?Chapter 411:


    With no support beneath her, Elena had no choice but to push against him, struggling to regain her bnce.


    Wesley’s grip on her wrists was firm, yet there was an unspoken tenderness in his hold.


    As they struggled, the temperature inside the car began to rise, the tension between them thickening the air.


    Elena’s cheeks flushed crimson from the heat of the moment.


    Realizing she couldn’t break free, she chose to conserve her energy. With a stiff expression, she spoke coolly, “Is this part of the deal of being apanion?”


    The only reason she was there that night was to fulfill a promise and repay a debt to Wesley.


    During the party, when others yfully dubbed her his girlfriend, She had let it slide during the party, epting it as part of her role for the evening. Now that her task was done, she felt no obligation to him.


    Wesley’s breathing grew heavier, his voice a low rasp. “I’m sorry. What happened tonight won’t happen again.”


    Elena was taken aback, momentarily speechless.


    Wesley slowly released her, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His fingertips grazed her skin, sending an unexpected jolt of warmth through her.


    Elena leaned back slightly, surprised.


    Wesley lowered his hand, his fingers curling as if lost in thought. He fought to suppress the heat building in his chest, allowing her some space.


    His voice was husky as he spoke again. “You’re different from those other women. This isn’t just apanion’s duty.”


    Elena was bewildered by his words. If it wasn’t part of her responsibilities, why had he drawn her in like that? She pressed her lips together, her expression sharp. “The party’s over, and I’ve kept my word.”


    Wesley’s gaze was drawn to her tightly pressed lips, her delicate features tinged with displeasure. It was clear she was upset because he had touched her. This realization ignited a storm of anger within him, rising like an uncontroble tide.


    Suppressing his fury, Wesley managed, “I’m sorry. I just couldn’t help myself.”


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    This was the second apology he offered that night. Elena didn’t understand why.


    Her brow furrowed, lips parting to question him, but Felix’s voice cut through from the front seat. “Mr. Spencer, we’ve reached the Harper vi.”


    Elena clicked her tongue in annoyance and swallowed her words. Whatever. The evening was over, and she had no intention of being Wesley’spanion again.


    With a decisive stride, Elena opened the car door and stepped out into the free night air, leaving Wesley behind.


    Wesley watched her retreating figure, resolute and unyielding, his gaze dark and inscrutable.


    Felix caught a glimpse of Wesley’s somber expression in the rearview mirror and wisely refrained from asking if they should leave. The sleek luxury car waited quietly in front of the Harper vi, time stretching taut and still. Only when a light flickered on in one of the upstairs rooms—and then faded—did Wesley finally break the silence, his voice gravelly. “Let’s go.”


    Since that night, Elena hadn’t seen Wesley for several days. After learning about the research project Wesley’spany was leading, Elena found herself increasingly intrigued. She immersed herself daily in theplex world of weapon programs. Time, as always, slipped away when she was upied.


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