Chapter 45

Emily used to be the executive assistant to the president of the Rivera Group, a pretty sweet gig. Now, she was willing to ditch her status to work as an intern assistant, which made Marlon both admire and feel sorry for her.

He knew Emily was stubborn, and once she made up her mind,there was no changing it. All he could do was support her quietly, hoping she'd find happiness at the company.

The afternoon sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows. The light spots fell on the tables, the floor, and the people, making the whole place seem bathed in a golden glow, warm and romantic.

Patrick looked up and saw Emily in the sunlight, looking like a pure angel.

Her skin was smooth and delicate, her face stunningly beautiful. She wore a well-fitted business suit that showed off her graceful legs,exuding a captivating charm that drew everyone's attention, including Patrick's.

Patrick suddenly slammed his hand against the car door! He glared at Marlon, who was pulling out a chair for Emily, filled with jealousy and anger. How dare she? What did Marlon have that he didn't? He wasn't as tall, handsome, or wealthy as Patrick. Was Emily blind?

Or had they already slept together?

No!

Patrick believed that in the bedroom, he couldn't possibly lose!

Patrick lit a cigarette, trying to calm his rage and jealousy. He took a deep drag, his eyes growing more determined through the smoke. He had to confront Emily and get to the bottom of this. He couldn't tell if he liked or loved her; he just knew he couldn't lose her.

Emily watched Marlon eagerly fetching food and leaned closer,embarrassed. "That's enough, why are you getting so much food? I'm here for afternoon tea, not a buffet. I can't take it all back to my desk,and there are colleagues around."

Her face showed a mix of shyness and helplessness. She just wanted to work quietly without drawing attention.

Marlon smiled, touched his nose, and glanced around, causing the murmurs to stop abruptly.

Despite his playful demeanor, he had an air of authority. As the president of The Hughes Group, he could make anyone leave on the spot.

People were curious but didn't want to lose their jobs.

Emily was exceptionally beautiful and well-known as The Rivera Group's "golden assistant," capable of handling projects and clients with ease. Some gossiped that she used her looks to secure contracts,but despite their jealousy, it balanced out the fact that she was too perfect-beautiful, educated, eloquent, and highly competent, which was hard for others to accept.

After enjoying a luxurious afternoon tea, Marlon mentioned he had to

leave for something.

Emily sat alone, reflecting on her decision to join the Hughes Group as an intern assistant. She was determined to prove her abilities and succeed anywhere.

As she prepared to take the elevator back to the 17th floor,someone grabbed her hand in the stairwell. Instinctively, she raised her leg and screamed, but the person seemed to know her well, pinning her knees with his legs, covering her mouth and nose with one hand, and wrapping an arm around her neck. She was immobilized,filled with fear and surprise. not knowing who it was.

Smelling the familiar scent, Emily realized it was Patrick. A mix of anger, helplessness, and a hint of excitement surged within her.

Patrick released her when he felt her relax, but Emily immediately bit down on an old wound on his arm, causing it to bleed. Patrick cried out in pain, his anger boiling over. He grabbed her neck and pressed her against the wall. "Do you hate me that much? Do you wish I were dead?"

Pinned against the wall, Emily couldn't move. She instinctively slapped at Patrick, targeting his face and arms, her only concern being the safety of her child.

Patrick, provoked, grabbed the back of her neck and kissed her forcefully, binding her hands behind her back with his other hand.Tears streamed down Emily's face, her breathing rapid, her cheeks flushed. Patrick's lower body reacted as well.

"Patrick, you're crazy! Let me go." Emily was terrified, her voice trembling,echoing in the silent stairwell. Her eyes were wide with fear and disbelief.

She never expected Patrick to show up here and lose control.

Feeling Patrick's erection against her thigh, she turned pale with fear.If anything inappropriate happened here and got out, the consequences would be dire. She would become the center of attention in The Hughes Group, the subject of everyone's gossip.