Chapter 5 - His Eyes Only

📖 Chapter 23: His Eyes Only

The office air was too quiet.

Arielle could feel Leonard's eyes on her again—sharp, unreadable, and impossibly distracting. Ever since Mr. Zhang from the media group had offered her that extended handshake and complimented her "charming smile," Leonard had changed.

He hadn't said a word during the entire meeting, but his jaw had tightened, and his signature pen clicked just a bit too aggressively.

Now, back in his office, she was filing a report when he finally spoke.

"Is he someone you know?"

Arielle blinked. "Mr. Zhang?"

Leonard didn't look up from his laptop. "You two seemed… familiar."

She raised an eyebrow. "We spoke for two minutes."

"That's long enough," he muttered.

A beat of silence passed before Arielle let out a soft chuckle. "Mr. Crawford, are you… jealous?"

Leonard's eyes snapped up to meet hers. "Of course not. Don't be ridiculous."

But his ears were a little red.

She smirked. "Noted. I'll be sure to avoid smiling during meetings from now on."

"Arielle," he said, voice low, "you know that's not what I meant."

Just as she was about to tease him again, his phone buzzed. He picked it up, scanned the screen, and frowned.

"My mother is hosting a charity gala this Saturday," he said. "She's expecting… us."

Arielle stiffened. "You mean—me? As in your contract wife?"

Leonard nodded. "She doesn't know it's a contract."

Of course she didn't.

Arielle sighed, crossing her arms. "Do I get a plus-one? Maybe I'll invite Mr. Zhang."

Leonard's expression darkened instantly.

"No. You go with me," he said firmly. "And wear something red."

Her heart skipped a beat. He didn't explain why

He didn't have to.

Because the way he looked at her now… told her everything.