Chapter 93

Zoe sat behind Jeremy, her eyes tracing every line of his perfectly sculpted frame. She kept inching closer,drawn in by his charm.

But Jeremy felt the shift in energy. Just as Zoe was about to press against him, he pushed her away.

Caught off guard, she lost her balance and tumbled off the edge of the bed, landing on the floor with a dull thud. The impact left hermomentarily dazed.

Jeremy grabbed a thin blanket and wrapped it around himself. His voice was cold, distant. "I'mn feeling much better now. You can go."

But Zoe wasn't ready to give up that easily. Still on the floor, she looked up at him with wide, pleading eyes."You're still unwell. Let me stay and take care of you."

"Leave." His voice remained calm, but the impatience in his eyes made his meaning crystal clear.

Reluctantly, Zoe rose and smoothed her dress. "Fine.I'll come back to check on you later."

As she turned to go, something caught her eye-a flash of fabric peeking from behind the decorative screen. A woman's garment, not doubt. "Who's there?" Zoe's expression darkened. Without hesitation, she marched over, ready to confront whoever was hiding.

But before she could yank the screen aside, a strong hand seized her wrist.

Startled, Zoe spun around, her eyes filled with anger and hurt. "Jeremy, who's back there? Is it that same woman from before?"

Jeremy's face was unreadable, his tone colder than ever."My personal life is none of your concern.Leave."

Tears welled up in Zoe's eyes, spilling over as she stumbled back a few steps, visibly shaken. "How can you treat me like this? I gave myself to you, and now you're just casting me aside? What will people think when they find out? How can I face anyone?"

For the first time, Jeremy's stern expression wavered,a flicker of guilt crossing his face.

Zoe wiped her cheeks, her voice low and aching. "l won't ask about it. I know a man like you-rich,powerful-must attract a lot of attention. I'm probably not the only one who likes you. But you promised to marry me. I trusted you, Jeremy. Please, don't make me regret it."

Behind the screen, Kayla stood with her arms crossed,a faint smirk tugging at her lips. She had to admit-Zoe's performance was dripping cerity. If she were Jeremy, she might've been swayed too.

Jeremy's posture softened, his voice dropping to a quieter note. "Just go."

Sensing his hesitation, Zoe looked up at him with tear -filled eyes, her gaze tender and unrelenting. "I'll wait for you. I'll wait until I'm the only woman by your side."

With that, she turned and walked out, the door clicking shut behind her.

A beat of silence passed before Kayla stepped out from behind the screen, her tone cool. "Sorry for the misunderstanding. I'll be going now."

In her rush, she didn't see the edge of the rug. Her foot caught, and she stumbled forward-straight into Jeremy. The force sent him back onto the bed, and in an instant, she landed squarely on top of him, their position undeniably intimate.

Her lips brushed his bare chest. She froze, cheeks flaming red.

Jeremy sucked in a sharp breath at the warmth of her accidental touch.

For a moment, he didn't move. His hand reached instinctively toward her, ready to pull her closer.Then he stopped

Zoe's words echoed in his mind, a bitter reminder of his obligations. His growing lack of self-controlound Kayla was starting to unsettle him.

He shoved her away and rose, grabbing a shirt and throwing it on. "You can go," he said, his voice tight and composed.

Kayla,breathless and flustered, pushed herself up, her chest heaving as she tried to steady her pulse.Without a word, she rushed out of the lounge.

Heart pounding, she made her way to the break room and grabbed a glass of water, taking a few fast gulps in a desperate attempt to cool down.

Just then, Edna walked in, noticing Kayla's flushed face. "Are you all right?"

Kayla tightened her grip on the glass and turned to her with a forced smile. "I'm fine."

Her cheeks were still tinged pink, her expression caught somewhere between panic and disbelief.

Edna gave her a curious look but chose not to pry."Mr. Graham's not feeling well today. He sent out a notice-the vice president will lead the meeting in his place. It's starting soon. You should head over."

"Got it." Kayla patted her cheeks, trying to bring herself back to reality as she followed Edna down the hallway

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. But no matter how hard she tried, the memory of what happened in that lounge refused to leave her alone.