“What the hell were you doing?” Shane yelled as soon as they were alone near the garden. He snapped, spinning Elvira around, who was too stunned to say a thing.

“Don’t let me see you wandering around almost naked again.” He stepped closer to her. Her heartbeat raced. She clung to the jacket, smelling his cologne. It was odd for him not to sense her nervousness.

“Say something,” his voice became as calm as the sea. But can a sea ever be truly calm?

“I... I’m sorry,” she whispered, biting back her shame, rubbing her legs together nervously. Not looking him in the eye only irritated him more.

“What are you sorry about?” he asked, refusing to look away. She wasn’t comfortable under his gaze, but it wasn’t like she could do anything about it.

“About what just happened and...” She gathered the courage to meet his eyes while apologizing. But that was a grave mistake. She shouldn’t have looked him in the eye.

“And?” His cold stare made her shiver.

“And umm... About yesterday,” she finally let it out in a breath. How could she apologize after enjoying it? Did that mean she didn’t want it to happen? Did she regret it?

After a few moments of disbelief, he shook his head, “Of course.” Gritting his teeth, he left her standing there awkwardly, alone.

“Did I say something wrong?” Elvira questioned herself, watching Shane storm away with that stone face.

“El!” Hazel came rushing and panting, holding onto her knees. She covered herself with a scarf and smirked at Elvira.

“So, you’re still sticking with ‘misunderstanding’?” Hazel smirked, knowing they both had started to feel things for each other, which Elvira was still unaware of—or maybe she was denying those feelings. Who knows?

“It was a misunderstanding. Nothing more.” Elvira tried to persuade Hazel with her excuses.

“Sure, sure. Why not?” Hazel grinned, starting to walk backward. Teasing Elvira, she suddenly bumped into someone and almost tripped.

Hazel’s eyes met a pair of oceanic blue eyes. His long lashes and smooth skin were captivating. Her lips curled up, admiring him. The guy had the vibe of a charming prince.

“Hey,” he whispered, holding her in his arms, not wanting to let her go.

“Hi,” she breathed, smiling with all her heart. Is this what people call love at first sight?

“Are you alright?” he asked, helping her to her feet. She never once took her eyes off him. Both of their cheeks flushed with blushing smiles.

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“Yeah,” she replied without letting go of his hands. This was enough cliché for Elvira. She coughed, breaking the beautiful silence of their moment.

“Oh, right. We should get going. We gotta prepare for tonight’s event.” Hazel nervously brushed her hands away from his. He scratched the back of his neck, smirking internally.

“Wait.” Before Hazel and Elvira could head inside, he stopped them, stepping closer to Hazel. “I didn’t catch your name.” He asked, shoving both of his hands in his pockets, a bit excited.

“Um, Hazel Riley,” Hazel shyly bit her lip. What in the world is happening here?

“Wow, what a beautiful name, just like you,” he complimented, making her heart flutter. “I’m Tristan Leclair, by the way.” His name sounded somewhat French, just like his accent.

“Yeah, I’m French,” he added before Hazel could even ask, shrugging his shoulders.

“How did you know I was going to ask that?” Hazel was charmed by his wit and looks.

“People often ask me that, so I guessed you would too.” He licked his lips, revealing his perfectly white teeth. Is he here to charm everyone? Doing that isn’t normal, and he should know that.

“Oh.” Hazel could only manage a sound, her eyes tracing his lips.

“You can call me Triss,” he continued, knowing she was watching him, shamelessly. And he kind of liked it. His eyes flickered to Elvira, who was eager for this encounter to end so she could return to her room.

“Hey, I didn’t notice you there,” Triss said, turning his attention to Elvira. He was captivated by seeing two beauties side by side.

“Hi,” Elvira gave him a tight smile and averted her gaze. His eyes lingered on Elvira in the same way they had on Hazel, but Hazel didn’t mind. She was lost in his charm.

“You’re quite bold,” he remarked, looking at her covered in just an oversized jacket. What is wrong with this man?

“Excuse me?” She narrowed her eyes.

“Should I?” His smirk widened, holding his gaze on her with a strange expression.

“You—” Elvira was interrupted as someone came to her rescue again.

“Mr. Leclair, Mr. Shane is expecting you immediately in his office,” Nate announced, stepping in front of Elvira, shielding both women. But did Hazel want to be shielded? Hell no!

“And who are you?” Triss asked, rolling his tongue, showing his annoyance at Nate’s interruption.

“I’m the head chef here.” Nate replied sternly, not budging.

“So, you’re not his secretary. Why should I listen to you?” Triss challenged, clearly irritated.

Nate tilted his head and stepped closer, “Because you wouldn’t want me to tell him that you’re harassing his staff, would you?” he whispered.

It was clear how annoyed Triss was by Nate’s words. They had known each other for a long time, but still, Triss couldn’t make Shane fire Nate. And now, Ned was head chef—quite the surprise for Triss this summer.

With rage bubbling inside, Triss stormed back into the hotel, leaving them alone. Nate watched him go, unfazed. He knew Triss couldn’t do anything to him, just like he couldn’t before.

“Why were you guys talking to that jerk?” Nate asked Elvira and Hazel, tilting his head. He was genuinely concerned for them.

“Who are you calling a jerk, mister?” Hazel snapped at Ned.

“Hazel, come on. He’s a player, not again.” Ned scoffed, rolling his eyes.

“No, he’s not. Do you even know anyone outside your kitchen?” Hazel retorted, blunt as always.

“I’ve known him too long not to know what he is,” Nate folded his arms, flicking Hazel’s forehead with his fingers.

“Sure you do,” Hazel huffed, flicking her hair as she walked away. He shook his head, thinking of her as an “annoying brat.”

“You should go change into something else,” he told Elvira, his eyes gentle. She nodded, avoiding his gaze. “Don’t rush, it’s okay if you’re a few minutes late to the kitchen.” He smiled, patting her head gently.

Elvira looked at him, wide-eyed. Why is he patting my head? Does he do this with every worker? What is wrong with me today? She gave up on her thoughts and went back to her room, changed into appropriate clothes after a cool shower, and prepared for work.

What else is waiting for me today? Why can’t this day just end already?