Chapter 443 - 446: Keeping the Appointment, Seduction

Claire Bennett drove back to her residence, her heart brimming with joy and bliss. She was filled with anticipation for her upcoming dinner with Adrian Lancaster.

The entire way, a smile she couldn’t hide played on her lips.

’It’s been so long since I’ve had dinner with him. I have to make a great impression tonight.’

The moment the car came to a stop, Claire Bennett rushed into her home. She casually stripped off her jacket and pants, tossing them onto the entryway cabinet before making a beeline for the bathroom in her underwear.

She was going to take a shower, making sure every inch of her body exuded a captivating scent. Then she would wash her hair until it was just as fragrant.

Half an hour later.

Claire Bennett walked into her walk-in closet, wrapped in a bath towel.

Her gaze swept across rows of haute couture and designer labels. She dismissed all the warm, heavy winter garments and carefully selected a sexy, black velvet slip dress.

The form-fitting cut perfectly accentuated her delicate curves, and the neckline dipped just low enough to reveal her exquisite collarbones and slender neck.

The hem reached her ankles, hiding the prosthetic on her left leg.

Wearing this dress alone would be freezing in the dead of winter, but Claire Bennett didn’t care in the slightest.

In her mind, nothing was more important than captivating Adrian Lancaster and seizing the opportunity tonight presented.

Claire Bennett stood before the full-length mirror, let her towel drop, and slowly slipped into the velvet dress.

The velvet fabric clung to her skin, its soft, natural sheen making her figure all the more seductive and bewitching.

To keep the look from seeming too deliberate or vulgar, she paired it with a sharply tailored, short, black fur jacket.

Delicate fur peeked out from the cuffs and collar. It gave the illusion of warmth, but in reality, it did little to ward off the harsh winter chill.

The jacket was draped loosely over her shoulders, giving her an even more languid, sexy air. Every movement revealed the lines of her shoulders, exuding feminine charm.

Next, Claire Bennett went into her dressing room, sat at the vanity, and began to apply her makeup.

She abandoned her usual light, "no-makeup" look, opting for richer, warm-toned makeup instead.

She carefully sculpted her brows and blended her eyeshadow for a captivating, alluring effect.

The slight upward flick of her eyeliner held a hint of seduction.

A dusting of fine glitter shimmered faintly under the light.

A sweep of light blush on her cheeks added a hint of demure color.

She coated her lips in a vintage wine-red lipstick—vibrant, yet undeniably sexy.

Claire Bennett adjusted her makeup in the mirror again and again, obsessing over every detail until she was one hundred percent perfect.

Her hair was meticulously styled into soft, voluminous waves that cascaded over her shoulders. A few loose tendrils clung to the side of her neck, adding to her delicate charm.

She had carefully selected a delicate diamond clavicle necklace, dainty earrings, and a fine bracelet for her wrist. Each accessory was chosen with care, all to make herself look so perfect and beautiful that Adrian Lancaster wouldn’t be able to tear his eyes away.

Looking at her vibrant, sexy reflection, Claire Bennett’s eyes gleamed with determination. A triumphant smile touched her lips.

Once she was ready, she picked up the limited-edition clutch that matched her outfit and headed out, feeling wonderful.

The moment the cold wind hit, a chill ran over her exposed skin.

Still, Claire Bennett kept her back straight and her pace unhurried.

’Of course, a date with the man you like calls for a Western restaurant.’

Claire Bennett booked a table at the most luxurious Western restaurant in Aston and sent the details to Adrian Lancaster.

President Lancaster, eight o’clock tonight at Xylos. I’ll be waiting for you.

...

Neon lights glowed in the night.

Adrian Lancaster’s car pulled up to the entrance of Xylos. He dismissed his driver, telling him not to wait.

The elegant, European-style building was bathed in light, exuding an air of reserved and quiet luxury.

Dressed in an impeccably tailored dark suit, Adrian Lancaster stood tall and straight. His features held their usual cool indifference as he pushed open the door and strode into the restaurant.

