CHAPTER 177: CHAPTER 177: LOVE AROUND THE CORNER

Austin White slowly shook his head, then stepped aside, revealing a clay sculpture almost as tall as him, shining brightly in front of Irene Rowe.

He explained softly, "If I had dodged, it wouldn’t just be your nose in pain, Irene."

"Alright, alright, you do have some conscience, kid." Irene suddenly blushed with embarrassment. She had thought Austin wanted to take advantage of her, but now this scene clearly showed she had overthought things.

At that moment, she felt as if the air around them was frozen in awkwardness. Although she was usually the queen of nightclubs, in a typical scenario, she shouldn’t be the one feeling awkward.

"Look at your nose, it’s all red. Are you okay?" Austin’s clear eyes swept past Irene’s conspicuously red nose tip, feeling a pang of sympathy.

Looking at Irene Rowe, whose eyes were wet and nose was reddened due to pain, he distinctly felt his heart skip a beat. Subconsciously swallowing, he then took out a bottle of green balm from his pocket.

It was the first time Irene was observing Austin so closely. She realized that this newly-turned adult boy was actually a head taller than her, and his broad shoulders seemed so secure.

Remembering the feeling of her face buried against his chest earlier, such a firm chest, his physique must be quite impressive.

Lost in thought, she sensed a cool touch on her nose tip. The icy balm alleviated her burning pain, but also made her already tear-filled eyes even more moist.

So cute.

Gazing at those watery almond eyes, Austin felt his whole heart seemingly come to a halt. Looking further down, beneath the gracefully arched nose lay those slightly parted red lips, adorned with beautiful mulberry-colored lip gloss. The soft lips looked like translucent jelly.

How tempting it was to taste them.

He was thinking this as he instinctively leaned in close to that exquisite face, with his cool lips about to brush that softness, yet the scent of peppermint oil startled him awake.

What was he doing? Austin’s handsome face flushed deeply, quickly retreating two steps while stammering, "I, I, I, I, I just..."

Having never faced such a situation, Irene was equally nervous to death. Realizing the tension, she quickly waved her hand: "It’s f-fine."

"I have something to deal with, I’ll leave, leave first." Austin coughed awkwardly and, without waiting for Irene’s response, swiftly turned his long legs to flee the scene.

Watching his retreating back, Irene suddenly broke into laughter.

He was going to kiss her just then, wasn’t he?

Thinking of this, Irene’s smile grew wider, and a hint of sweetness arose in her heart.

Actually, Austin is really a nice guy. If possible, being with him wouldn’t be bad at all.

But...

The age gap between them is just too significant, creating an insurmountable divide.

Seraphina Sinclair, hiding in the shadows, saw Irene’s expression change from delight to dismay, and couldn’t help but begin worrying about Austin’s pursuit in romance.

Although Irene is a strong woman at work and decisive in her actions, she is not as open about emotions as she appears. The age gap between her and Austin is a hurdle in her heart that will take considerable time to overcome.

Seraphina originally intended to find Austin to ask about the situation but seeing the current state, there was no need for further inquiry. If they were in the mood for romance, things must be under control.

Sure enough, a phone call to Austin confirmed a satisfactory answer.

"Godmother, the files have been completely deleted from the opponent’s computer, and all backups are destroyed as well. I still have the original files saved here." Austin calmly stated.

"But the opponent might have reviewed the files before they were erased, so we can’t let our guard down," Seraphina nodded. "You’ve been tired these days, head home and rest."

The destruction of the files did relieve her a bit, but the issue hasn’t been entirely settled. Kevin’s mole hasn’t been caught yet, so she certainly wouldn’t let it slide.

The next day.

Seraphina asked Irene to prepare for the new product launch.

Irene was surprised, "But our product design is only in its infancy. Isn’t it too early to hold a launch now?"

"The materials were lost before. Even though the files have been destroyed, if the opponent gets their product on the shelf before us, months of effort will be wasted." Seraphina sighed, not wanting to resort to this yet having no better option.

"Is this the only solution?" Irene clenched her fist.

Seraphina gave her a helpless smile, "Can you find a better way now? We can only rush to market the product first so that all their efforts with the documents go in vain."

"Then this is all we can do." Irene hesitated for a few seconds, but had to compromise, "I’ll start preparing for the launch now."

Everyone involved in the new product development was already aware that the launch would be happening soon, and they were all anxious.

The product is in its infancy, and not yet perfected. To ensure its flawless presentation to the media, everyone was working tirelessly, staying up late to enhance the product before the launch.

Every designer was overwhelmed, including Seraphina herself who hadn’t slept in several days.

Every night upon returning home, Jude Sinclair couldn’t help but feel for the tired Seraphina. He sensibly didn’t disturb her, ate and slept quietly, not requiring anyone’s care.

Seraphina was very grateful for having such a considerate son. Jude seemed like a gift from heaven.

Another busy night, and Seraphina managed to drag her exhausted body back home at four in the morning. Just as she entered the door, she was pulled into a warm embrace before she could even take off her shoes.

A familiar man’s breathing met her ears, and she leaned against his shoulder in comfort, inhaling his pleasant shampoo scent, giving a gentle smile: "Why are you still up so late?"

"Waiting for you." Desmond Fairchild held the soft body tightly in his arms, smelling her subtle bookish scent, feeling very tender-hearted.

He opened his mouth, and then continued, "Actually, you don’t have to work so hard; if there’s anything difficult, you can just tell me, and I’ll solve it."

Before the words were finished, cool fingers pressed against his lips, Seraphina signaled him not to say more: "I know you mean well and want to help me, but Desmond, I don’t want to be a trophy relying completely on you."

"Have you ever relied on me?" Desmond’s expression turned displeased as he furrowed his brows, "Clearly, you’ve involved Austin for help this time."

Why does he sound so jealous?

Seraphina looked up at Desmond’s face, wondering how such a cold man could show a little pout, making her burst into laughter: "What’s wrong? Why are you even worried about Austin?"