manager-level employee possibly warrant this scale?
"I'm too happy and drank a bit too much. I'm going back to the hotel to rest. Sorry for being a buzzkill. When we get back to Imperial City, drinks are on me."
Just as everyone was puzzled, Amelia returned to the table. With these words, everyone immediately understood what was going on.
They all said it was fine, and no one offered to escort Amelia.
It was obvious—on such a special day, the final part was meant to be spent alone with the one you love.
...
At the Emerald Oasis Hotel, in the lounge area facing the revolving doors, Mia sat quietly on the sofa, her gaze fixed on the entrance. Who knows how long she'd been waiting.
Seeing James's figure appear, she was just about to stand when she saw Amelia following behind him.
Her forward step suddenly stopped.
She watched Amelia catch up and, after James entered the elevator, follow him in.