“I’ll let him know,” Charlotte nodded.
She considered warning Zarek that Leif clearly had ulterior motives–trying to drag him into a world of debauchery–but quickly realized someone with Zarek’s intelligence hardly needed the warning.
She texted Ryan with Zarek’s response.
“It’s still early. Let’s take a walk,” Zarek suggested.
Charlotte looked up from her phone. “I’d rather stay in. It’s getting dark, and wandering around these mountains alone is kind of creepy.”
She noticed Zarek’s expression shift and quickly realized her misunderstanding. “…Oh, you meant you wanted to go for a walk?”
“Wandering alone is kind of creepy,” he echoed, his expression oddly melancholic.
“…I’ll come with you,” Charlotte agreed, forcing a smile.
Why couldn’t he just say “I want to go for a walk, come with me“? Every conversation with him felt like a reading comprehension test where she confidently chose an answer only to get it completely wrong.
Made her feel like an idiot.
Zarek glanced at her formal outfit and heels. “Change into something comfortable and different shoes.”
Charlotte nodded and headed upstairs.
She returned wearing casual clothes and flats.
They left around 5 PM.
It was dusk, but not yet dark.
The air was crisp and refreshing, the breeze cool, and the gradually setting sun painted the distant mountains with golden light–truly breathtaking.
Charlotte followed behind Zarek.
She’d worried his long legs would make it difficult to keep up, but he walked slowly, allowing her to enjoy the stroll and appreciate the scenery.
“Ever heard of the legend?” Zarek asked casually.
“What legend?” Charlotte responded.
“They say twilight is a supernatural hour–the witching hour. Creatures lurking in darkness emerge then, taking
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human form or possessing people walking the streets. They might suddenly call your name, and if you respond, they’ll devour your soul…”
His rich, smooth voice carried on the dusk breeze, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.
Charlotte paused for three seconds.
Then she played along with an exaggerated gasp. “That’s terrifying!”
“Don’t worry, it’s just a story. Thought you might find it interesting.”
“It is interesting. Can they only call your name? What about nicknames or titles? If one calls ‘Mom‘ and a mother answers, does that count?”
She asked with genuine curiosity.
Zarek smiled faintly. “Of course it counts. These creatures don’t just possess people–they can transform into someone you know to trick you, then consume your soul when you’re unaware.”
Charlotte dramatically feigned fear. “Stop, I can’t take anymore!”
Zarek said no more.
Charlotte thought to herself: Playing along with the boss’s ghost stories? All part of the job.
They continued walking.
They reached a pavilion.
By now, the sun had sunk lower, spreading magnificent layers of red and orange across the sky–so stunning it took
her breath away.
As Charlotte was absorbed in the view, Zarek suddenly called her, his voice unnaturally gentle. “Ms. Whitmore.”
She instinctively began to respond.
Then remembered something and quickly clamped her mouth shut.
Zarek waved his hand in front of her face. “Ms. Whitmore? You okay?”
Charlotte kept her head down, silent.
“Ms. Whitmore?”
“Charlotte Whitmore?”
“Charlotte?”
“I’m talking to you. Cat got your tongue?” Zarek cupped her face in his hands, his tone teasing. “Why aren’t you
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answering? Oh wait, is it because of that legend? You’re actually taking it seriously? Come on, it’s just a story. Say something.”
Charlotte remained steadfast.
She closed her eyes.
Not falling for it.
Though it was just a game, she refused to lose!
It was like playing freeze tag–a test of endurance!
What she didn’t realize was that while she was seriously playing this game, her boss had become distracted.
His gaze had settled on her lips, sunset–tinged like rose petals. And she was… completely unguarded.
The pavilion grew quiet, with only the sound of the wind.
Zarek leaned down, inching closer…
Charlotte’s eyes shifted beneath closed lids.
Her heart rate accelerated inexplicably.
His warm breath touched her temple, the tip of her nose, finally hovering near her lips. His voice, husky and intimate: “Even if you don’t respond, I can still devour you–swallow you whole.”
Changing the rules?
Charlotte felt indignant and opened her eyes.
She found herself staring into his handsome face, just inches away, tinted red by the sunset, looking almost otherworldly.
She froze.
As if under a spell, her heart rate and breathing completely derailed.
They remained that close, lips nearly touching, until Zarek finally straightened up with what seemed like disappointment, releasing her face. “You’re just too hard to fool.”
He turned away.
His eyes gazed at the setting sun… Who says the witching hour is just a legend?
Charlotte sat down on a nearby chair, her legs slightly weak.
She touched her face, warmed by the sunset, her heart still racing.
His competitive streak is ridiculous!
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Doct
He’d do anything to win!
The last ray of light disappeared into darkness.
The temperature dropped suddenly.
Zarek turned around. “Let’s go. Time to meet some real monsters.”
Charlotte stood up from the bench.
She thought to herself that after being scared by him, she had no energy left for actual monsters.
Does this count as a workplace hazard?
They returned to the villa.
At 6:40 PM, they headed to Leif Hara’s villa.
At the entrance, Charlotte stepped forward to ring the doorbell.
Shortly after, someone opened the door.
It was Leif’s secretary, Claire Dean, whom they’d met at dinner. Even opening a door somehow became a performance of sensuality in her hands.
“Mr. Weasley, please come in.”
Zarek didn’t acknowledge her and walked straight inside.
Charlotte smiled politely at Claire as they both entered, with Claire leading the way.
She guided them to the villa’s central area, a hall large enough for dozens of people, connected to a secluded bamboo grove and a heated swimming pool outside.
Upon entering, they were immediately engulfed by foul air.
Cigarette smoke, alcohol, perfume, and various other unpleasant odors mingled together.
Zarek frowned slightly.
“My dear Mr. Weasley, you’ve finally arrived! I’ve been dying to see you,” Leif rose from the sofa, speaking with excessive familiarity as he strode toward them.
As he approached, he tried to place his hand on Zarek’s shoulder.
This time, Zarek smoothly sidestepped, leaving Leif’s hand hanging awkwardly in the air.
Leif looked visibly embarrassed.
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Chapter 104
Zarek clearly wanted to twist the knife and remarked with a barely concealed smirk, “Quite the party you’ve got going, Mr. Hara. Must be
hausting. I hear some couldn’t even get out of bed today. You really should pace yourself
at your age.”
Leif’s face cycled through several colors.
This arrogant kid, playing it cool.
Just wait–you’ll show your true colors soon enough!
Thinking this, he glanced at Chatanding behind Zarek, his smile turning suggestive. “Ms. Whitmore, your boss
isn’t feeling under the weather today, is he? He can drink now, right?”
Charlotte returned a professional smile. “Mr. Hara, whether our CEO drinks or not is entirely his choice.”
Leif chuckled. “Well, I’m definitely going to get him drunk tonight.”
With a wave of his hand, he added, “Let’s sit down. I’d like to introduce you to some friends.”
The so–called “VIPs” had all stood when Zarek entered.
These industry leaders now wore expressions of eager flattery.
The beautiful women with them also recognized the importance of the young, handsome VIP who had arrived. They stood in small groups, while a few in swimwear by the heated pool outside peered in curiously through the glass.
Charlotte discreetly scanned the room.
She counted the “ten beauties” Ryan had mentioned.
Including Claire, there were only nine. Where was the tenth?
She looked around until finally, at the edge of the pool, partially hidden by plants, she spotted a pair of porcelain–white, delicate legs that looked almost fragile, wearing small white shoes.
The epitome of innocent purity.
Liddon Dast
