Chapter 10
752 Words
Chapter 10
The morning meeting went smoothly. Ariel sat in the corner of the room, taking notes of all the important points as instructed by Zayden. Occasionally, their eyes met, but Zayden always returned his focus to the clients’ discussion.
When the meeting ended, Zayden closed his folder. “Ariel, follow me to the office.”
Ariel quickly tidied her notebook and followed her boss’s brisk steps.
Upon arriving at the office, Zayden placed the folder on his desk. “There will be a luncheon with several investors this afternoon. It’s a formal event. Prepare my suit.”
“Yes, Sir,” Ariel replied briefly.
Zayden looked at her for a moment. “You know the right suit, don’t you?”
Ariel nodded confidently. “Of course. I’ve memorized your style for events like this.”
“Good. Make sure it’s neat, nothing missing,” Zayden said firmly as he sat in his chair.
Ariel went straight to the wardrobe on the side of the room. Her hands deftly chose a dark gray suit, a white shirt, and a navy tie with subtle patterns. She also picked a pair of polished black leather shoes.
When Ariel brought them to the table, Zayden stood and began unbuttoning the shirt he was wearing. Ariel placed the clothes on the sofa, then turned to look at him.
“Let me help you,” Ariel said, stepping closer.
Zayden looked at her, slightly hesitant. “No need, I can do it myself.”
“Sir, I’m your secretary. Helping is part of my job,” Ariel replied casually, but with a slightly mischievous look.
Zayden sighed, allowing Ariel to unbutton his shirt one by one. The room felt quiet, the only sound coming from the buttons being undone.
When Ariel reached for the tie still around Zayden’s neck, she gave a faint smile. “This tie… would also work well for something else.”
Zayden frowned. “What do you mean?”
Instead of answering, Ariel slowly pulled the tie until their faces were closer—just a few centimeters apart.
“Ariel…” Zayden’s voice was low, like a warning.
Ariel looked him straight in the eyes, unflinching. “Why, Sir? Afraid?”
Zayden held his breath, then shook his head slightly. “Don’t mess around. You’re already engaged to Gavin.”
Ariel smirked. “So what if I’m engaged to Gavin? We can still… play, can’t we, Uncle?”
The word “Uncle” was spoken in a teasing tone, making Zayden’s jaw tighten. Ariel then deliberately leaned in and pressed her lips against his for a brief moment.
Zayden froze for a second, but the next moment, he felt his heart pounding hard. He swallowed roughly.
“Ariel…” his voice was deep, as if holding something back.
But Ariel pulled the tie again, this time faster, bringing their lips together once more. The kiss was no longer brief.
Neither knew who truly started it, but within seconds, Zayden had lost control. His hand rose to hold Ariel’s waist, returning the kiss with intensity.
Ariel smiled between breaths, as if savoring his reaction. “See? Not so hard, right, Uncle?”
Zayden closed his eyes for a moment, trying to steady his breathing. “You… are dangerous.”
“Dangerous? Or… irresistible?” Ariel replied, her voice soft yet challenging.
Zayden stared at her intently, as if weighing something. “If you keep this up… I won’t be able to hold myself back.”
Ariel gave a faint smile, releasing the tie in her hand. “In that case, you’d better get dressed. We don’t want to be late for the luncheon, right?”
Zayden only let out a long sigh, then took the suit Ariel had prepared. “You really… are a headache.”
Ariel pretended not to hear. She turned, straightening the shirt Zayden would wear. “Everything’s ready. Once you’re dressed, I’ll check the car and make sure all the luncheon documents are inside.”
“Alright. And Ariel…” Zayden called before she could walk away.
Ariel turned. “Yes, Sir?”
Zayden looked at her with an unreadable expression. “Don’t repeat what you just did… unless you’re ready for the consequences.”
Ariel simply gave a faint smile. “I’m always ready, Sir.”
Zayden held her gaze for a few seconds, then looked away. “Go.”
Ariel left the room with a calm stride. But deep down, she knew this game had only just begun.
- Writer
