15

ADELINE’S POV

I walked out of the conference room after a grueling five-hour meeting with new investors and my company lawyers.

The contract negotiations had been intense, and I felt completely drained. I stepped into my office with my secretary, Clarissa, and collapsed on the seat.

"Do I have any other schedule for the day?" I asked her, my voice betraying my exhaustion.

"You have dinner with Matt at 8, but I can contact his secretary and cancel if you're not up for it," she replied calmly, though I knew she was concerned.

"No, don't," I said, shaking my head.

Clarissa had been with me for four years. She was more than just my secretary; she was my confidante and always looked out for me.

I had promised Matt this dinner, and I had already postponed it once. I might as well get it over with.

"Tell the driver to bring the car to the front," I instructed, ready to leave the office.

"You can't go to dinner looking like that," Clarissa said quietly, her eyes scanning me. I glanced down a