Katelyn stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in a luxurious bathrobe. She took a towel and casually dried her long, wet hair. The damp strands framed her delicate features, emphasizing her natural beauty. Her smooth, flawless skin and bright, light-colored eyes shone radiantly.
She paused for a moment when she spotted Jaxen sitting on the sofa. Why was he here? Could he possibly misinterpret the situation with her dressed like this?
Before she could begin to explain, Jaxen smirked, his voice dripping with hints. “No need to explain. We’re all adults here. I understand.”
Katelyn’s cheeks turned pink instantly. Understand what? He understood nothing!
Undisturbed, Jaxen continued in his usual relaxed tone. “Observing how well things have developed between you two, I’m quite pleased as your ‘love guru.’ You’re my star pupil, after all.”
Developed? Love guru?
Katelyn blinked in bewilderment, looking over at Vincent. What was Jaxen talking about? She was at a complete loss. Vincent’s face grew stern, his eyes locking onto Jaxen with a sharp warning. “One more word, and…”
The threatening tone made Jaxen shiver. He lifted his hands in surrender and flashed a grin. “Relax, my lips are sealed.”
Katelyn, her face still flushed, cleared her throat nervously. “You’ve completely misunderstood. There’s nothing going on between Mr. Adams and me.” ? Find★Novel.net
Jaxen waved a finger in the air, drawing out his words in a playful way. “Don’t worry about explaining, Master. Vincent is a very private person. His place is his sanctuary; he doesn’t just let anyone in.”
He paused dramatically, his eyes flashing with meaning. “I’m here because we’ve been friends for so many years. Maybe you should consider why you’re allowed in.”
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That revelation hit Katelyn profoundly.
Was Vincent’s house truly off-limits to outsiders? If that were the case, did it mean she wasn’t considered one? And why had Jaxen addressed her as “Master” so effortlessly, as if she had formally agreed to take him on as her apprentice? She never had!
With a serious expression, she cleared her throat and corrected him, “Please don’t call me that. The only apprentice I’ve ever taken on is Alfy.”
But Jaxen showed no sign of being discouraged by her firm tone. His eyes sparkled with determination. “One day, you’ll accept me as your apprentice.”
Katelyn forced a strained smile, thinking that perhaps in another lifetime, she might entertain the idea. But for now, she couldn’t really stop him from saying whatever he pleased.
Vincent, on the other hand, was visibly losing patience, his expression growing colder. “You seem to be ignoring my warnings.”
Realizing the growing tension, Jaxen wisely chose to fall silent. He could sense the atmosphere was thickening.
Vincent turned to Katelyn then, his face softening just slightly, a rare hint of concern flickering in his eyes. “Don’t pay attention to his nonsense.”
Even though Vincent’s words were reassuring, Jaxen wasn’t entirely off-base. Vincent was notoriously secretive, and the only other person with unrestricted access to his home was Jaxen. Even the housekeeper had been with the Adams family for years. But Katelyn was an exception.
Feeling the discomfort, Katelyn nodded quietly, her gaze dropping to the floor, avoiding Vincent’s eyes. But the tips of her ears betrayed her, flushed with the heat of her inner frustration. Vincent…
She quickly suppressed the thought, taking a deep breath to calm herself. Their relationship was strictly professional—just employer and employee.
She inhaled deeply, repeating the words in her head like a mantra, but it did little to ease the tension in the room.
Vincent, now visibly frustrated, spoke again, turning his cold gaze back to Jaxen. “Why are you really here?”
Typically, Jaxen wouldn’t visit in person unless it was important; he usually preferred making a phone call. Sensing the shift in the atmosphere, Jaxen immediately adjusted his posture, his playful attitude fading.
Becoming serious, he announced, “I’m throwing a yacht party, and I’d like both of you to attend. It’ll feature champagne, glamorous guests, and plenty to enjoy.”
Katelyn shot him a sharp look. “Are you going back to your old playboy habits? Giving up on Alfy already?”
It seemed that no man could be trusted completely. Their promises and fidelity were as unreliable as a broken clock.
Jaxen, taken aback, cleared his throat. “Absolutely not! Alfy is my true love. This party is strictly for business.”
Katelyn raised an eyebrow, still unsure. “What kind of business happens at a party?”
She hadn’t seen any romantic interest from Alfy toward Jaxen, nor had she mentioned Jaxen’s past playboy habits to Alfy. Katelyn preferred not to meddle in other people’s lives. Whether Jaxen succeeded in his romantic pursuits was up to him.
Jaxen then shifted his focus to Vincent, his tone turning serious. “Are you aware of the upcoming Silvermist Mountain Project? Three cities are collaborating to build a luxury resort in Granville. The project’s total investment is estimated to surpass ten billion dollars.”
He continued, explaining as if giving a presentation, “Many are eager for this profitable opportunity, and I’ve learned that Cormac Santos, who’s leading the project, is fond of yacht parties.”
In their world of high-stakes business, they were always on the lookout for new investment opportunities. Vincent was already familiar with the Silvermist Mountain Project.
A thoughtful expression crossed his face as he replied in a deep tone, “I haven’t interacted with Cormac before, but from what you’ve described, he seems to enjoy luxurious gatherings.”
Jaxen snapped his fingers, pleased with himself. “Exactly! I’ve made significant efforts to ensure his attendance. This is an excellent opportunity, presented perfectly. It would be foolish to ignore it.”
The involvement of three major cities in the project clearly highlighted its significance. Vincent’s eyes sparkled with determination.
He was determined not to miss out on this opportunity. “I’ll be there.”
Jaxen smiled, clearly pleased. “Smart decision. This chance won’t come around again.”
He then shifted his gaze to Katelyn, his eyes twinkling with a playful glint.
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