Chapter 23
Adeline pretended to leave for the bathroom, using that as an excuse to “accidentally” fall into Luther’s arms. He helped her up, and she took the chance to sit on his lap, pouting while saying that she felt lightheaded.
It was hard to believe how good she was at acting.
I turned my head and saw Matthew eyeing me intensely, as if I was some kind of criminal. What was he looking at me for, anyway? I didn’t even do anything.
I adjusted my seat and closed my eyes, hoping that I’d wake up in Hilstone
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Adeline and I had fundamentally different goals when it came to Luther. She was trying to get into his bed, and I wanted to get out of it.
Everything between me and Luther was transactional. All I needed was his support in my career, so I didn’t care who he would end up with.
Turbulence hit hard, and it jolted me awake. I had never been through anything like it, and fear kicked in. I turned to him without thinking.
His expression was calm, his dark eyes steady and unfazed. I could tell from the way his lips moved that he
A few minutes later, the plane passed through the turbulence. I breathed a sigh of relief and melted into my seat.
The plane landed at Hilstone Airport, and I wasn’t feeling well after the turbulence. Adeli arms as they walked out.
was mouthing, “Calm down.”
didn’t look too great either, but she stayed glued to Luther’s
In the airport restroom, I splashed some water on my face and saw just how pale I looked in the mirror. I makeup bag and touched up my makeup before heading out.
Besides the staff from the Hilstone Airshow, Zachary was also there to pick us up at the airport. He spotted direction. “Over here, Sapphire.”
As I looked over, Luther did too. Then, I noticed his face darkened instantly.
want to look that bad, so I pulled out my
me
right away in the crowd and waved in my
I smiled out of courtesy. “What brings you here, Zachary?”
Zachary responded, “You’re my old classmate. How could I not show up?”
As he reached for my suitcase, I used the chance to introduce him to Luther as an excuse to slip away. “Meet my classmate Zachary, Mr. Stone. He’s been a huge help with the exhibition hall.”
Then, I continued, “This is Mr. Stone from Northstrike Air, Zachary.”
Hearing that, Zachary immediately reached out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Stone.”
Luther gave him a brief handshake. “Mr. Bell, you’re exactly as Ms. Miller described. You really are poised and outstanding.”
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Zachary chuckled. “You flatter me, Mr. Stone. Honestly, meeting you in person shows me why people speak so highly of you. You really are the definition of charm and success.”
Luther grinned. “We’ll be counting on you these next few days in Hilstone, Mr. Bell.”
They exchanged a few more pleasantries before Zachary led us out of the terminal. The staff members stayed close to Luther, while Zachary deliberately slowed down to walk beside me.
Zachary sized me up from head to toe. I could feel the intensity of his stare even from the corner of my eye.
He lowered his voice and asked with concern, “I noticed you didn’t look well when you came out of the terminal. Are you feeling okay?”
I kept my eyes on the people walking ahead. Just then, Luther looked over his shoulder and glanced at me. His expression was far from kind.
I muttered, “I’m fine.”
Zachary reached for my suitcase. “Why don’t you hand it to me? You must be tired after such a long flight,”
I responded, “I’m all good.”
Zachary added, “I got you the room with the best view.”
“Thanks,” I replied.
He leaned over quickly when no one was paying attention. “It’s been a long time. How about dinner tonight? My treat.”
