The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2116

At that moment, Phoebe desperately wanted to ask him why he cared about such things, but she feared the answer might be one she didn't want to hear.

She clung to her fantasies, scared to shatter them.

She had been rather dismissive of Angie's suggestion earlier, but now it hit her that maybe there was some truth to it.

Maybe she should try dating, get to know what it feels like. Maybe what she felt for Azriel wasn't really love.

With a deep breath, she stacked their plates together. "Of course, I'm choosy. Otherwise, I wouldn't still be single," she said, picking up the dishes and heading toward the kitchen, chopsticks in hand. But her answer didn't reassure Azriel.

He followed her into the kitchen and saw her turn on the tap, ready to wash up. He frowned, took her by the hand, and pulled her away from the sink.d2

"What are you doing?"

"I didn't hire a maid to be just for show."

Without further discussion, he led her away from the kitchen. Clutching her delicate wrist in his hand, he remembered the sensation of having her close during the party. She was slight, her waist so slender. She had looked stunning at the business dinner, his own creation.

Now out of her fancy clothes and makeup, she was simple and pure—a side of herself he was sure she hadn't shown to other men. And yet, now she was contemplating love, even marriage.

He couldn't explain the tightness in his chest, but he couldn't deny she wasn't wrong either. He let go of her wrist and stared at her clean, innocent face for a few seconds before letting out a deep sigh and patting her head gently. "A girl needs to take care of herself. If you do find a boyfriend, be sure to bring him by for my approval. Not just any guy is worthy of being your boyfriend."

A knife seemed to twist in Phoebe's heart. She had been avoiding this very question all night, not wanting to face it, and here he was, giving her the answer in another form. Thankfully, she hadn't impulsively confessed to him, or she would surely be another Alivia.

To him, she was the grand-daughter of his mentor, perhaps a cherished younger sister, but not the object of the affection she wished for. She could have figured it out herself eventually and let go, but he chose tonight to give her such a brutal answer.

Suppressing the sourness rising within her, she adjusted her composure and, with a forced smile, looked up at him. "Sure, I know... Definitely!"

Her smile was too bright, as if she harbored a strong yearning for a romance yet to begin.

Azriel looked down at her smiling face, his hand still resting on her head, his eyes deep and dark. "Why are you crying?"

Phoebe paused, "I'm not crying."

She knew whether she had cried? After all, what she had mastered over the years was how to hold back her tears.

"It's getting late; I'm going up to rest. You should sleep soon too."

Phoebe bent her knees slightly, dodging Azriel's hand, and dashed up the stairs with agile movements.

*

Azriel, in the end, arranged a driver for Phoebe to ferry her to and from school. Phoebe didn't protest; after all, she couldn't expect Angie to go out of her way to pick her up every day.

The Alonso family's affairs seemed to have settled for now, and Phoebe racked her brain but couldn't imagine how Wendy could stir up more trouble.

The news was still hot online and in business circles the next day. Even at school, many classmates were discussing it. After all, many students aspired to join the Alonso family's empire.

Now with the Alonso family changing hands and Chloe taking the helm, speculation about the company's future was rife. While Chloe's competence was evident, corporate transitions and reforms inevitably lead to upheaval and potential problems.

Phoebe had always kept a low profile at school, and few knew she was the Alonso Corporation's second daughter. Aside from a few wealthy peers, she didn't mingle much.

However, Alyna's scene at the school gates had exposed her identity somewhat. As she entered the campus, she drew a lot of curious and sympathetic glances. Phoebe was prepared for this and chose to ignore the attention.

Just as she walked into the science building, Angie bounded over and threw her arms around her.

"Hey, there's a mixer tonight. They've been so persistent in inviting us; let's just say yes this time."

Phoebe steadied herself from the impact and was a bit surprised. "Isn't that a bit too fast? Just last night you started thinking about it, and today you're already diving in?"

"If we don't hurry, all the good catches will be taken. Let's just check it out, think of it as fun. No one's forcing you to date anyone. I want to go, but I'm scared, so you have to come with me."

Angie added a whine to her plea, leaving Phoebe with little choice. She couldn't just let her go alone. What if someone took an interest in her and she got into trouble?

"We're just going for fun. Try not to drink, or at least keep it to a minimum. Don't let your guard down when you're chatting, got it?"

"Yeah, I got it," Angie nodded vigorously. "Still, I hope to find someone I click with. I want to bring him to the class rep's wedding to make a statement."

Phoebe gave her a look. "Don't do anything foolish."

"I won't, I won't."

"Where is it?"

"Hehe," Angie chuckled, instantly putting Phoebe on high alert.

"Angie..."

"It's nothing serious. The club is owned by the Ziems family. It's safe."

*

Today was video conference day at Obsidian. Damon and Seth were already in the conference room.

Azriel looked worse for wear, his fatigue plainly etched between his brows and a shadow casting over his eyes, his usually calm and indifferent face now tinged with defeat.

The two typically aloof men gave him an extra glance that day. The man who always appeared full of vitality at work, as if it was his lifeblood, was showing a different side.

Azriel leaned back in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose, clearly bothered by their piercing looks. "If you have something to say, just say it!"

Damon, sitting at the head of the table, scrolled through the news on his phone. When he came across a picture of Chloe, he casually saved it. Glancing up, I couldn't help but throw another look his way. "It's not every day I see you like this, so tell me, have you been indulging a bit too much, or are you left unsatisfied?"

Azriel's hand froze mid-air, shocked as he turned to face the man at the head of the table, but within moments, his expression returned to normal. Damon’s hidden attributes, slowly being unraveled by a woman, were indeed a marvel.

"On what basis do you ask?" he inquired.

The question was met with a cold, scornful look from Damon, but Azriel couldn't help but sense a hint of mockery.

His brow furrowed, and his demeanor grew serious. "What now?"

Damon shifted his gaze away, coolly remarking, "Looks like someone's not quite satisfied."