Chapter 34
Serena POV
Without another word, I moved to the front, my pulse quickening as I opened the door.
The moment I slid into the front seat, I regretted every decision that led me there. My palms felt clammy as I pressed them nervously into my lap. The faint leather scent of the car mixed with the tension suffocating the small space. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, his sharp profile brimming with impatience as he drummed his fingers on the steering wheel.
I grabbed the seatbelt, fumbling with the latch. It wouldn’t budge. My frustration bubbled over as I tugged at it, but it remained stubborn.
“Ugh, come on,” I muttered under my breath, heat rising to my cheeks.
“Didn’t you have enough for lunch today?” His voice cut through the silence, his tone laced with sarcasm. “Or did you stuff yourself so much that you’re too weak now?”
My head snapped toward him, my cheeks flushing deeper. “No, I…” I trailed off, shaking my head.
“Then why are you acting awkward?” he snapped, his hand slamming against the steering wheel. I jumped at the sudden noise, my hands gripping the seatbelt tighter.
“I just…” I began to explain, but before I could finish, he leaned toward me, his arm brushing against mine as he reached for the belt.
His proximity made my breath hitch, and I froze. He worked with an ease that left me both embarrassed and irritated. The seatbelt clicked into place, and he leaned back without a word, his expression unreadable.
I lowered my gaze, wondering if I had somehow grown lazy or clumsy without realizing it. My fingers absently brushed over the strap, a silent reminder of my embarrassment.
He started the car, the engine’s hum breaking the silence. I let out a slow breath, rubbing my temples. This was going to be a long ride.
We arrived at The Imperial Orchid Resort, a five–star hotel renowned for its grandeur. The sprawling glass façade sparkled under the midday sun as we entered its luxurious lounge. I couldn’t help but wonder why so many business meetings took place in such lavish settings.
Hades stopped abruptly in front of a table, and I almost bumped into him. He checked his wristwatch with a deliberate flick of his wrist, his sharp eyes glancing at me briefly before he turned.
“You’ll sit at the next table while I discuss with Mr. Pith,” he instructed, motioning toward a nearby seat.
I nodded quickly, ready to step away, but his voice halted me.
“Why do you always seem eager to disappear from my sight?”
I blinked, unsure of how to respond. “Huh?”
He scoffed, his expression hardening. “You’ve hidden yourself from me for years, and now you want to vanish again.”
His words hit like a gust of cold wind. “I don’t understand…”
“You won’t,” he said curtly, his eyes holding mine for a brief moment before darting away.
Just then, a man approached us. He seemed to be in his late fifties, stocky, with a well–trimmed mustache and a tailored suit that screamed wealth.
“Alpha Hades,” he greeted, extending a hand,
Hades shook it firmly. Mr. Pith. Nice to meet you.”
“Same here.” The man smiled. “I was expecting Alpha Aeson…”
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Chapter 34
“He had something urgent to attend to at the last minute,” Hades replied smoothly.
“No problem. Seeing the CEO of H.A.C Consortium is an honor in itself,” Mr. Pith said, his words dripping with flattery.
Before Hades could respond, Mr. Pith’s eyes shifted to me. He studied me briefly, a polite smile forming.
“And who’s this?”
“That’s Serena, my assistant,” Hades said quickly, his tone clipped.
“Ah,” Mr. Pith nodded, rubbing his mustache. “She’s beautiful.”
I offered a polite smile. “Thank you, sir.”
But before I could bask in the compliment, I caught Hades glaring at me. The intensity of his stare evaporated my smile, and I stepped back hurriedly, retreating to the next table.
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