Chapter 50 The best starred with sudden movement.[] Before Adelme could straighten up a large hand pressed against the back of her head] Hier lips accidentally brushed against his jawline [] Her pupils dated in shock The texture of his skin, the rich scent of his cologne, the warmth, the freshness-every sensation registered with crystal clary in her brain]] Zarek froze momentary] He released her, leaning his head back, then placed his hand on the back of her head again, gently pushing her away. Their eyes met [] One face plank with shock, the other expressionless.]] After what felt like eternity. Adeline snapped back to reality. She quickly removed his hand, stood up, and hastily smoothed her hair, struggling to control her breathing. It's 5:30 already. You really need to get up now." With that, she practically flew out of the room as if her feet had wheels Zarek: "..." He remained silent for a while, then covered his eyes with the back of his hand [] Adeline rushed back to her own rogm without stopping She went to the bathroom and splashed water on her face. In the mirror , her reflection looked as flushed as if she'd been steamed [] She'd simply been following protocol to wake her boss. How had that turned into her accidentally kissing him?? is... This was ... Completely mortifying!]] At six o'clock, she reluctantly returned to Zarek's suite. Rex was already there.] They both stood in the living room area , waiting for Zarek to emerge.] While waiting, she glanced at Rex, wondering if he'd had similar experiences. He'd worked for Zarek much longer than she had, so surely he must have handled this wake-up duty too. Had he also...? Experienced something like...? ?0 Her brain unwillingly conjured an image of Rex leaning over Zarek, accidentally pressing his lips against his face ...]} Ugh Oh god, no. "Miss Paige, why are you looking at me like that? Rex self-consciously touched his face, unsettled by her alternating expressions of confusion and dismay. [ ] "Nothing, I was just... Adeline pressed her hand against her chest, thinking our job isn't exactly easy. " No job is easy. You just adapt ....You have a good attitude "What choice do I have? It's not like I can snap at the CEO. Adeline pressed her lips together Words failed her [] Everything he said made perfect sense, but still she couldn't help feeling overwhelmed.[] From the direction of the dressing room Zarek had been standing there for a full minute Hed witnessed everything from Adeline's series of expressions while looking at Rex to her comment about their job not being easy He touched tus browsing-a smile of disbelief He walked out! "Surex said, turning around!] Addime ( urned as well] Her eyes met Zareks for a second before darting away to locum on les start buttons, affecting an air of respectful attention!] Zareh headed toward the door. Adela and Hex followed behind him [] The car departed from the hotel toward the Marina de Belem yacht harbor . The user was quiet!! ¢ % >ནང་ Chapter 50 L Adele at ripidly the back seat, teme from neck to toes. She wanted to relax but kept remembering that accidental ks. ]] Hosven help her, could she just get amnesia? " Moss Paige The drop , measured voice came from beside her Adeline responded immediately, as if by reflex. "Yes? Did you need something, sir?" "Get some water "Of course "She took a bottle from the car's mini-fridge, opened it, and handed it to him] Zarek pushed it back toward her. "Here, take small sips, and relax. Don't dwell on workplace mishaps."] Outside, city lights were beginning to shimmer while her face flushed with color.[] Adeline turned forward and took a huge gulp of the mineral water as if it were hard liquor. In the front seat, Rex was completely confused. Mishap? What mishap? When had this happened?] The car arrived at the marina [] The driver stayed with the vehicle while Adeline and Rex followed Zarek onto the yacht [] was a luxurious three-deck vessel, gleaming white [] The first level contained business reception areas, the second was an entertainment deck with a large pool, and the third housed private suites. At the very top was an exclusive area with the best views, furnished with oversized circular sofas. Tiago Amaral personally welcomed them.] He clasped Zarek's arm, his wrinkled face beaming with a smile.] His enthusiasm was almost unsettling. Inside, about a dozen local elites and wealthy figures had gathered.[] Among them was a petite, attractive young woman with honey-toned skin and an infectious smile. [ ] This is my granddaughter, Celia Amaral She's twenty-one, just returned from studying in London-an MSc in Media and Communications. She attended the same university as you, Mr. Weasley, Tiago announced proudly.