The bedroom was shrouded in darkness. The curtains were drawn, allowing only a faint glimmer of light to filter in, outlining the shapes within, including the person on the bed. At this moment, Ava Sterling was asleep, clutching the quilt, in a deep slumber on the large two-meter bed. But suddenly, she turned over, her long legs extending from the quilt, draping over it. She bunched the quilt into a ball, hugging it close. Her long, cascading hair spilled like a waterfall, vaguely revealing her beautiful shoulders and back, the butterfly bones beneath the straps, and her rounded shoulders. After turning over, she remained still, seemingly falling back into sleep. However, only a short while later, she moved slightly, then turned her body to lie flat on her back. Her previously closed eyes now opened. What met her gaze was a dark bedroom, a strange place. Ava, just waking, was groggy as she looked at the unfamiliar surroundings, the dim scene causing her to furrow her brows before she ran a hand through her hair and sat up. Just as she attempted to sit up, her body protested with a wave of soreness, causing her to frown deeply in an instant. It felt as if she had climbed mountains, her waist and legs ached, especially in one particular area, a discomfort difficult to articulate. At this moment, Ava’s foggy mind seemed to split open, and countless images surged forth like a flood. In that instant, Ava froze. Yesterday, she had dinner with Poe Vaughn, then received a call from Lillian Donovan, and they had devised a meticulous plan. Then Lillian fell for it, and she and Poe... No need to think further, as it was all repeated scenes. Ava’s face stiffened, her temples throbbing. She looked around; wasn’t this suite the place of last night’s madness? Raising a hand, Ava covered her face, unable to face anyone. She was acting yesterday, not drugged, yet she went so crazy? Going crazy to the point it wasn’t even her, Ava Sterling, anymore. Lying on the bed, Ava digested yesterday’s "heroic deeds." After a while, she opened her eyes, shook off the body’s heaviness, and propped herself up on the bed. Poe Vaughn was gone; she was alone in the room. But what time was it? Ava looked at the curtains, which seemed thick, blocking out most of the light outside. Could it be very late? Ava stiffened for a moment, then hurriedly tumbled out of bed to pull open the curtains. A vast expanse of light poured in, especially the golden sunlight outside, instantly illuminating her. Ava stood there, petrified. It was very late, extremely late... Her forehead throbbed again; her head ached faintly. Ava stood still, bathed in the sunlight, eyes closed. However, this pause was very brief, exceedingly short. Once she was fully awake, she immediately turned around and went to find clothes to wear. A large bag sat on the bedside table, clearly clothes. That person was always considerate; every time after such an event, she never feared having nothing to wear. Quickly taking out the clothes, she changed rapidly and then went to find her bag. The bag was resting on the sofa. She snatched it up swiftly and headed out while fishing her phone from inside. Glancing at her phone, she hurriedly checked the time, and upon seeing "1:30" displayed, Ava felt like dying on the spot. She slept so heavily! No, it wasn’t that she slept heavily; she barely slept last night, only falling asleep in the morning, right? Once again, the memories of last night surfaced, a night of indulgence that Ava deeply regretted. Regretting to the point of wishing she could turn back time. However, regret was useless now; all she could do was hurry to the company and call Lauren Howell. She wasn’t sure what was happening at the company; her sudden disappearance must have caused trouble. In a mere few seconds, countless thoughts raced through Ava’s mind. Holding her phone, she quickly went to open the door, intending to call Lauren Howell after exiting. But as she opened the door and rushed out, she immediately collided with a firm chest. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by NoveI★Fire.net Ava froze, instinctively looking up, seeing the face that drove her wild last night. But she had no time to think further as the impact had her stepping back, falling backward. Her eyes widened, hands instinctively reaching out, trying to grab something for support, but then a strong arm wrapped around her waist, gently pulling her back into his embrace. A full impact into his arms. In that moment, Ava couldn’t move, only her heart pounded fiercely. Poe Vaughn stood at the doorway, watching the person in his arms. He tightened his hold slightly, noticing her pale complexion and unnerved demeanor. Rarely, his brow furrowed. Ava felt she had been startled, shocked early in the morning by herself, and then deeply frightened by this collision. Leaning in Poe Vaughn’s arms, she couldn’t react for a moment. Poe watched this completely stunned person, seemingly petrified, especially the faint blue under her eyes. She hadn’t slept well. Frowning slightly, he bent down to lift her up. Ava’s body was suddenly airborne, the next moment landing in his strong embrace, instinctively wrapping her arms around him, looking up at him. This was a flawlessly chiseled face, appealing from every angle, impossible to find fault with. Looking at his face, Ava’s heart pounded intensively again. How could someone be so alluring? It was truly unjust, a blatant injustice. Poe carried Ava to the bed, the soft bed spreading beneath her. In an instant, Ava regained her senses, immediately saying, "Don’t put me on the bed. I don’t have time to mess around with you; I need to get to the company!" As she spoke, Ava broke free from Poe’s hold, rolled off the other side of the bed, and quickly ran out. She needed to go to the company; she had work to do, money to make, not rolling in bed with this person! Poe watched as she ran off in a hurry, calling out, "Quentin arranged leave for you." With her hand on the doorknob, she stopped at the doorway. She stood there, stiff and unmoving. Poe stood by the bed, watching the unmoving figure at the door, and walked over. The steady footsteps approached, stopping behind Ava. He took the bag from her hand, the phone too, then took Ava’s hand, seeing the shock on her face. "Take a day off today." At the moment Poe mentioned leave for her, Ava relaxed, instinctively. It was leave, not tardiness, which was a relief. However, she still couldn’t accept it. Not sure if she couldn’t accept the consequences of last night’s madness or Poe Vaughn having arranged leave for her, she stood there, her mind chaotic, unsure how to react. Until Poe spoke again.