Inside, the lighting was warm and soft, and quiet music drifted through the air, which was scented with red wine and perfume.

A waiter approached, respectfully leading him toward a private booth by the window.

Claire Bennett was already waiting. As soon as she saw Adrian Lancaster approaching, a gentle smile blossomed on her face, and she quickly rose to greet him, taking a couple of steps forward.

She gently slipped the short black fur jacket from her shoulders, casually draping it over the back of her chair.

The black velvet slip dress she wore underneath was now on full display.

The form-fitting fabric traced every delicate curve of her body. Her exquisite collarbones were just visible, her neck long and graceful.

The hem fell perfectly to her ankles, and her posture was elegant and poised.

The warm lighting played on the velvet, giving it a soft, delicate sheen that made her skin seem as fair as jade.

Her carefully applied makeup looked even more alluring in the soft light. The slight upward flick of her eyeliner held a subtle invitation, and her every move was steeped in feminine grace and charm.

Claire Bennett deliberately slowed her movements. As she sat, she angled her body slightly, leaving the line of her shoulder subtly exposed. Her gaze softened as it landed on Adrian Lancaster.

"President Lancaster, you’re right on time." Her voice was soft and cloying, like a girlfriend trying to be cute with her boyfriend.

As she spoke, she nonchalantly lifted a hand to sweep her wavy hair over her shoulder. A few strands brushed against her neck as she gazed at Adrian Lancaster, her eyes full of affection.

Adrian Lancaster sat down opposite her, his expression as placid as ever, his eyes betraying no emotion.

His gaze swept coolly over Claire Bennett’s revealing attire, taking in her deliberately flaunted charms and thinly veiled intentions. A chill spread through him.

Adrian Lancaster remained outwardly impassive, maintaining a distant, gentlemanly air. His thin lips parted slightly. "There was no traffic today," he said, his tone detached.

Soft, melodious jazz music drifted through the restaurant.

The warm yellow light spilled across the table, illuminating the exquisite silverware and stemmed wine glasses. The atmosphere was both luxurious and intimate.

Claire Bennett leaned forward slightly, her elbows resting lightly on the table in a deliberate pose that elongated the lines of her neck.

With a faint smile in her eyes, she kept her adoring gaze fixed on Adrian Lancaster.

"President Lancaster, I took the liberty of ordering for us already. I hope it’s to your liking."

Her voice was saccharine sweet, with a deliberately soft, girlish lilt.

Adrian Lancaster’s fingertips tapped lightly on the table. His expression was impassive, betraying no emotion.

"That’s fine."

Just then, a waiter approached slowly, pushing a serving cart.

One by one, he set down a French-style puréed soup, pan-seared steak, exquisite appetizers, and red wine.

Claire Bennett took the initiative, picking up the wine bottle and elegantly pouring a glass for Adrian Lancaster.

As she leaned over, the neckline of her dress dipped just so, making her delicate collarbones all the more striking.

"It’s such a rare opportunity to dine alone with you, President Lancaster. It’s my honor, and I’m incredibly happy. Thank you for accepting my invitation. I’d like to propose a toast."

Claire Bennett raised her glass, her eyes crinkling in a smile.

Adrian Lancaster looked up at her, his dark eyes unfathomably deep. He calmly raised his glass and touched it lightly to hers.

The glasses chimed with a clear, light sound. Claire Bennett took a sip of the red wine, the vintage staining her lips and adding to her allure.

Using the motion of sipping her wine, she adjusted her posture, crossing her legs lightly. The skirt’s hem fell naturally, perfectly concealing her ankles and the secret of her prosthetic left leg.

"Thank you again, President Lancaster, for patiently teaching me to golf this afternoon. It’s a shame I’m such a slow learner; I just can’t seem to get the hang of it."

"I wonder if I’ll be able to ask for your guidance again the next time we meet."

As she spoke, Claire Bennett lifted a hand to tuck her wavy hair behind her ear, her fingertips grazing the side of her neck. The movement was languid and alluring, her eyes—filled with undisguised affection—seemed intent on ensnaring Adrian Lancaster’s heart.

