Raymond, smiling, quickly made brraldast for her.
He exined that the bacon was hits secret recipe, something you couldn''t find anywhere else. The vegetables in the sd were grown in the Reid family orchard, and he had picked them at 600am that moning. Every fruit used for the juice was freshly picked...
"I really wish I had a builer like Mr. Chandler, Vespera said, consumed with envy.
"As long as you dare to gram, you can have it. Dominic said casually.
Vespera wondered if Dominic was mocking her for daydreaming.
Raymond, standing nearby, smiled even wider.
After breakfast, Raymond drove them to the airport. Their destination was Itavendale.
Dominic and Vespera took a flight to Ravendale and then traveled by car to the resort
The resort was located deep in the mountains of Ravendale, surrounded by a ring of peaks and isted from civilization. It had been transformed into a boxurious and mysterious sanctuary, hidden from the world.
With a total investment of over 23 billion, Tavian Group held a 60% stake. Aldridge Corp., which was run by Jordan, owned the remaining 40%.
Vespera had only been to Ravendale once or twice. Her impression of it was that it had beautifulndscapes and excellent air quality.
As the car drove through the bustling city, the scenery gradually opened up. The sly grew vast, and the clouds seemed endless. Vespera gazed out at the cotton- like clouds, her body rxing and her eyelids growing heavy
She leaned against the window, and before she lose it, she dozed off.
Dominic gently supported her head and moved it toward him.
The driver was nearly in shock.
They continued driving for what felt like an eternity.
Finally, the car entered the mountains,
Vespera stined awake. The first thing she saw was the view outside the window:
a mist swirling around the trees.
It felt as though she had stepped into another realm, lost in its ethereal beauty.
It was truly breathtaking.
a lush, dense forest of mountains, with distant peaks resembling a fairnd and
She sighed inwardly, marveling at the view, and shifted her shoulders into a morefortable position.
As she moved, she suddenly realized that something telt ott.
Whatnd of high-quality seat would be so warm and fragrant? It was also bouncy and perfectly soft yet firm!
She slowly tumed her head, and her eyesnded on a white shirt. Loolding up, she saw a neck and an Adam''s apple. Her heart dropped into her stomach.
"Finally awake?" A warm breath brushed over her head, lightly stirring her cheek like a feather
"Yes," Vespera munnared, pretending to be calm as she sat up from his embrace.
She brushed her hair while talking to herself, "Ah, how did I fall asleep? It must have been because Reba had me watch a horror moviest night, and I didn''t sleep well
he tried to downy the shocking reality that she had been sleeping in her boss''s
arms,
Dominic, with a lusowing smile, replied, "Ah, I see. No wonder you insisted on crawl into my ans earlier. It must be the aftermath of the horror movie." Vespera''s eyes widened in disbelief. The driver, too, was stunned.
Vespera''s mind repeatedly red the phrase "insisted on crawling into my arms".
She''d insisted on crawling into his arms!
She couldn''t believe it!
She quickly nced at the driver.
Colocidentally, the driver had been loolding in the rearview mor. When their eyes met, Vespera silently sought confirmation
The driver, caught off guard, flinched. He suppressed his guilt and muttered a sout "yes."
Vespera was stunned by his respouse, her mind going nk. It took her a while to gather the courage to Lace Dominic.
Her voice, leavy and almost magic, said, "Mr. Beid, it thus happens again, you should immediately push me away. You can shake me awake or even p me awake!
To be fair, she was certainly in the wrong, but didn''t he have any responsibility? He could have taken action! Why did he let her sleep in his arms?
Dominic replied with an expression of calm understanding, "I don''trge a habit of abusing my subiondinates."
The dover nearly choked, thinking, "Oh my god! I can''t believe this! Mr. Reid, you literally pulled Ms. ildon into your ans just now!"
Vespiera pursed her lips and remained silent-
blie couldn''t exactly say, "Mr. Reid, please abuse me. I like it..." It would sound abound and inappropriate
Sheramed to the front. It was probably best to remain silent
The cat fell into a heavy silence
This quietnesssted until they entered the resort.
The car continued to ascend the mountain, winding higher and deeper into the heart of the range. Although they had ventured deep into the mountains, the road was still well-maintained.
was thoughtfully
To make the most of the breathtaking views, a road had been painstakingly carved through the nigged terrain. Moreover, the Infrastructure was t designed to blend in with the serene surroundings
On either side of the road, antique-style bronze streemps stood out, adding a touch of charm, in the evening or early morning, when the mist began to rise, the warm glow from themps made it all the more magical.
In winter, when snow nketed the ground, the scene resembled a fairy-tale world.
The car finally came to a stop in front of the main building of a vi within the resort area.
A group of people had already gathered to wee them. It consisted of the project manager, the overall project supervisor, and the project team
Dominic and Vespera stepped out of the car.
"Mr. Reid, wee! We''re honored to have you here to oversee the progress," said the project manager as he approached them.
The overall project supervisor followed closely behind.
