Perry sent her a message. “Celine, the Tate family has fallen for a scam. I did some digging. This fake Dr. C is part of a fraud syndicate. It turns out that most of the Tate family members are gamblers. This time, they might lose everything.”


    Celine wanted to reply, but before she could, her phone vibrated. She nced at the screen, and her heart skipped a beat. The caller was none other than


    Adam.


    She couldn’t believe Adam was calling her. Why was he calling her? Wasn’t he supposed to be with Carly? novelbin


    Celine had no idea why he suddenly decided to call, so she didn’t answer. The phone buzzed again and again. He kept calling until finally, the calls stopped


    Celiney in bed. It waste now, yet sleep eluded her. A soft locking broke the silence as she turned onto her side. Someone was at the door. Who could


    The knocks came again, firm and deliberate. The rhythm echoed with an unyielding strength.


    Celine slipped out of bed and cautiously opened the door. <b>Standing </b>in the dimly lit hallway was a tall, imposing figure. It was Adam.


    The hospital corridor was eerily quiet at this hour, and the faint light from overhead fixtures <b>cast </b>long shadows on his chiseled features. His broad


    shoulders carried the chill of the night. He stood there, bathed in half–light, his deep ck eyes fixed intently on her.


    Celine’s heart thudded heavily in her chest by his sudden appearance in the <b>middle </b>of the night. Why was he herei


    Adam’s gaze bore into hers as he spoke, “Why didn’t you answer my calls?” His low, husky voice tinged with a gravelly warmth.


    “I didn’t hear them.” Celine stood by the door.


    He <b>didn’t </b>believe her. A smirk tugged at the <b>corner </b>of his thin lips. “You spent the whole day with Nathan but couldn’t <b>spare </b>a moment to take my call?” Celine’s fingers curled “Mr. Alvarez, it’ste. You should go. If there’s anything important, we can talk tomorrow.”


    She moved to close the door, but it wouldn’t budge. His lovee had slid between the frame and the door, holding it firmly open.


    Celine had no <b>choice </b>but to look up, her clear eyes meeting his unwavering gaze. “Mr. Alvarez, what exactly do you want?”


    “Do you n to keep standing there and talking to me through the doorway? Either Ie in, or youe out.” His domineering tone left no room for negotiation.


    Not wanting to disturb Nathan, Celine reluctantly stepped out into the hallway. Adam didn’t waste <b>a </b>moment. He took her hand and pulled her along Her hand was small and soft against his firm grip, Celine was unsure where he was bringing her, but his touch was warm, almost unnaturally so. The seductive scent was probably still in effect.


    Celine didn’t know what had gotten to him or how he and Carly were doing She didn’t want to know either.


    Celine struggled to free herself. “Mr. Alvarez, let go of me!


    Adam didn’t. He led her to an empty stairwell, then turned abruptly. <b>With </b>a swift motion, he pressed her against the cold wall, trapping her between the unyielding surface and his solid frame.


    Celine tried to push him away. “Mr. <b>Alvarez</b>, what are you <b>doing </b>” Adam’s handsome face blocked her vision as he started kissing her. Celine’s mind went nk. The kiss was forceful. His hand braced against the wall beside her head, caging her in as his lips imed hers.


    Realizing what was happening, Celine fought back. “Let me go!” She turned her head to escape his <b>kiss</b><b>. </b>


    Adam’s heavy breathing filled the small space as he stared at her. “You asked what I wanted. This. Is the answer good enough for you?”