Shalma Hughes instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes from the glare. When she lowered it, a limited-edition Rolls-Royce with unparalleled, sleek lines was already parked in front of her.
The car window slowly rolled down, faintly revealing a tall, straight silhouette sitting inside like an elegant sculpture.
"Aren't you getting in?" A crisp yet profoundly mellow voice wafted over, as intoxicating as fine wine.
The interior of the vehicle was lavish and opulent, yet every detail radiated a clean, minimalist elegance. As Shalma got inside, a wave of cold air instantly hit her. It wasn't from the car's air conditioning, but rather from the other person in the backseat.
"Didn't you say you wouldn't be back until the weekend? Why are you back so early?" Shalma smiled playfully. She leaned over on her own accord, wrapping both hands around the man's arm in a coy, affectionate manner.
Julian Winslow's cool, indifferent eyes flickered. "The project finished ahead of schedule, so I came back."
Shalma murmured a soft response before adding, "I've had my eye on a limited-edition Chanel bag lately. Can you buy it for me?" As she spoke, she leaned in and pressed a kiss to his aloof cheek.
As a good lover, one sometimes had to know how to take the initiative—especially when asking for a favor. However, he had always been generous and never mistreated her materially.
"I'll buy it," Julian said faintly, his tone devoid of any discernible emotion.
Shalma's beautiful eyes rolled thoughtfully. "Could you just give me the money this time? I'll go buy it myself. I feel bad bothering Assistant Sutton every time."
"You? Feeling bad?" His tone carried absolute skepticism.
"Of course. Of course I feel bad."
Before long, the car pulled into the largest hotel in Aethelgard.
The driver swiftly navigated into the VIP-exclusive driveway. Everyone understood what this meant! A hotel was, after all, a hotel. Aside from hosting banquets and receiving VIPs, its greatest purpose was naturally providing rooms for people to sleep together.
Shalma stepped out of the car first, making her way down the familiar corridor just as she always did. The moment she entered the lobby, the manager was already waiting respectfully with a room key in hand.
A smile tugged at Shalma's lips. It was exactly Winslow's style. He thought of absolutely everything, making flawless arrangements at all times—even when sneaking away for a rendezvous with his lover. She took the key from the manager, gave it a little shake, and said a quick thanks before heading toward the outrageously expensive presidential suite.
Upon entering the room, Shalma quickly stripped off her clothes and went into the bathroom.
Julian had an outrageously severe obsession with cleanliness. She showered every single time before they were intimate, never finding it awkward. Since he was the one paying, it was only right that she provided good service.
Just as Shalma stepped out of the bathroom, the suite door opened.
Julian entered with the elegance of a medieval aristocrat. Lifting a hand with slender, well-defined fingers, he took off his glasses and tossed them onto a nearby table. Every time Shalma saw his face without the glasses, she couldn't help but steal a few extra glances. He was simply too handsome. His figure was tall and imposing, his skin a shade paler than most men's, and his features were as striking as a picturesque landscape. Those eyes that were usually hidden behind lenses were now staring at her with aloof detachment, making her feel as though she had nowhere to hide.
Shalma tossed her still-damp hair and walked over to him.
When they were only an arm's length apart, he scooped her up with one hand, pulling her firmly into his embrace.
"You're with me, yet you're thinking about other things. Isn't that a bit unprofessional?" Julian stared at her, his gaze dark and profound.
Shalma shot him a seductive smile. "How could I? I've always been very focused when serving my Lord."
"Focused?" he asked coldly.
"Of course! I'm not only focused, but also loyal. You see, the moment I saw you at the ball, I left immediately just so I could come see you!" Shalma worked hard to spout lies she didn't mean in the slightest.