Chapter 34 Not home
*MARCELO*
I narrowed my eyes at the photo to see my wife in a chic,light beige dress and black coat, she was attentively working on a mannequin.
I frowned.“Isn’t she supposed to be resting at home?“I looked up at Lake and he shrugged,equally clueless about the situation.
I immediately gave Chad a call.
“Why is my wife not home?“I asked as soon as he picked t
“Oh,Mrs King told me she had something important to do she told the not to follow her and that she would be fine.Please don’t be mind,Mr King.”
I hung up and sighed.
Luke chimed in what had obviously become obvious.
“It seems she’s vying for the stylist position here this quarter.She has made it to the second interview round and seems to be faring quite well.”
It was also obvious that she doesn’t know that I owed this company.
“Bring her up to me.”
Why couldn’t she just adhere to simple instructions?
I told her to have a good rest at home!
I had only returned to this country this morning and it was quite surprising that she had left the house already.
Had she been leaving the house since I traveled?
How was her wound supposed to heal?
“I’ve got a merger meeting soon.Anna can handle this, right? “Lake proposed.
Anna was my secretary.
I nodded and signaled him to proceed and then I recalled something.
I was a man of my word so I have to keep to my word.
“Get me a cup of hot chocolate.”
Luke stared at me, looking surprised. “Hot chocolate?”
I eyed him and he quickly nodded.
“I’ll get it right away.“He said, masking his curiosity.
“Which cafe should I go to?How sweet should it be?Any special toppings?”
I was confused.
I have never had hot chocolate before and I definitely had no idea how Renee liked having hers.
As if he sensed my confusion, Luke explained.
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“Well, everyone had their own preference for hot chocolate The sugar level could be full,less,half or slight.Toppings like milk caps can be added too, which can be sweet or salty.Plus, there are numerous cafes to choose from.So Mr King, which would you like?And from which cafe?Happy Gulp/Sweet taste?”
I have never heard of such places before.
I sighed, heavily.The deluge of options clearly made me feel even more confused.
It was just a fucking drink?
Why all the fuss about the details?
But what if I buy the one she doesn’t like?
Sighing again, I looked up at Luke.
“Buy one from three different cafes, with extra toppings on all.”
“But wouldn’t that…”
“Just get the damn hot chocolate!“I thundered and he quickly hurried off.
I felt so stress.
What was his problem?
Renee on the other hand was a model of efficiency at the interview. While other candidates meticulously adjusted and readjusted accessories, she completed her task in one fluid motion, now standing quietly beside her finished mannequin, waiting for the judges‘ review.
The mannequin, devoid of any human expression or form, presented no challenge to Renee. For her, dressing this inanimate figure was a simple task.
Into t this scene of focused anticipation walked Anna, her elegant presence in a black shirt dress commanding immediate respect from the interview team. The head of the team quickly approached her, deference in his voice as he introduced Renee.
“Miss Smith, this is Renee Hudson,” he announced.
Renee, slightly confused but ever polite, nodded her greeting. “Hello,nice to meet you.”
Anna, wasting no time, directed firmly, “You, come with me.‘
Renee, I
taken aback, replied, “But I’m in the middle of an interview…”
The head of the interview team interjected promptly, “Miss Hudson, your work is complete. Please feel free to accompany Miss Smith. We will inform you of any further steps via text.”
Renee offered her thanks and reluctantly followed Anna out her mind swirling with questions.
“Miss Hudson, I’m Anna Smith, secretary–general to the CEO. He’s requested to see you,” Anna explained as they approached the elevator.
Rence felt a twinge of discomfort in her knee and a growing sense of unease, and responded, “I don’t believe I’m acquainted with your CEO. May I know why he wishes to meet me?”
Anna’s response was brief and to the point. “That’s something you’ll need to discuss with the CEO himself.”
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The elevator ascended smoothly to the thirty–eighth floor.
Anna ushered Rence into the CEO’s office, saying, “Miss Hulson, our boss is caught up in an unexpected meeting Please make yourself comfortable and walt here.‘
The vast office lay empty.
The enigmatic nature of the KM Group’s CEO was intriguing to the outside world, as he remained a figure rarely seen even by the financial elite.
Renee expressed her gratitude to Anna and settled onto the plush sofa.
She had wrapped up her second interview swiftly, and it hadn’t been long before a message arrived, informing her of the final round scheduled in three days.
As Renee was pondering over the interview, the office door swung open, and a man’s voice rang out, discussing an upcoming energy deal.
Renee rose to greet what she assumed would be the elusive president of KM Group. However, the sight of the man entering left her rooted to the spot.
“Marcelo?” she murmured.
Marcelo halted mid–stride, his gaze snapping towards the reception area. He accepted a file from an aide and dismissed him curtly. “Leave.”
The financial director, poised to discuss crucial details, hesitated but was quickly silenced by Marcelo’s icy glare. He nodded. “Yes, Mr. King‘
Marcelo was known for his meticulous and diligent work ethic. What could have possibly made him show such a sudden disinterest in his duties?
As the financial director left, he happened to catch a glimpse of a striking woman standing in the reception area out of the corner of his eye.
Her beauty was undeniable, with bright eyes and rosy cheels that captured attention.
He thought about the way she addressed Marcelo, and the familiarity between them. Could she be his girlfriend?
