Chapter 16

Stella's POV

Just when I was lost in his passionate kiss, even expecting his hands to slip under my dress, he suddenly pulled away.The abrupt loss of contact left me feeling strangely empty and frustrated.

Damn it. Am I not attractive enough? Why did he stop?I fought down the irrational surge of disappointment. Bastard,playing with me like this.

"I..." I cleared my throat,trying to steady my voice.′′Ican only make salad. If you want anything else, I can try-though I can't guarantee the taste."

Adam's mouth curved into that dangerous smile that always made my pulse skip. "The famous New York socialite can't even cook? What did the Winstons teach you?""Mr. Lancaster." I met his gaze steadily, despite the lingering effects of his kiss. "Since when does being a socialite require culinary expertise? That title was given to me, not something I chose. Besides," I lifted my chin, "I am not belong to the Winstons anymore." ′′Diid you?" His thumb traced my bottom lip, still sensitive from his earlier assault. "Then what do you belong to now, Mrs.Lancaster?"

Before I could answer, he released me and turned to his desk."If you're so eager to show gratitude, perhaps you can make yourself useful." He pulled out a stack of documents. "These need translating."

I moved closer, curiosity getting the better of me. The papers were filled with complex financial data in multiple languages.My blood ran cold as I spotted familiar account numbers.Rouge's offshore accounts.

"Something wrong?" His voice held that dangerous edge again.

"No," I kept my tone light, "just surprised by the complexity."Stay calm. Don't give anything away.

I started translating, hyper-aware of his eyes on me. The documents revealed a tangled web of shell companies, all designed to obscure the true ownership of Rouge nightclub.Thank God there's nothing directly linking it to me.

"Impressive." Adam's voice cut through my concentration.′′FOr someone with no business experience, you understand financial documents remarkably well." shrugged, pretending to keep casual. "Basic business knowledge is essential for anyone in New York society. You pick things up.11 "Do you?" He leaned forward, and that maddening cologne of his made it hard to think straight. ' l

ike how to run a successful nightclub. perhaps?"

My heart nearly stopped. He knows it is me running Rouge?"I don't know anything about that."

"No?" His smile turned predatory. "Perhaps I should buy Rouge as a wedding gift for you. What does Mrs. Lancaster think about that?"

"That's not necessary." I kept my voice steady despite the panic clawing at my chest. "I've never had any interest in any nightclub. I wouldn't even know how to manage one."

"Really?" His fingers wrapped around my wrist, sending sparks of electricity up my arm."For someone with 'no experience,'you handled those dice like a professional that night."

Don't react. Don't give him the satisfaction. "Mr. Lancaster,are you suggesting I learned to play dice in nightclubs? I thought you had a higher opinion of your wife."

His grip tightened fractionally. "My wife seems to be full of surprises lately. The piano performance tonight, for instance."

"I thought you'd appreciate that." I met his gaze. "After all,you did allow me to use your mother's piano." Something unsure flickered in those green eyes. "Mother taught you well, it seems." "She was kind to me." I softened my voice. "Unlike some people."

His jaw ticked. "And what exactly did my mother teach you,Mrs. Lancaster?"

"That some secrets are worth keeping." I held his gaze.

For a moment, neither of us moved. The tension crackled between us like lightning before a storm.

"Interesting philosophy." His thumb traced circles on my inner wrist. "Though I prefer a more... direct approach."

′′Dco you?" I fought to keep my voice steady as his touch sent shivers down my spine. "Is that why you're so interested in Rouge?"

"Perhaps I'm more interested in its mysterious owner." He whispered in my ear and I could even feel the heat radiating from his body.

He's fishing. He doesn't have proof. "Sounds complicated.I prefer simpler investments."′′Dco you?" His lips brushed my ear, his voice dropping to that dangerous voice. One hand tangled in my hair, tilting my head back. "And what pleasures interest Mrs. Lancaster?" "Art." I tried to sound composed, but my voice betrayed me with a slight tremor as his other hand traced dangerous patterns on my hip. "Fashion. Things I.. actually understand."

"Hmm." His teeth grazed my neck, making me gasp. "And yet you read those financial documents so... fluently."

His tongue darted out to soothe the spot he'd just bitten."Makes me wonder what else that clever mouth of yours can do.11

"Mr. Lancaster." I pushed against his chest, needing space to think clearly. "What exactly are you implying?"

He released me suddenly, leaving me cold despite the room's warmth. "Nothing at all, Mrs. Lancaster. You may go."

The dismissal stung, but not as much as the loss of his touch.I gathered what dignity I had left on shaky legs and headed for the door.

"Oh, and Stella?" His voice stopped me in my tracks.′′Nxt time you want to thank me... skip the amateur cooking attempt. I prefer... other forms of gratitude."

Heat flooded my cheeks as I fled to my room. I collapsed onto my bed, mind racing. He suspects something about Rouge. But how much does he know? The memory of his kiss still burned on my lips, making it hard to focus. Stop it. He's just trying to throw you off balance.

I touched my wrist where his fingers had been, remembering how easily he'd seen through my attempt at gratitude. All I wanted was to quietly run my business and live freely. Why won't they let me?

A bitter laugh escaped me. Here I was, supposedly one of New York's most eligible socialites, sneaking around like a criminal just to maintain my independence.

My phone buzzed with a message from Sam: "Everything okay?

You look stressed in the photos from the gala."

"Adam knows something about Rouge," I typed back. "He had the offshore account documents."

"Shit. How much?"

"Not sure. But he's definitely suspicious."

I stared at the ceiling, exhaustion settling into my bones. I just wanted a simple life. Was that too much to ask?