Since the resort was managed by Tavian Group, the project manager was from Tavian Group. Meanwhile, the overall project supervisor had been jointly selected by both Tavian group and Aldridge Corp.
Dominic greeted them, then walked toward the building. The group of people followed behind.
Inside, Vespera exchanged brief introductions with the resort''s team.
The project manager''s name was Sherwin Fletcher, while the overall project supervisor''s name was Ron Hadley.
It was 12:40 pm. Avish banquet had been prepared in the banquet hall of the main building.
Dominic was led to the hall.
Much of the time during the meal was spent with people fawning over him.
The resort''s staff wasn''t yet familiar with Dominic''s usual style, but they use from previous visits that jordan and Alex had greatly appreciated this kind of treatment.
After the meal, Sherwin took Dominic and Vespera to their amodation for the night
Sitting in the sightseeing bus taking them to the vi area, Sherwin informed Dominic that Jordan had arrived the previous attemoon, bringing along quite a few people
"He said they were all important figures from various fields, and he invited them as part of a ''trial run.
"Where are they now? Dominic asked, his brow furrowing slightly.
Sherwin, noticing the displeasure in his voice, boldly said, "They''re upying the vis by theke. They partied all night. I imagine that they are all fast asleep now, having been worn out,
"Out of the people Mr. Aldridge invited, en were women, Last night, they had a party in the big vi where Mr. Aldridge is staying. When the housekeeping stati went in this morning, they found a mess of used condoms everywhere."
Dominic and Vespera were at a loss for words.
After a brief t
pause, Vespera couldn''t hold back and asked, "Does Mr. Aldridge''s age allow him
to hapalle such activities?" Shervin shrugged "Who knows? I didn''t think it was my ce to say something.
"Mr. Aldridge is an investor in the resort. If he wants to bring people here, what can I do?"
Dominie''s expression tuned serious and cold, and be narrower his eyes slightly. What on earth was jordan trying to pull?
The sightseeing bus finally arrived at a vi with an ancient, elegant design, it exuded an otherworldly charm
Mr. Reid, I''ve heard that you enjoy peace and quiet, so i specially arranged this ce. What do you think?" Shigpwin adi.
"Perfect "Dominic nodded in approval.
Sherwin took their luggage inside and then said, "Mr. Beid, please test this afternoon. I''ll check to see it Mr. Aldridge and his group are awake. Once they''re up, I''ll join Mr. Hadley to show everyone around the resort
The resort''s inspection process would take at least forty days, but both Domande
and jordan were only here for a brief, symbolic visit.
"You can haulle it from here," Dominic said initierently-
Vespera smiled and told Sherwin, "Ma Fletcher, let me know once you''ve made
the
"Duderstood." Sherwin pulled out his phone "Ms sildon, may I have your number?"
"Of course," Vespera replied with a simile.
Dominic''s gaze turned colder when he noticed the barely concealed excitement
on Sherwin''s face.
(Chipie (142)
Vespera took out her phone and added Sherwin on WhatsApp
She wore a gentle smile that contrasted with her striking beauty. It had a soothing
effect on those who looked at her. Her cefreshing auta made her seem down-to-
earth and easy to talk to
Despite her captivating presence, those who truly knew her could sense the detachment within her.
"Ms. Gildan, you''re as pretty as your profile picture." Sherwin was so mesmerized
by her beauty that be momentarily forgot Dominic was there as well.
"Thank you" Vespera happily epted thepliment.
Just as Sherwin was about to engage in small talk, a colid voice sent a shiver
down his spine, bursting his bubble.
"Mt. Fletcher, aren''t you busy?"
Sherwin''s chest tightened. He would have been a fool not to notice the
displeasure in Dominic''s tone.
Quickly, he put away his phone.
"Yes, I shall take my leave," he said hurriedly.
Then, he fled the scene at lightning speed.
Vespera put her phone away and turned to see Dominic''s gloomy expression. His
mood must have been affected by Jordan. Sherwin had just been unlucky enough
to get caught in the crossfire.
"Mr. Reid, I''ll take the luggage upstairs.
She picked them up and headed for the stairs.
A woody, fresh scent enveloped her, and the weight of the suitcase disappeared
from her hands.
She tumed in shock to see him carrying her suitcase. The CEO was carrying his
secretary''s luggage-it almost felt as if their roles were reversed. appropriate conduct.
Judging by her expression, he seemed to have read her mind.
"I''ve told you before, I don''t enjoy abusing my employees," he said casually.
Without waiting for a reply, he had gone up the stairs.
It wasn''t
She wondered if he treated every female employee with such care. In her mind,
he was acting strangely because carrying a few suitcases was far from abuse.
Still, she didn''t dwell on the thought and followed him upstairs.