Rumors had always circulated that Marcelo had little interest in personal relationships. Was this a revelation to the contrary?
Once the door closed, a brief silence filled the room.
“Why are you standing there? Sit down!” Marcelo’s voice broke the silence, his tone sharp as he noticed Renee’s choice of footwear. She was wearing high heels despite her knee injury.
Renee,under the firm pressure of Marcelo’s hands, reluctantly resumed her seat on the sofa. Her voice was laced with disbelief. “You…You are the president of KM Group?”
Without answering her question, Marcelo gently lifted the hemline of her dress to examine her bandaged knee. The scabbed wound was unsightly, but thankfully, it didn’t seem to have worsened.
“Renee, if you dare disregard my warnings again, I won’t hesitate to take drastic measures,” He threatened, his voice carrying a serious undertone.
Renee quickly adjusted her dress, her mind still reeling from the shock.
“Wait…Marcelo, you’re really the president of KM Group?” she repeated, struggling to align this revelation with
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the man she knew.
The supposed black sheep of the King family was actually the helm of a globally acclaimed corporation? This stature far exceeded his position as the King family heir, which typically came with associated constraints.
“You don’t appear too surprised, “Marcelo observed, noting how quickly Renee seemed to process and accept this new information.
“It’s unexpected, yet somehow, it makes sense,” Renee responded swiftly.
Her thoughts rapidly aligned as she continued, “Firstly, your long–term deception about your disability under the King family’s watch suggests you had a powerful accomplice, you had such a great company. Also, the Lamberts are on your side.Only if you have considerable power and influence could you persuade them to oppose the King family. Secondly, the opulence of your mansion contradicts the narrative of an abandoned son. The antiques alone in the main building are worth a fortune.
And finally, Jason, a discerning mogul in the entertainment and business world, holds you In high esteem. All of these clues point to your status being much more significant than what was publicly known.”
Moreover, what kind of person must he be to successfully foign a disability and fool everyone? Of course he was not someone to be taken lightly.
“Have you been investigating me?” Marcelo’s fingers brushed Renee’s chin, his eyes holding a cold, dangerous glint.
“Not at all,“Renee responded nonchalantly, appearing unfazed by the threat. “I’ve merely been observant and concerned about my husband’s well–being. What if you were hiding some ailment?”
“Which ailment are you implying? One that affects performance in bed?” His question was laced with innuendo. Her eyes widened in disbelief. Was he really turning a serious conversation into a crude joke? “Hmm?” Marcelo’s eyebrow quirked, feigning innocence.
Trying to maintain her composure, Renee retorted, “As your wife, it’s my duty to be concerned about all aspects of your health.”
They were both matured adults; if he was bold enough to ask, she was brave enough to respond. A flicker of surprise, then amusement, passed through Marcelo’s eyes
Renee, once hiding behind a facade of innocence, was now presenting herself unabashedly. Outside the office, Anna spotted Luke carrying three large bags of hot chocolate. “I’ve never seen you buy these before,” she remarked curiously.
Luke nodded towards Marcelo’s office. “They’re for the folks inside.”
“What? You mean Miss Hudson? Who is she?” Anna,who had worked for Marcelo for over three years, had never seen him take the initiative to meet any woman.
“She’s Mr. King’s woman. Be careful not to offend her.”
Anna’s expression shifted subtly at the revelation.
Mr. King’s woman?
When, and most importantly, how did that happen?
Luke entered the office, finding Marcelo engrossed in documents and Renee deep in thought on the sofa. He placed the hot chocolate on the coffee table. “Mrs. King, this is hot chocolate that Mr. King asked me to get for you.
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The mention of hot chocolate stirred burled memories in Renee’s mind. Eyeing those cups laden with toppings, she couldn’t help but ask, “Isn’t this too much?”
Luke suppressed a snicker as Renee’s earlobes flushed red. Marcelo, noticing her reaction, signaled Luke to leave. Relaxed and observant, Marcele watched Renee. “Well, about that night when you were drunk, you specifically…”
“Enough! I know what happened!” Renee Interjected, her despair amusing Marcelo.
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving now.“Renee was eager to escape Kaiden’s presence, finding, each moment with him torturous.
“Wait!“Marcelo’s attention shifted to Renee’s high heels. He gave Anna a call.
Shortly after, Anna returned, a pair of Gucci leather slippers in hand.
“Change into these,” Marcelo instructed.
Renee, eager to leave, complied without protest, finding the slippers soothing against her aching!
“I’m leaving,” She announced, grabbing her bag.
“Don’t forget your hot chocolate,” Marcelo reminded her.
knees.
Renee closed her eyes, wishing to escape the phrase “hot chocolate.” Yet, she couldn’t deny its appeal. She sighed and selected a cup.
Marcelo then instructed Luke, “Take her back.”
Renee, attempting to dismiss Luke, said, “You must be quite busy.”
Luke replied, “Mr. King has more on his plate.”
“I can go on my own. No need to accompany me,’
,“Renee insisted.
Luke, however, was adamant. “Mrs. King, given your recent actions, Mr. King insists I escort you back to the house.”
Renee was at a loss for a response.
Once alone, Marcelo pondered Renee’s fascination with hot chocolate. Curiously, he picked up a cup, took a sip, and his expression turned to one of instant revulsion.
He didn’t like it at all.
