Chapter 34 Chapter 34 Gloria was already waiting for her at the practice range[] She was wearing a canary yellow tennis dress, her loose curls framing her face perfectly-youthful, vibrant, and utterly captivating[] She gave Adeline a critical once-over and sighed dramatically Honey, why don't you just throw on a turtleneck and some slacks while you're at it?"] Adeline smiled lightly. "I'm here for a job interview 1] She didn't see anything wrong with her outfit-a powder blue golf ensemble with her hair pulled back in a neat ponytail and natural makeup. It was fresh, professional, and perfectly appropriate.[] "Darling, men are visual creatures," Gloria insisted with a knowing smirk.[] Zarek just wanted a pretty face as his secretary, the position wouldn't still be vacant." Adeline countered.[] "Being beautiful doesn't mean you can't be brilliant too." Gloria playfully poked her shoulder. "Lucky for you, I brought an extra outfit. We're about the same size-just take it." Without taking no for an answer, she dragged Adeline to the changing room.[] Since she needed Gloria's introduction, Adeline reluctantly went along with it.[] When she emerged, she'd transformed into a sexy wildcat. ]] The white, sleeveless, form-fitting top and black pleated mini-skirt accentuated every curve-her chest, waist, and lups. Her long, toned legs seemed designed to make men lose their minds on sight.] "Oh. My. God. Gloria covered her mouth dramatically. "Adeline, you've been hiding all that under those corporate suits? Tristan's an absolute idiot. What does that Grantham princess possibly have that you don't?"] Adeline automatically tuned out the last two comments.[] She anxiously examined herself in the mirror. Dressed like this... wouldn't Zarek think she was trying to seduce him?] "Gloria, think- 1 "Shh Gloria held up a finger as she pulled out her phone. "Hello, Charlie? You and Mr. Weasley are already there? We'll be right over After that, Adeline couldn't very well ask to change back.[] They headed out to meet Charlie On the way. Adeline probed: "Gloria, have you ever actually met Zarek "Once, ages ago. When I was six, my parents took me to the Weasley estate for Anyway, he left for boarding school overseas when he was barely ten, so he's I see...1 344 Year's. Zarek was just a little boy then-pale skin, chubby cheeks, absolutely adorable. been seen in New York. After my family lost our fortune, we stopped getting invited. Pale, chubby-cheeked, adorable... Adeline pictured something like a steamed bun with legs The golf cart rounded a bend.[] Suddenly, a vast expanse of manicured green stretched before them.[] 1 In the distance were forests and lakes. Nearby stood two men in golf attire, deep in conversation] Adeline focused on one of them and felt her pupils dilate in shock. The man in navy and tan was Charlie Stark Beside him, standing half a head taller, was a man in pristine white golf attire. His impressive height, broad shoulders, and narrow waist created an elegant silhouette that radiated aristocratic grace . When he turned his profile to the light, is sculpted features looked almost airbrushed in their perfection...[] Her vition momentarily darkened!] She recognized Charlie, which meant the man with him had to be That's Zarck Weasley!" Gloria whispered excitedly. "Holy shit, he looks nothing like he did as a child. How did he get so tall and gorgeous? I'm about to embarrass myself by drooling] Im screwed," Adeline muntered! " You too? Don't tell me you've fallen in love at first sight Adeline's expression looked pained The cart stopped.] The two men noticed their arrival. ]] Charlie smiled and waved, his eyes lingering appreciatively on Adeline Zarkare registered brief surprise before las expresion couled, gying in an unapproachable aura!] Gloria led Adeline over to them .] Despite her dimaruahing hopes Adeline decided to make the last of the situation] "Charlie, Pr Weasley Gloria preated warmly, then rushest to introduer Adeline. "This is soy dear friend Adeline Folge She came specifically to meet you today, Mr Weasley. Adeline was anxious rakle but maintained a perfect sale on the outside [] Carlle Teased "Well, well I was wondering why the stunning Ms. Paige suddenly developed an interest in golf, and why she dressed to kill today Setting your sights on the big fish , Im Adeuse ignored tus good-natured ribbing greeted him politely, then turned to Zarck with formal respect. "Mr Weasley, it's nice to meet you for the first time As soon as the wards left her mouth, she realized her mastake!] A Chapter 34 Her eyes flickered nervously damn her professional autopilot!] Tor the first time? Zarek's gaze settled lightly on her face, a hint of mischief in his eyes.] Adeline maintained her respectful, composed expression while internally panicking. She decided to pretend she hadn't caught his implied question. Tm truly delighted to meet you." She looked at him with a slightly nervous, slightly pleading expression] Can you please play along? Zarek seemed to understand her silent plea and gave a subtle smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Ms. Paige certainly looks... delighted" His rich voice carried a trailing note of amusement, each word sounding almost indulgent yet laced with subtle teasing His smile startled both Charlie and Gloria Walt, he's charmed already?] Gloria shat Adeline a look that said: See? I told you changing outfits was the right move. Use your weapons wisely!] Adeline internally sighed.] That wasn't a compliment-it was clearly gentle mockery They began playing golf] Zarek was an excellent player, and Charlie wasn't bad either. Adeline and Gloria took a few swings too, but mostly they were there for atmosphere.[] After playing a round, they moved to a shaded area to rest.[] Gloria deliberately dragged Charlie off to the pro shop to look at new clubs, creating an opportunity for Adeline to be alone with Zarek.[] Zarek sat down] Eager to make a good impression, Adeline quickly opened a water bottle and offered it to him.[] Zarek stared at her hand for a few seconds, his expression unreadable but somehow warm, before accepting it without comment.[] But he didn't drink it, just set it on the table.] Adeline's heart sank No chance, then?] "Ms. Paige, who's meeting me for the first time-all this elaborate setup just to get to know me ... you're not just trying to find out my measurements, are you?" Zarek casually wiped his forehead with a towelette, his movements elegant, his question deceptively casual but with a hint of playfulness.[] -...-1 His sentence contained two perfectly aimed barbs. ] Adeline pressed her lips together, considering her response. "Saying first time was a slip of the tongue. As for asking Liam about your measurements... that was because I accidentally ruined your jacket and wanted to buy a replacement."] "And I wanted to meet you sir because I heard you're looking for a secretary She automatically switched from "you" to the more formal address when mentioning the job, revealing her true purpose.] Zarek put down the towelette and said bluntly, though his eyes remained curiously warm, "You're not suitable With that, he stood and walked toward the forest behind them.[] Rejected without even being asked a single question-Adeline's competitive spirit flared. She got up and followed him As they walked one after the other toward the woods, Tristan's golf cart passed by on a nearby fairway with clients and Evelyn aboard.] Tristan's eyes fixed on that sensuous, slender figure walking away , and his brow furrowed in suspicion.[] Deine Flock Move On Your Intl Conduals