Chapter 112 She stumbled forward.[] About to crash into his chest, she grabbed the doorframe with lightning reflexes, pulling herself back with all her strength.[] "Good morning" Adeline said breathlessly, steadying herself while brushing stray hair from her face, offering a smile that balanced awkwardness with professionalism. Zarek...." He stared at her for a moment. "Why are you lurking outside my door this early?] His tone was completely natural.[ ] As if she had been the one who'd nearly lost control twice last night.[] Now, he stood impeccably dressed in a tablored dark brown sul, looking every bit the sophisticated executive, without a trace of last night's behavior Adeline towardly rolled her eyes [] So he was clear-headed now and conveniently able to act like she was the weird one.[] I came to wake you up. We're leaving this afternoon, so we should start packing She improvised an excuse ] ] Zarek was silent for a few seconds "Let's have breakfast first "[] Breakfast! The absolute last thing she wanted was to share breakfast with him!] Adeline couldn't imagine anything more awkward [] You go ahead. I need to pack first." She stepped back. Zarek walked out of the room, took a few steps forward then turned back, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Ms. Paige, you're choosing to go in there now. Don't say I didn't warn you. Without further explanation, he turned and left[] Adeline stood there bewildered.[] Warn her? Had he hidden & woman in there? Or a man?] This confusion lasted until she entered the bathroom and caught the lingering scent still hanging in the air. Then she understood.] She immediately regretted her choice [] She knew far too much!) Adeline packed has luggage, then deliberately went back to pack her own killing as much time as possible before heading downstairs, assuming he must have finished breakfast by now. Downstairs. [] As soon as she descended , she saw hum sitting on the living room sofa [] you completely renovate the entire upstairs? Zarel looked up coolly. "Let's go have breakfast. Adelu s bram short -circusted_ Why had her walled for her?! Sie alssalutely didn't want Husf ] "Than just stand flere Zafak stood up and , spring she was follow you to spain!] Alleines Ich utterly Trapped !] We per checks as the waibed Trying for hersel It was like steerd just expected ungs flughuddarther things this woun but whevet sat down with see tun loking voyaged in the sightley Hagles to beat hall open back rubs exuding desired worst of all, ber brain supplistan wanted mental pacture of him alame my the lasthruam taking at it lug Kad clued her eyes, gling for penal sudro)[] Shaqut conjures that was an adult devices. She distal ward by are going there, but it had a mund of ɔ war] "warn you" Zate speed[] A comced her hat How can yule akng cash) Zaring at Im with You seen tuled to Ir you "I Ancite pised that Avature, bet expémon tech. Two cay rattet She then pretended to eat breakfast casually She cut at her plate, bit at nothing, thinking about global conflicts, humanitarian crises... anything to change the mental channel] She desperately tried to turn the page on the current situation. But Zarek nipped it right back when he calmly said, "I apologize for kissing you without your consent 1] Adeline choked on air, coughing violently [] Why was he bringing this up now? Zarek poured her a glass of water and handed it over.[] Adeline drank half the glass before recovering. "Let's just... pretend that never happened. [] 1 need to take responsibility for my actions.] Adeline frantically waved her hands. "No need, no need, absolutely no need.] She repeated "no need three times, looking as if she'd seen a ghost.[] Zarek's eyes darkened momentarily. After a long pause, he laughed softly. Tor someone who claims not to be easily rattled, you look pretty shaken. Adeline sat clutching her glass, saying nothing The atmosphere grew noticeably tense.[] She looked down at her crystal glass. So clear and beautiful, yet so fragile and deceptive...[] Zhrek stood up and left.[] Adeline set down the glass and slowly exhaled.]] Perhaps it was the mountain air, or maybe his drug-induced kiss had given him a momentary confusion about her. Things would return to normal once they got back. Yes, exactly, once they returned to New York he'd be his usual self again. -0 When she went outside, Ryan was already there.] He was reporting to Zarek: "Mr. Hara left before dawn, claiming food poisoning and gastroenteritis. His entire group left with him. Zarek nodded without further comment[] Adeline thought: So the old fox knew to run. Seems Natalie delivered the message. With Leif Hara's hasty departure, the inspection ceremony that both executives were supposed to attend now had only Zarek representing.] From 10 AM to 4 PM, Zarek attended the inspection ceremony and luncheon, then toured the resort with the management team. Adeline remained by his side throughout. ] By the time they finished and prepared to return, it was already .] On the way to the resort, Zarek had her sit in the back with him. At the time, Adeline hadn't thought much But on the return trip, she absolutely refused to sit in the back with him. Adeline opened the car door, and Zarek got in first, sliding over to make room His intention was obvious. *Slam!" Adeline closed the back door and opened the front passenger door instead. Zarek 1 Driver Huh? Why is Ms. Paige sitting up front Did they have a fight? "We can go now," Adeline said to the driver after fastering her seatbelt The driver silently started the car The entire journey was uncomfortably quiet. The silence felt like the calm before a storm-the air pressure so low it was suffocating[] Adeline didnt daze off this time, anting properly the whole way The driver, Feeling the tension, considered opening a window for fresh air. As the car left the mountains, darkness began to fall and the distant city lights came into view [] of it-the mountain roads were winding, and the back seat was safer. Zarth received a phone call After hanging up, he told the driver , "Change of plans. We're not going to the airport yet He gave the driver an address for a private club [] Adeline turned her head slightly from the front seat.] She had overheard the call, and from the conversation, it seemed to be a close friend. But if they went there, would they still be able to return to New York tonight? Ms Paige , if you want to return to New York first, you can go ahead" 1 A der, emotionless voice came from behind her Th Chapter 112