Adrian Lancaster didn’t look at her. He methodically cut his steak, his movements refined and composed, maintaining his usual air of detached indifference.

"We’ll see next time."

That answer snagged Claire Bennett’s heart. She secretly interpreted it as tacit permission.

’It seems Adrian is looking forward to our next date, too.’

’This is wonderful.’

Claire Bennett hadn’t expected things to go so smoothly.

A thrill of secret joy surged through her. Her eyes danced with unconcealed triumph, and her expression grew even more soft and alluring.

The overhead light illuminated her face, a faint smile playing on her wine-red lips. She took the opportunity to pick up the wine bottle and pour Adrian Lancaster another glass.

She leaned forward slightly, her shapely figure partially revealed, her intentions perfectly clear.

"You can really hold your liquor, President Lancaster. I’ll have another glass with you."

Adrian Lancaster didn’t refuse. He had seen through Claire Bennett’s intentions long ago. To confirm her identity, he had no choice but to play along.

Claire Bennett happily clinked glasses with Adrian Lancaster, chatting with him in a soft voice to keep his attention.

’I’ll slowly get him tipsy,’ she thought, ’and then I’ll have a chance to get close to him and bring us closer together.’

The jacket on Claire Bennett’s shoulders slipped down slightly, her wavy hair falling languidly. Every now and then, she would glance up at him, her eyes full of affection—a deliberately flaunted charm.

She was utterly convinced that with her figure and her display of affection, she could surely stir something in Adrian Lancaster.

Icy ridicule was hidden in the depths of Adrian Lancaster’s eyes, but his expression remained impassive. He played along, accepting her offers and calmly downing one glass of red wine after another.

His face gradually took on a languid, weary look. His gaze grew hazy and unfocused as he feigned a state of drunkenness.

He slowed his movements, leaned back in his chair, and waved a hand. "I can’t drink anymore."

His voice was low and magnetic. To Claire Bennett, it sounded incredibly sexy and seductive.

Unable to suppress her delight, she immediately set down her glass, stood, and walked over to Adrian Lancaster’s side.

"President Lancaster, have you had too much to drink?" she asked, her voice soft with concern. "You’re looking a little flushed."

"It’s all my fault. I only meant to express my gratitude, I never thought I’d get you drunk."

"I’m so sorry, I really didn’t mean to. President Lancaster, you’re not mad at me, are you?"

Adrian Lancaster averted his gaze, refusing to look at her as she drew near.

"It has nothing to do with you. My tolerance just isn’t what it used to be."

"You’re being modest, President Lancaster. You’ve always been able to hold your liquor."

Claire Bennett couldn’t wait any longer. She reached out and took hold of Adrian Lancaster’s arm, her own arm sliding to link with his as her fingertips brushed subtly against his skin.

"Still, it’s best to stop when you’ve had enough. Your health is what’s most important."

"Since you don’t want to drink anymore, President Lancaster, let me take you home. I won’t be able to rest easy until I see you walk through your front door."

Adrian Lancaster clenched his jaw, fighting back a wave of nausea to keep from shoving Claire Bennett away.

’I’ve come this far. If I turn on her now, it will all have been for nothing.’

He squinted, feigning a groggy stupor, and nodded. "Then I’ll be in your hands."

"It’s no trouble at all. It’s the least I can do."

Claire Bennett was ecstatic. Listening to her own heart thumping—THUMP, THUMP, THUMP—she intimately supported Adrian Lancaster out of the restaurant.

A waiter came forward to help, but she rejected him with a cold, "That won’t be necessary."

Claire Bennett carefully helped Adrian Lancaster into her own luxury car, thoughtfully fastening his seatbelt for him.

She walked around to the driver’s seat and started the car, her mood bright.

Claire Bennett had no intention of taking Adrian Lancaster home. Instead, she followed a route she had already planned in her head, driving toward a secluded, high-end resort hotel on the outskirts of Aston.