[] Adeline and Rex remained on deck, but they could see inside through the floor-to-ceiling windows] Witnessing this scene, they exchanged knowing glances... Su this was a matchmaking attempt. Zarek greeted everyone with his usual polished courtesy.[ Cella coudn't take her eyes off him, clearly captivated. Standing barely five-foot-three, she gazed up at the six -foot-three Zarek with barely contained excitement, her heart practically leaping from her chest. "If we'd known Mr. Amaral had these intentions, the CEO would never have come, Rex said with resignation.] "What's he supposed to say-I'm inviting you so I can introduce my granddaughter?" Adeline crossed her arms. Besides, maybe they'll actually hit it off. Could be the beginning of a great romance."] "She's definitely not his type. How would you know?] "I certainly-Rex was saying when his eyes darted toward the dock. His voice suddenly cut off as he exclaimed, "What is she doing here?r " Who?] Adeline followed his gaze. A striking woman with shoulder-length hair was approaching. She was exceptionally slender with a long neck and delicate features, wearing a black satin slip dress and carrying a small black clutch Her cool presence reminded Adeline of a black swan "Clivia Waldorf, general manager of the local branch," Rex explained while hurrying toward her.] So this was Olivia. Adeling had seen her name in the briefing materials but hadn't realized she would be such a stunning woman. ] ] "Ms. Waldorf," Rex intercepted her as she began climbing the steps. " Rex " Olivia acknowledged ham with cool detachment. "It's been a while."[] As she was about to move past him, she noticed Adeline Her expression hardened. " And you are ? Adeline extended her hand confidently. "Hello Ms. Waldorf I'm Adeline Paige, Mr. Weasley's executive secretary . Perhaps it was her imagination, but Olivia's expression seemed to grow even colder, a flash of pain crossing her eyes . "Secretary. How typical "] Adeline Civis didn't shake her hand. Instead brushing past them with an icy aura and heading inside " What's her story? Adeline asked Rex, confused[ ket sighed "She's the daughter of a close friend of the Weasley family. She practically grew up in their household She and the CEO have a... Actune's eyes widened in understanding "Ah, I see " So wunder Zarek had prioritized Portugal The person he'd been thinking about was here) .3 complicated history A love-hate relationstup, you might say Chapter St Chapter 51 The yacht set sail]] Adeline and Rex returned to the deck.] Inside the caban Zarek was the center of attention, gracefully handling the flattery with occasional smiles. He showed no particular reaction to Olivia's presence.]] Tiago Amaral expertly created opportunities for his granddaughter.) Cells was remarkably bold constantly finding ways to engage Zarek in conversation, practically wearing her interest on her sleeve[] Zarek maintained polne cordiality toward her-neither cold nor overly warm.[] Olivia stood beside him, and though she appeared composed, there was something beneath the surface... a forced happiness.[] Poor woman As a fellow woman, Adeline could sense the bitterness behind Olivia's smile She watched the dynamic from a distance, her eyes darting between the three of them like some CIA operative conducting surveillance Suddenly, Zarek glanced in her direction] Adeline froze. Before she could hide, he caught her watching with undisguised interest. The CEO narrowed his eyes, seemingly aware of exactly what she was thinking "Rex, would it be okay if I walk around the front ?" she asked nervously, turning to him] *Sure, go ahead. I'll keep an eye on things here," Rex readily agreed.[] "Great. Call me if anything comes up. With that, Adeline escaped on her heels as if she'd been granted a reprieve She made her way to an open area at the boy where two chairs had been placed and sat down] The waves rolled beneath them, while distant city lights condensed into golden specks against the misty night [] She finally allowed herself to completely relax. Both physically and mentally.