The upper floor had a master bedroom, two guest rooms, and a study,
Naturally, Dominic would stay in the master bedroom. She left her suitcase in one
of the guest rooms before going to unpack his
As she hung his clothes on the rack, she recalled the detailed list Gerard had sent
her of Dominic''s preferences, She had read it thoroughly, and i everything from
his favorite food to has sense of style.
it covered
Suddenly, a thought struck her. Gerard yed the role of Dominic''s wife more
than anything. There was no difference between what he did and what a devoted spouse would do.
Memories from her past surfaced. She had once been someone''s dedicated wife. No matter how exhausted she was from work, she woulde home and cook that bastard''s favorite meal.
The fridge and pantry had always been stocked with his favorite drinks. Every sult in the closet had been ironed and paired with a tie.
She had made everything conventent for him. Ensuring that he could wake up,
throw on any suit, and still look perfect,
She had done such a perfect job that it had sent him straight into another woman''s arms.
Love had made her blind, and the taste of betrayal had been bitter.
If love ever knoched on her door again, she would m it slut without hesitation
she would be toolish to ever trust a mun apabil "My Gildon, do you hate that shart so much?"
Vespera snapped out of her thoughts. She looked down and realized she had
been gripping his shit, wrinkling it in her hands. She hadn''t even noticed him enter
Tim really sorry
She soothed the fabric with her palins, trying to straightendi - "as sohing
bothering you?" The asked, handing her his coat.
She took it from him and hung it in
in the closet
the
Vespera brushed it off, unwilling to continue the conversation
She wasn''t used to opening up and held herself back, even when it was Reba
Noticing that Dominic was still standing beside her without any intention of
leaving, she tried to luck natural and turned to him.
"Are you taking anything else off?"
The words slipped out before she could stop them. Her brain and tongue were
The room fell intoplete silence.
if pants.
Vespera''s fare turned pale. She couldn''t believe what she had just sail, especially
since Dominic was already down to his dress shirt and suit
There was nothing else for him to take off.
At that moment, she would have rather mmed her head against the wall than
exin that she had meant to ask if he needed anything else.
She had no intention of suggesting he take oft more clothing. As her mind
scrambled for a way to recover, he broke the silence. "No, thank you I wouldn''t want to catch a cold," he replied eamestly.
Before leaving the room, he nced at her with a mixed expression Vespera''s stomach twisted. The look on his face was impossible to read, but the
thought that he might see her as a perverted secretary who wanted him to undress
(was unbearable
Worse, he might think of himself as too righteous toply
Gripping the closet door, she wished she could disappear.
Quickly, she finished hanging his clothes, ironed the shirt, and left his room
without looking back.
This incident proved she needed to stay focused at work
Back in her room, she tooka moment to recover from the shock. Once she
calmed down, she started unpacking.
An hourter, a message from Sherwin popped up in her phone:
"Ms. Gildon, Mr. Aldridge is awake. He wanted to inform you that it''s gettingte,
and the tour will be held tomorrow instead. Apart from that, he extends a wine-
tasting invitation to Mr. Reid at his vi tonight.
She scoffed at the message, realizing this was likely an excuse to entertain
Dominic with the ten beautiful women he had brought along. "Alright, F''ll let him know."
She got up and headed to the master bedroom, Knocking twice on the door, she
received no response.
He was probably taking an afternoon nap. Then again, he could be in the shower,
getting changed, or even on a video call with a pretty boy.
She decided it wasn''t urgent now that the tour had been rescheduled, so she left.
Another hour passed before Sherwin sent another message.
"Mr. Aldridge wares to confirm if Mr. Reid ising over. He also said that if he
doesn''t want to leave his room, he could bring his start ande over instead. What a sly old mat
Vesperachuckled at Sherwings remark
"Mr. Krid is asleep, so I haven''t had the chance to ask him yet. Have Mc. Aldige
wait a bit longer, and I''ll get him an answer."
Whenever they had to ry messages between higher ups, they had to be on their toes. A small mistake could end their career. Understanding the sentiment
behind his emoji, vespeta sent back a consolling smiley Lace.
She put away her phone and loved on Dominic''s door again. This time, le
tespanded
After receiving permission, she stepped inside. He stood by the window with his
back to her, seemingly absorbed in the view outside.
His bed was perfectly neat, untouched hustead of his eatles attire, he was now diessed in beige gisy loungewear.
It turned out he had beenclunging, not sleeping
jete something you need?" He taped to fave her.
"Mr. Aldridge contacted us twier. The fint time was an hour ago. He said it was
gettingte, so the tour has been rescheduled for tow. He also invited you for awie Tasting session. The second time was just now he said if you weren''t going to his ce, be woulde to yours instead," she exined.
"There was no response when Iunched ratller, so I made the call to keep him waiting a little longer," she added.
Dominic let out a light chockle
"That''s quite alright. Let''s leave him hanging.
He nced at the watch on his wrist.
Tell ML. Pleichen to inform Aldridge that I''ll be that you pin sharp."
tu
"Sure," Vespera answered,
It was clear Jordan had bad intentions, and she wondered if she should give
Dominica heads-up. She wouldn''t stand for it if her boss dove into a cesspool of
debauchery.