Chapter 68

Stella's POV

"Sorry. I have a cold." I said through my mask, pointing at the clothing designs on the projection screen. "Let's continue discussing these costume designs."

A soft chuckle came from Anny's drection. After yesterday's conflict, she seemed to find my illness amusing. I ignored her and focused on my work.

"For the opening scene, we need to highlight the contrast between the main characters," I continued, flipping through the designs. "The colors should reflect their social status, but not too obviously..."

The meeting dragged on, and my head grew heavier. The cold medicine was wearing off, but I couldn't let it affect my work.This was my first major project as the deputy costume director-I had to prove myself.

After two hours of intense discussion, we finally agreed on the costume modifications. As I was packing up my files, trying to hide my fatigue, Lisa burst into the meeting room excitedly. "Stella! There's a super handsome man outside looking for you!"Her eyes sparkled. "And he's driving the latest luxury car!" My heart skipped a beat. *Adam?* But wasn't he supposed to be busy with work? And wasn't he still mad about me staying at the hotel?

"Lisa, could you please take my laptop back to my room?"I was already heading towards the door. Despite maintaining a professional demeanor, I found my steps quickening. Soon, I was almost running.

Outside, the cold winter wind hit my face. Through the falling snow,I saw the familiar luxury car with the window half-open.Cigar smoke mingled with the snowflakes in the night air.

I hurried over, slightly out of breath. Adam sat in the driver's seat, looking striking in his perfectly tailored suit. He took one last puff of his cigar and elegantly extinguished it.

"Get in," he said simply, his breath visible in the cold air.

I slid into the passenger seat, immediately enveloped by the car's warmth. His presence filled the enclosed space, making my heart race uncontrollably.

"Adam,why are you here?"

"Business trip." His gaze swept over my flushed cheeks and bright eyes, lingering in a way that made my skin tingle. I understood. He was on a business trip and decided to check on me. "Mrs. Lancaster, do you get sick when there's no one to warm your bed?"

My cheeks burned."No-it's just the cold weather!"

"It's the cold weather." I explained, my ears turning red. Seeing the car moving. I asked, "Where are you taking me?"

"Hotel."

"I have work tomorrow. I can't..."

"Mrs. Lancaster, is this what you want?" He said with a teasing smile.′′Ifyou want,I can-"

I leaned over and covered his mouth."How can you twist my words like that?"

His expression briefly froze.

"Can you keep your mouth shut in public? There are people in the car." I whispered through gritted teeth.

"Ma'am, you can pretend we're not here." Taylor said understandingly.

The driver nodded."Exactly!" How much did Adam pay them to be so dedicated? Before I could gather my thoughts, he had already driven into the hotel parking lot.

As soon as we entered the suite, he pinned me against the door.trapping me with his body. One hand tangled in my hair,the other firmly holding my waist.

"Wait-" I tried to push his chest, but he grabbed my wrists.pinning them above my head. His other hand trailed down my neck, leaving a burning path. "I have a cold! You'll catch it!"

He ended the kiss but didn't release his hold. His eyes darkened with desire, roaming over my face. "Stella, do you remember who I am?"

His tone made my heart race."My husband!"

"You're driving me crazy,' he muttered, his voice rough, almost accusing, and before I could respond, his lips crashed into mine.

It wasn't gentle-it was hungry, desperate, like he'd been holding back for too long.

I gasped against his mouth, and he took the chance to deepen the kiss, his tongue slipping past my lips, hot and demanding.

My hands flew to his chest, fingers curling into his shirt as if I needed to anchor myself. Oh God, this is too much, I thought,but my body disagreed, pressing closer, craving more. His hands gripped my waist, pulling me against him,and I could feel the hard lines of his body through the thin fabric between us. It set my skin on fire. He tilted his head, kissing me harder, and a soft moan escaped me-I couldn't stop it. My mind was spinning, torn between wanting to memorize every second of this and just letting go completely.

I turned my head just in time to sneeze, breaking the intimate moment. Taking advantage of the distraction, I slipped out of his grasp. though my legs were still shaky.

I came out of the shower wrapped in a towel. only to find that I had no clothes, so I had to call him for help.

He got up from the sofa and came over with a bad smile:′′It looks good like this, why wear more?" I flushed and glared at him.

"Put this on and I promise you'll look sexier than me," he whispered in my ear, handing me one of his white shirts. The fabric was still warm from the dryer, carrying his familiar scent.

I took the clothes, turned and ran back to the bathroom,secretly blaming myself for liking his flirting a little.

After I changed, his laptop chimed with a video calI notification.Before I could move away, I accidentally appeared on camera. The faces of GT Group executives filled the screen, their expressions a mix of shock and barely concealed curiosity. I wished I could disappear under the bed. However. Adam remained perfectly calm. "The meeting is over.Forget what you saw."

"Why didn't you tell me you were in a meeting?" I demanded after he ended the call.

"No one recognized you." He approached with a cup of medicine,his steps predatory.′′Drink this."

I wrinkled my nose at the bitter smell. "I've already taken-"

His kiss cut off my protest, the medicine transferring from his mouth to mine. Instinctively, I swallowed, too shocked to resist.When he finally pulled back, his eyes held a dangerous glint that made my stomach flip.

"That was completely unnecessary!" I stammered, retreating to the bed. My heart pounded so loudly, I was sure he could hear it.

Seeing me cover my flushed face, Adam's smile was one of triumphant satisfaction.

At that moment, he suddenly reached for my shirt.

"Hey! Don't... I have work tomorrow, I can't be late or miss it!"I quickly tried to dodge. He pulled my collar up slightly, saying coolly, "You're overthinking."

Was he mocking me? How could I be blamed? His shirt was way too big!

After being forced to take the medicine and teased by him, I burrowed under the covers, turning my back to him, and grumbled, "I'm going to sleep!"

He bit my earlobe. his voice dangerously low. "Mrs. Lancaster.you should be grateful you're sick. Otherwise, I'd make you cry tonight!"

As we lay in bed, I pretended to be angry and turned my back to him, but he just pulled me into his arms. His breath brushed against my ear, and he softly asked, "Still mad?"

His teeth lightly nipped my earlobe, sending shivers down my spine that had nothing to do with my fever. One hand possessively splayed across my stomach, while the other lazily traced patterns on my thigh.

"Adam..." I meant to warn him, but it came out as more of a plea.

"Hmm?" His lips found the sensitive spot behind my ear. "What's wrong, Mrs. Lancaster?"

I relaxed into his embrace, letting his warmth seep into my bones. His touch became gentler, more soothing than provocative, though the underlying tension remained.

As sleep began to overtake me. I felt his arm tighten protectively around me. His voice was so soft I amost missed it.

"Next time you're sick, just tell me. I will take care of you."