Chapter 13
“So you’re Mr. Thorne! Wow, I had no idea you’d be so young p>
Her voice dropped to this sickeningly sweet, breathy tone.
Ryder looked up, his confused gaze carrying a hint of scrutiny.
Gemma quickly pulled out a business card from her bag, presenting it respectfully with a slight bow that revealed a glimpse of pale skin at her
neckline:
“Mr. Thorne, hi! I’m Gemma Knox, your company’s chocolate supplier this year. Such a pleasure to meet you–I really hope you’ll consider my business For original chapters go to
for future needs p>
Her eyes were laser–focused on him, radiating undisguised admiration and ambition.
Ryder gave a cold “mm–hmm” and returned his attention to his tablet.
His elegant fingers swiped across the screen as his lips delivered an icy dismissal:
“Handle everything through Manager Rivers p>
That ice–cold rejection hit Gemma like a bucket of freezing water.
Her smile froze mid–expression, embarrassment and humiliation washing over her face.
She awkwardly pulled back her business card, a flash of resentment and spite flickering in her eyes.
Then suddenly, as if remembering something, she slowly turned to look at me with a malicious smirk.
She deliberately pitched her voice to that nauseating sweetness–loud enough for everyone in the lounge to hear clearly:
“Well, old friend, I’m heading out! About that money we discussed… we’ll chat more about that later p>
The air seemed to freeze for a moment.
Ryder, who’d been focused on his tablet, immediately looked up at me with narrowed eyes:
“What money p>
His voice was quiet but carried that unmistakable authoritative pressure of someone used to being obeyed.
My heart skipped a beat, a flash of “panic” crossing my face.
I quickly composed myself and looked at Gemma, clearing my throat:
“Don’t worry, I’ll have finance process the final payment ASAP. Just head home and wait for confirmation p>
Watching me desperately try to steer the conversation back to normal business territory, Gemma let out a delighted giggle.
Her gaze bounced between me and Ryder, practically vibrating with excitement at the drama:
“Oh my, Manager Rivers, I would never pressure you! Just… thanks for taking care of everything p>
She left us with one loaded look.
Then sashayed away, practically skipping to the elevator.
Once Gemma disappeared into the elevator, Ryder dropped his stern expression.
He nuzzled my shoulder affectionately, his voice dropping to a whisper with a hint of seeking approval:
Chapter 4
‘How’d I do, wifey? Was my glare intimidating enough p>
couldn’t help but laugh, reaching up to ruffle his hair:
Not bad, not bad. Bronze medal performance p>
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.