<h4>Chapter 124 - Hard Work</h4>


    "Well, since this isn''t exactly the time for storytelling, I suppose it would be better to mingle with the guests.," Mnie murmured slowly as she sipped the golder liquid in her ss. Then, with the same pleasant expression that showed her enjoying the bubbly drink, she warned, "And Adam, if you don''t stop glowering, I swear I will kick you in the balls."


    The contrast between her sweet adoring smile expression as she looked up at him and the sharp-edged threat jolted Adam out of his brooding state. He blinked at her in surprise, momentarily forgetting the dark thoughts that were currently upying his mind.


    She, however, remained perfectlyposed, still smiling up at him as if she hadn''t just threatened his ability to have children in the future.


    He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Bloodthirsty, are we?"


    Mnie''s eyes twinkled when she finally realized that he was back to his normal self for the time being and she nodded. "Do you honestly think I came here just to wish the old man a happy birthday? Please. I have far better things to do."


    She leaned in slightly and then lowered her voice in a conspiratorial whisper. "I''m here for a specific someone. And with you standing by my side, practically scowling daggers at the entire room, people are going to be wary of me. That''s not exactly helpful for my business, now, is it?"


    She pulled back and arched an expectant brow at him, waiting for him to take the hint.


    Adam felt his lips twitching. "So, what? You want me to smile and look approachable?"


    Mnie grinned. "I''d settle for you looking like you''re not about to murder someone."


    He gave her a serious look and nodded," Okay okay! I can do that. In fact. I can murder someone and still look that I am not doing it."


    Mnie smirked and rolled her eyes. "Now that, I believe."


    Just as she turned to scan the crowd, her gazended on a tall, sharply dressed man making his way toward them.


    "Nate," she greeted smoothly, a genuine smile spreading across her face as he approached. "Right on time."


    Nate Denoit, impably dressed in a fitted midnight-blue suit, reached them and he immediately smiled, his eyes settling on Adam with interest.


    "And this must be the infamous Adam," Nate said, his voice a warm purr. He extended a hand toward Adam, who hesitated for half a second before shaking it firmly.


    "Infamous?" Adam echoed, raising an eyebrow at Mnie.


    Mnie only grinned. "I might have mentioned you and your irritable behaviour in passing."


    There was no way in high heaven was she telling this man that during one of their discussions for the inspiration of "Rise from the Dead campaign, she and Nate had a discussion regarding who was the most attractive man and she''d imed that it was Adam. His ego did not need stroking.


    But, in the next minute, Nate busted her as he said," Oh, sweetheart, she''s being modest. I feel like I already know you. Tall, handsome and looks like he could melt a woman''s panties just by looking at her? You''re practically a legend."


    Mnie felt her mouth fall open! Panty melting? Holy hell! She was being framed by her own business partner! Those were not her words! But before Mnie could deny the tant words, caught off guard by the tantpliment, she saw Adam''s ears turn pink! Wow! Nate just made Adam blush! This was... an achievement.


    But, she narrowed her eyes at Nate and defended her husband''s ''honour''. "Hey! Stop trying to flirt, okay? He is mine."


    Nate sighed, then winked at Adam. "A shame, really. But Adam, if she ever throws you out, just know that you cane to me. For now, I am going to steal Mnie away, I want her to meet this investor who wants to buy the entire collection and discuss more personalised collections for the future."


    Adam nodded," Well, that is good. Steal her away. I''ll go and get something to eat for Mnie..." And then, before Mnie walked away, he leaned closer to her and whispered in her ear," panty melting, huh? I like your descriptions but really don''t share details with outsiders, sweet melon."


    This time, Mnie was sure that it was her ears that were red... She red at his receding back. Nate was the one that made him blush but she was the one who got revenged against! How was that fair?


    However, his easy smile vanished once again as he walked away. She needed saving? From whom exactly, if she was going to be clinging to Robert Collins?


    Sudden, the room started to feel stuffy—the low hum of conversation, the soft clinking of sses, the rich scent of champagne and expensive cologne all pressing in on him. He needed air.


    He turned back for a moment, making sure that Mnie was distracted, he walked out towards the balcony.


    However, he''d barely taken a step out when a waiter stepped into his path. He was about to give the man a dressing down when the man pressed an envelope into his hand, and slinked away.


    Adam nced at the envelope in his hand and his fingers tightened around the edges.


    Stepping fully onto the balcony, he let the cool night air wash over him and took a deep breath. And then, finally, he opened the letter, scanning its contents.


    It was not much. A single sentence. "Meet me in the Private Wine Cer."


    There was no signature. And it was not even a hand written letter. So, no clue as to who was waiting for him.


    He crushed the envelope in his hand and threw it aside, into a brazier that had been ces to keep the guests outside warn, letting it burn. He then walked purposefully towards the rear of the mansion that would lead to the cer.


    He knew it could be a trap... but now that he had seen Saira... He knew he could not stop himself.