[] After enjoying the sea breeze for a while, she retrieved her old phone from a hidden compartment in her bag[] She had turned it off after speaking with Summer and purchased a new phone with a new number for work purposes upon arriving in Portugal] When she powered on the old device, she found over 100 missed calls... Despite having it turned off for so long There were calls from unknown numbers, her parents, Summer, other friends, her former subordinates, and even business acquaintances. She opened WhatsApp. Stummer had sent several messages. The earliest read: Don't answer, don't engage, don't believe anything . It's all Tristan!]] An hour later, Summer had written: Adeline, where are you?] Her parents had messaged: Where have you gone? Please come home!] Even Gloria was asking Where are you?] 0 0 It took her a long time to scroll through all the messages. It seemed like everyone in her life was concerned about her whereabouts... Tristan , you obsessive psychol She exhaled tiredly Exiting WhatsApp, she found countless text and voice messages. They progressed from calm inquiries about her location to increasingly volatile outbursts of anger and emotional breakdowns. The most recent voice message had been sent just five minutes ago.] His vore was low and hoarse, incoherent and choked with emotion] Babe I'm sorry I know rewed up. I'm a monster, I deserve to die , I've failed you..) at home I orgy made one mistake, you cant... you cant give me a death sentence for that... Please give me one more chance. You can punish me however you want, take my life if you need to... Go clear your head if you need to, I'll be waiting She quickly turned off the phone again) As f delaying one more second might allow the pitiful man on the other end to drag her bark into the endless abyss. [ ] Back in New York {] Trilan sal on the lawn in front of their mansion, looking haggard with disheveled hair and stubble darkening his jaw Empty buttles surrounded him, and the house behind him was a He could bring himself to enter, couldn't walk into a home without her [] dark . He had searched for her all day, using every method at has disposal, but she had vanished without a trace... The fear of losing her was like a vine tightening around 17/3 Reket up of the woen with bloodshot eyes Chapter 51 On the sea , Adeline also raised her head It was a full moon right. The moonlight shone like a mirror, so bright it hurt her eyes. Slowly, the mirror's surface seemed to splinter into countless cracks-just like their past that could never be made whole again.] -0 Adeline had lost track of how long she'd been sitting there[] Finally, Kex called, asking her to come to the second deck.[] She got up and headed there [] The second level was purely for entertainment-swimming pool, karaoke room, home theater, card room, Indoor golf... everything imaginable.[] This floor was dedicated solely to leisure.[] Rex told her they were playing Texas Hold'em in the card room[] Adeline smiled knowingly. The wealthy certainly loved their high-stakes games. [ ] They found a place to sit and picked up some desserts.] About an hour later, Zarek called and asked them to come in.] Adeline and Rex, immediately went over.[] The card room was thick with cigar smoke. Wealthy players sat around the oval table-some grinning with triumph, others sulking in defeat. Chips were stacked across the table surface, a stunning dealer distributed cards, and servers continuously offered red wine, champagne, and cigars. Between calls of "check," " raise," and "fold," the scene epitomized decadent luxury.[] Zarek wasn't smoking. A champagne flute stood near his hand, and his fresh appearance seemed to place him in an entirely different dimension from the others.[ ] Ludging by his chip stack, he was winning significantly.[] Olivia, sitting beside him, appeared intoxicated, supporting her head with one hand, looking drowsy.[] Help Ms. Waldorf outside. She's had too much to drink, Zarek instructed evenly.[] Adeline and Rex stepped forward to assist.[] "I'm fine, Olivia pushed their hands away [] They tried several time; but were repeatedly rebuffed.]] "Ms Waldorf.. Rex hesitated to touch her inappropriately. Adeline, thinking her gender made it acceptable, placed an arm around Olivia's waist to help her up [] "Where do you think you're touchung?!"] As if Adeline had crossed some invisible boundary, Olivia violently pushed her away. Fortunately, Rex was there to catch her [] Adenne was startled by the reaction] Lveryone at the table turned to look. Zarek's expression cooled. He stood up, personally helped Olivia from her chair, and said simply, "Take over for me ...Of course ."[] Adeline maintained a composed facade [] In truth, she wasnt even sure who he was addressing[] Eu since Rex didn't respond, she did || Zard mounted Girls out of the card room Les gave Adelim a warris glance thing she had never handled a situation like this before and should let him take over.[] Kelare he could speak. 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