CHAPTER 54: CHAPTER 54: YOU SHOULD REST AND RECUPERATE

After Bianca White left, they sat down to have lunch.

Sophia Lowell took off her coat, wearing a black turtleneck cashmere dress paired with ankle boots.

She looked demure, yet alluring.

"Are you free tonight?" Zane Sterling initiated the conversation.

"Mm-hmm, I’m free."

"There’s something I’d like to ask you for help with."

"Go ahead." Sophia was puzzled; what could possibly be beyond the reach of a mighty CEO?

"I’d like you to help me deal with some unwanted admirers."

"!!" Sophia almost choked.

He was like a recluse, squatting in the office all day.

Can these unwanted admirers teleport, or walk through walls?

So many?

"A relative’s daughter’s company is having its grand opening. She invited me to attend in the evening; she’s liked me for a long time and used to stick to me. Her mother intends to match us together."

Zane observed her expression closely.

"Then just refuse directly." Sophia advised.

"How should I refuse?" He figured he would probably just walk away or not bother speaking.

"Just..."

She pondered.

If his identity were uncovered, it would be awkward at the company later.

Others might think any promotion was due to connections.

Without a proper reason for refusal, the girl might keep pushing.

"So, what should I do?" Sophia asked.

Since Zane brought it up, he surely had a good strategy, "Accompany me tonight."

"Okay." Without hesitation, Sophia agreed.

She hardly felt like she could help or had anything impressive to offer in front of him.

Zane was somewhat surprised, expecting her to refuse such a public occasion, "Try on your dress later."

Sophia paused, hearing about the dress fitting made her careful about eating, fearing it might not fit.

She didn’t enjoy attending banquets.

Most of such events pursued certain objectives.

Either seeking resources or forming connections.

Neither seemed relevant to her.

She’d attended two of these banquets before.

Both with Henry Quinn.

His circle was all wealthy offspring and elite socialites.

Someone of Sophia’s status barely felt welcomed.

Trying to speak up or cause any stir might invite ridicule.

She wondered if it would be the same with Zane tonight...

He had even prepared dresses.

In his small suite.

Not just one but several.

"Try them all on, wear whichever fits." Zane closed the door and sat there, watching her.

She blushed.

The suite wasn’t very large, it had its own bathroom, yet she felt something might happen in such a confined space.

With trepidation, she began trying on the dresses.

She tried several; each looked stunning.

She examined the label in the bathroom, each was custom-made, fitting her perfectly.

Each piece cost tens of thousands.

Zane couldn’t look away, wanting to gaze longer but didn’t dare.

Clenching his fists, he leaned his forehead, trying to calm his racing thoughts.

Sophia emerged from the bathroom; the last dress was a low-waist strapless gown.

"Zane."

"Mm."

"My hair’s caught."

Sophia tilted her head, the zipper caught her strands, tugging painfully.

She noted Zane’s subtle expression, "What’s wrong?"

"Nothing." He spoke deeply, approaching her; Sophia faced away.

He leaned down, his nose brushing her flowing hair, catching a faint scent.

He swallowed, stretching out veined hands to carefully grab the zipper.

Their body heat collided, sparking electricity.

Sophia bit her lip.

Her back tingled, ears flushed pink.

"It hurts..."

"Sorry..."

Zane’s voice had a trace of raspiness.

He gently lifted the dress, avoiding tugging her, "Sit down."

Sophia obediently sat on the bed.

He adjusted his glasses, gathered her hair to the front, carefully unfastening the snag.

It didn’t take long.

The zipper was freed, her hair hung forward.

Her back felt cold, exposed shoulder blades visible.

Zane’s lips pursed slightly, opening just a little.

"Sophia."

"Mm."

Sophia, just about to rise, heard Zane’s husky voice behind him.

"I’ll get you the afternoon off." he said.

"Why?" She turned slightly, unable to see him.

Without a word, a searing kiss landed on her shoulder, pulling her into his warm embrace from behind.

"..."

She panicked.

His breathing was clear by her ear.

"I want..." His kisses trailed from her fragrant shoulder, reaching her earlobe.

——

Exquisite dresses lay scattered aside.

She lay on the bed, face flushed, not daring to move.

Her unnamed and index fingers’ nail covers were gone.

Zane slowly moved away from her collarbone, eyes visible even through glasses.

He took off his glasses, placing them on the bedside.

Sophia swallowed, her cheeks vividly red.

She felt he was going wild.

"Snap."

The sound of a belt.

"Zip...zip..."

The sound of the zipper sliding down.

Everything was coming to a head, just a step away.

Sophia’s face burned hot.

Buzz —

The phone ringing on the bedside interrupted the moment.

Zane swallowed, brows furrowed, face showing displeasure.

They both slowly opened their eyes.

He picked up the phone, stood up; it was Ethan Sinclair.

Looking at the time, it was almost 2 p.m.

[You better have something important.]

His voice husky, he didn’t forget to gently kiss her.

"..." Sophia covered her face, avoiding him.

[Mr. Sterling, we’ve found it, does this count as important?]

Ethan’s humble voice was audible over the phone.

...

[Fine.]

Hanging up, he set the phone down on the nightstand.

He parted her damp hair, tucking it behind her ear.

Briefly he kissed her cherry lips.

"Sweetheart, I have things to handle, tonight..."

’I want’, that voice luring her, leaving no room for negotiation.

"..." Sophia’s heart raced.

She could barely remember how the past half-hour passed.

She’d long been prepared, just too shy to take the initiative.

Last time she did, it resulted in a lifetime of introversion.

This time he spoke up, so be it...

After all, it would happen sooner or later.

Both rose simultaneously, tidied the messy clothes.

"I’ve got your leave approved, aren’t you going to rest?" Zane observed her flustered state.

She looked like she was fleeing.

"I’d rather go to work." She said, face red.

"I think you should conserve your energy."

"..."

Sophia entered the bathroom, closed the door, leaving his words outside.

Crazy...

She patted her flushed face, neck marks barely visible.

Luckily she wore a turtleneck today; it should be hidden.

When she left, Zane had tidied up, heading out.

She breathed a sigh of relief.

Dressing up carefully, she tidied meticulously.

Psyche herself for what was coming.

Tonight, he wanted more...