Chapter 147

Chapter 147:

Adrian lifted a hand, cutting Frederick off before he could speak, his voice calm but commanding. “Hold off for now p>

Frederick blinked, caught off guard by the sudden restraint.

Adrian’s gaze stayed steady, though a hard edge underlined his words. “I’m tracing the source of the post. We’ve got leads. I want solid, airtight proof before we strike—then we’ll release everything at once and turn the story completely on its head p>

Sophie studied his unwavering confidence and nodded slowly. “Alright… I trust you p>

After leaving the hospital, Adrian guided Sophie into his hotel.

Her eyes widened as she stepped inside. “Wait… you’re staying here? A presidential suite?” she exclaimed, taking in the vast, luxurious space.

Adrian shut the door behind them with a casual motion, his tone teasingly light. “Company expense p>

Before she could comment further, he moved closer, effortlessly drawing her into his embrace.

𝘈𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘰𝘯

The warmth of her body pressed against his, the subtle scent of her hair—he felt a dizzying pull he hadn’t expected. He had always prided himself on being rational, in control, impervious to sentiment.

Her kindness, talent, and resilience had first drawn him in, the spark of her soul igniting something he thought he could never feel. Now, as he held her close, every rational barrier dissolved. He wanted to touch her, kiss her, and claim her.

Adrian realized in that instant he was no different from anyone else. A need he could not explain pulsed through him, stronger than anything he had braced himself for.

“Did you lose some weight, or is it just my imagination?” Adrian asked, letting his fingers trace along her waist, a note of concern coloring his words.

“Of course not! It’s only been a couple of days,” Sophie responded, laughing as she swatted his hand away and twisted out of his arms, cheeks burning.

“You sure about that?” Adrian pulled her even closer. He rested his chin on top of her head, his voice dropping to a gentle murmur. “Feels like it’s been ages since I last saw you p>

He didn’t wait for her answer. He pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

A moment meant to be fleeting quickly grew heated, the kiss stretching into something deeper, more intense. Their breath tangled together. He kissed Sophie as though the last two days had left him starving for this closeness.

Then, a shrill ringtone cut through their private moment.

Adrian’s brows drew together, but he refused to move. The phone kept ringing, relentless and loud.

Sophie nudged him back, her face flushed and her breathing uneven. “You’re supposed to be working, Adrian. Go on, I can handle myself just fine p>

He gave in, though his reluctance showed as he pinched her cheek and smiled. “Let me know if you need anything, alright p>

He started to pull a card from his wallet, thinking to hand it over. But Sophie caught his hand, her eyes sparkling with mischief even as she put on a mock-serious frown. “What are you up to, Adrian? Are you trying to slip me your secret stash p>

Adrian only chuckled and lifted his shoulders. “Just a little something for emergencies. You never know p>

Sophie let out a bright laugh and waved him off. “Please, I’m not broke! I’ve got my own cash, you know. I’m practically loaded these days. Don’t go looking down on me p>

With a soft sigh, Adrian smiled in surrender. That insistent ringtone went off again, practically shooing him out of the room.

One hand on the door, Adrian glanced over his shoulder, not quite ready to leave. Sophie was crouched, digging through her things, but she caught his eye and paused.

A jolt of impulse sent Adrian striding right back to her. He caught her face in his hands and kissed her, deep and playful, like he was punishing her for being so irresistible. Only when she batted his shoulder, pretending to be annoyed, did he let her go.

“Adrian! That’s enough!” Sophie covered her lips, still tingling from the kiss, and shot him a mock glare.

“Already sick of me?” Adrian teased, pretending to pout, though the sparkle in his eyes gave him away. “You’re breaking my heart here p>

“I’m not sick of you. Now hurry up and get to work!” Sophie exclaimed, cheeks burning as she shoved him toward the door, half-afraid he might pull her in for another stolen kiss.