Chapter 867 A Paramour

Emelie had never dyed her hair. However, under the right lighting, it revealed a rich tea-brown tint.

She had always assumed it was just her natural color. However, with the revelation that her maternal grandmother was the legendary Amelia Denning, it made sense. Her 1/4 Faldorian heritage likely accounted for the distinctive hue.

William gently dried her hair, noting its remarkable soft, voluminous, and barely shedding quality. It felt luxurious under his fingers.

As he maintained his hand on the back of her neck, he leaned in, pressing a light kiss to the corner of her lips. Suddenly, he asked, "Did it feel good?"

The question surprised her, and for a brief moment, she felt a flush of embarrassment. She pushed him away, not quite ready to admit that his unexpected question had caught her off guard.

"Mr. Middleton, you're 31, not 21. Asking questions like that seems a bit juvenile, don't you think?" she said.

William looked momentarily taken aback by her sharp remark. Then, a smile began to play on his lips as he realized the misunderstanding.

"What I meant," he said, his voice softening, "was that I saw you frowning earlier and wondered if you were feeling any better. Did my efforts meet your expectations?"

Emelie remained silent, her face a mix of surprise and embarrassment.

Williamn chuckled lightly, "Only an insecure man would ask you those questions. I'm not really looking for an answer on that."

From her reaction, he knew the answer he wanted without words. After three years together, they were familiar with each other's nuances, and he was well aware of her sensitive spots.

Emelie couldn't believe that she was having this conversation with him.

She was determined to keep things from getting too cordial between them, so she shot back, "Mr. Middleton, are you planning to apply for a job here after the Cloudex Corporation collapses?"

William answered calmly, "If you're willing to offer me a position."

She stared at him, incredulous. "Would you even consider being a paramour?" William met her eyes with a steady gaze. "If you would give me a chance."

His offer was as outlandish and rare as finding gold in a prospecting pan.

Emelie rose from the couch, her expression was unreadable. "I have work to finish. You can let yourself out."

William's hand snaked around her waist, pulling her effortlessly onto his lap.

As she settled there, he wrapped one arm around her shoulders and the other around her knees, lifting her with a fluid motion toward the bed.

Emelie's eyes flashed with irritation, but William merely glanced back as he moved toward the bed. "Take a break. I'll handle your work."

Emelie didn't even bother to disguise her refusal.

William knelt on the mattress and pulled the covers around her. "Are you worried that I'll steal your company's secrets?"

Emelie's response was cool, if not outright scathing. "Even if you did, with the Cloudex Corporation in its state, do you really think it can make a comeback?"

William raised an eyebrow. "So you're eyeing the Cloudex Corporation, huh? Are you considering an acquisition or a merger? As the current CEO of the Cloudex Corporation, I can personally help you analyze that."

Emelie was momentarily stunned. He had hit the nail on the head; she had indeed been poring over Cloudex Corporation's financials.

She said nothing since she was caught off guard.

Despite its current struggles, the Cloudex Corporation still remained a top 500 company nationwide. The damage from the Xanther Group had been significant, but the company's overall trajectory had stayed relatively stable.

Shattering it would be as challenging as dismantling the Swanson Corporation, unless something catastrophic occurred.

William gently covered her eyes with his hand. "Get some rest."

His voice was soothing, and his hand carried the comforting scent of her hair, notes of bergamot, violet, and vetiver blending into a warm, calming aroma that eased her into sleep.

Emelie drifted off without realizing it, her breathing deep and steady.Text © 2024 .

Once she was soundly asleep, William quietly left the room, closing the door behind him to block out any noise. He moved to her desk, picking up the papers she had dropped.

A smile curved his lips as he saw what they were.

It was the Cloudex Corporation's financial analysis.