Chapter 131: Leaving Blanett Corporation

Rosalie:

The moment I heard the man say Kaiser’s name, every instinct inside me screamed one thing.

Hide.

Without thinking, I took a quick step behind Kaiser, using his broad frame to shield me from the newcomer. He reacted instantly, subtly shifting his position until he completely blocked me from view without making the movement look suspicious. It was so natural that I doubted anyone else would have noticed.

The man approaching us was in his early thirties, with blonde hair that immediately reminded me of his sister. There was a practiced confidence in every step he took.

The president of Blanett Corporation - Richard Blanett.

So this was Charlotte’s brother. Just like he had never seen me, I hadn’t seen him either. But I still recognized him from the profile picture of him I saw on Blanett Corporation’s official page.

My pulse quickened.

Richard Blanett hadn’t seen me clearly. At least, I hoped he hadn’t. Even if he didn’t recognize me, I wanted absolutely nothing to do with him. After everything that had happened in his office, drawing his attention now would be the worst possible outcome.

"Mr. Blackthorn," Richard greeted warmly as he stopped in front of us. "I didn’t expect to see you at today’s exhibition."

Kaiser offered him an equally professional smile. "President Blanett. I wasn’t aware your company was considering partnerships this quarter."

"We are always evaluating opportunities."

The two men shook hands.

I remained perfectly still behind Kaiser, barely daring to breathe.

Richard’s gaze briefly flickered toward the space behind him. "I believe someone is with you?"

Before Kaiser could answer, I quietly took another step backward. Then another. His broad shoulders continued shielding me while he smoothly redirected Richard’s attention.

"We were discussing one of the exhibition projects."

"I see."

The two men continued talking about investments, acquisitions, and market forecasts - subjects I knew Kaiser could discuss for hours if necessary even though he had no interest in business at all. But it was enough for me.

The moment Richard turned his head toward one of the nearby conference rooms, I seized the opportunity. Keeping my footsteps as silent as possible, I slipped away.

Neither man called after me.

I didn’t stop until I had rounded two corners and found myself in a quiet lounge overlooking the city. Only then did I finally let out the breath I’d been holding.

"That was way too close," I muttered.

Pulling out my phone, I quickly opened my messages.

Me: I want to leave. Meet me in the lobby?

The reply came almost immediately.

Zaiden: Five minutes.

Relief washed over me. I stayed hidden until the time had passed before making my way downstairs, carefully avoiding the exhibition hall altogether. I wasn’t eager to tempt fate by wandering into any more executives or members of Charlotte’s family.

When I stepped into the main lobby, Zaiden was already waiting.

Even standing quietly near the entrance, he drew attention without trying. Several executives surrounded him, clearly hoping to continue whatever business discussion had been interrupted.

"...Mr. Nightfang, perhaps we could schedule another meeting today?"

"We’d truly appreciate another half hour."

"Our chairman would like-"

Zaiden smiled politely, but there was finality behind it. "I’m afraid I’ll have to excuse myself."

"It won’t take long."

"I’m sure it won’t," he replied pleasantly, "but I already have other commitments."

His eyes found mine across the lobby. And the moment they did, the conversation was over.

"If you’ll excuse me." He walked straight toward me, leaving behind a visibly disappointed group of executives. "You ready?" he asked.

I nodded.

"Very."

He offered me his hand and I accepted it without hesitation. Together we crossed the lobby toward the revolving doors, ignoring the curious glances following us. Outside, a sleek black sedan was already waiting.

The driver stepped forward the instant he saw us.

Zaiden opened my door first.

"Thank you," I said softly before sliding into the back seat.

Only after making sure I was comfortably seated did Zaiden enter from the opposite side.

The driver closed the door before returning to the front. A moment later, the car pulled smoothly away from Blanett Corporation.

I didn’t realize how exhausted I was until the building disappeared behind us. Leaning back against the seat, I unlocked my phone once more.

Me: I’m heading back. Didn’t want to risk being recognized.

Kaiser’s reply appeared less than a minute later.

Kaiser: Good decision. We’ll go through everything tomorrow evening.

A soft sigh escaped me.

Me: See you tomorrow.

Kaiser: Stay safe.

I locked my phone and let out a quiet sigh. Only then did I become aware of the silence inside the car. Zaiden hadn’t said a single word since we’d left.

I slowly turned my head and found him watching me. Not casually, but intently. There was something different about his expression. Not anger. Not exactly. But a tension I couldn’t quite understand lingered in his eyes.

"...What?" I asked.

He didn’t answer. Instead, his gaze briefly dropped to the phone still resting in my hand. The air inside the car suddenly felt much heavier.

Before I could ask another question, he leaned forward and my phone disappeared from my hand.

I blinked in surprise as he effortlessly set it aside on the seat beside him.

"Zaiden-"

The rest of my sentence dissolved into a startled gasp. His hand gently framed my cheek as he closed the remaining distance between us, capturing my lips in a kiss that was unmistakably different from his usual playful teasing.

There was nothing hesitant about it. Nothing uncertain. It carried relief, worry, and emotions he’d apparently been holding back ever since he’d found me in the president’s office.

For a heartbeat I sat frozen in surprise. Then my eyes slowly closed. His thumb brushed lightly against my cheek as though reassuring himself I was truly sitting beside him, safe and unharmed. When he finally drew back, our foreheads rested together, and I could still feel the lingering concern in the way he searched my face.

"I don’t like seeing you with those alphas," he murmured quietly, his voice no longer carrying its usual calm confidence.

Only then did I fully understand where the tension had come from. He hadn’t been angry.

He’d been jealous.