Chapter 29

Chapter 29 A soft sound came from the bed. Before I could stand, a large hand clamped down on the back of my head. My lips pressed against his jawline... My pupils dilated. The smooth texture of his skin, the strong scent of his cologne–warm, fragrant, exquisite–

registered in my brain with pinpoint accuracy.

Menu Evan stiffened, releasing his grip; his head tilted back; his hand returned to the back of my head, gently pushing my head back.

Our eyes met. One was dazed; one was impassive.

After a long moment, I came to my senses, quickly removing his hand, quickly smoothing my hair, trying to regulate my breathing. “It’s 5:30; you really should get up.” I quickly left.

Evan:... He was silent for a moment, covering his eyes with his hand.

I rushed back to my room, washing my face. My reflection was crimson. I’d simply followed procedure; why had it ended with me kissing him?! It was... bizarre!

At 6:00 AM, I returned to his room, steeling myself. Zach was already there. We waited in the living room. Watching Zach, I wondered–he’d been with Evan for so long; he must have done this before. Had he? Or...? Had he experienced....?... My mind uncontrollably conjured images of Zach pressed against Evan, forced to kiss him... Ugh...

“Ms. Frost, why are you looking at me like that?” Zach touched his face, unnerved by my shifting expressions.

“Nothing. I just...” I pressed my hand to my chest.“Think our jobs are challenging.”

“No job is easy; you’ll get used to it.”

...You have a good attitude.”

“What else can I do? I can’t yell at the CEO.”

I pursed my lips. He was right; but... well... forgive my lack of enlightenment.

Evan had been standing in the dressing room for a minute. He’d seen my array of expressions as I looked at Zach, heard me say, “Our jobs are challenging.” He lowered his head, rubbing his temples, then laughed—a sigh of exasperation. He walked out.

“Sir.” Zach turned; I followed suit. Our eyes met; mine immediately flickered away, settling on his shirt buttons, appearing respectful.

He walked toward the door. Zach and I followed. The car left the hotel, heading towards the ONE 15 Marina Club. The car was silent. I sat rigidly, tense from neck to toe. I wanted to relax but kept thinking about that kiss. Oh, heavens, can I just get amnesia?

“Ms. Frost, his low voice said.

Instantly, I responded reflexively.“Yes, Sir? Do you need anything?”

“A bottle of water.”

“Right away.” I took a bottle from the car’s refrigerator, opened it, and offered it to him.

He pushed it back to me.“Here, take small sips. Relax; don’t dwell on your mistakes.” City lights streamed past the window, my cheeks flushed crimson. I sat up straight, gulping down a large mouthful like it was a shot of liquor.

Zach was confused in the front seat. Mistakes? Ms. Frost made a mistake? When? How did he not know?

We reached the marina. The driver stayed in the car; Zach and I followed Evan onto the yacht. It was a luxurious three–decker, all white. The first floor was a business and meeting area; the second floor, an entertainment area, with < Chapter 29 a large pool; the third floor, guest rooms; the top deck had a private area with a large circular sofa.

Menu Huang Kaihao greeted us enthusiastically, making my skin crawl. Ten or so other wealthy guests were inside. A petite, adorable girl was among them.

“This is my granddaughter, Olivia Huang. She’s twenty–one, just back from studying art in the US; she graduated from the same university as Mr. Jones.” Huang Kaihao introduced her proudly.

Zach and I waited on the deck, watching through the glass doors. Exchanging glances... there was a blind date element.

Evan greeted them politely. Olivia Huang couldn’t take her eyes off him, completely captivated; seeing his tall, imposing figure, she was thrilled.

“If Mr. Huang had mentioned this, the CEO wouldn’t have come,” Zach said helplessly.

N “Mr. Huang didn’t say anything about a blind date,” I said. “If they like each other, it might lead to a happy union.”

“She’s not the CEO’s type.”

“How do you know?”

“I know...” Zach glanced toward the marina, his voice abruptly stopping. He exclaimed, “She’s here!”

“Who?” I couldn’t hear him clearly, following his gaze. A woman with shoulder–length hair was approaching–slim, with a long neck, a small face; she was wearing a black silk slip dress and a small black handbag; cool and elegant, like a black swan.

“Maria, the general manager of the Singapore branch,” Zach said, hurrying towards her. She was beautiful. I’d seen her name in the files; I hadn’t expected her to be so stunning.

“Ms. An,” Zach stopped her.

“Zach,” Maria gave him a cold glance.“Long time no see.” As she turned to pass him, she saw me; her eyes -narrowed. “And this is?”

I extended my hand confidently.“Ms. An, hello. I’m Olivia Frost, the CEO’s secretary.” It might have been my imagination, but Maria’s expression grew colder, a hint of sadness in her eyes.“Secretary, huh.”

... Maria didn’t shake my hand; she brushed past us, walking inside.

“Ms. An...” I looked at Zach.

He sighed.“She’s the daughter of a friend of Mrs. Jones’s; she’s been raised by the Jones family; she has a... complicated relationship with the CEO–a love–hate thing.”

I understood.“Ah, I see.” No wonder Evan came to Singapore first; someone he cared about was here.