Chapter 114
Chapter 114
Marina instinctively pulled her foot back again, worried that Dan might grab her ankle once more.
Even though he just wanted to check on her injury, she couldn’t help but feel embarrassed for no reason.
Seeing her pull away, Daron realized she was uncomfortable, so he didn’t try to touch her again.
His eyes softened a little as he stood up. “I’ll take you to the hospital to get you checked out.”
Marina was startled and quickly waved him off.
Marina said, “No, really, I’m fine.”
To prove her point, she got up from the couch and managed to walk a few steps, biting back the pain.
“See? I’m really fine,” Marina insisted.
Her ankle didn’t throb with sharp pain, just a faint ache–she guessed she’d probably just strained a ligament.
Going to the hospital for something this minor would just be wasting medical resources.
She figured she’d probably feel better by the time she woke up tomorrow.
Daron frowned, his face serious as he stood off to the side, his eyes fixed on her foot.
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Marina gave an awkward smile and made fier way to the front door, her voice soft. “Thank you for dinner, Mr. Zamora. It’s getting late, so I should be heading out.”
Hearing this, Daron walked over, his expression unreadable.
“I’ll take you home,” Daron replied.
As he spoke, he naturally picked up Marina’s tablet and bag from the entryway shelf.
Marina shook her head. “No need, Mr. Zamora. My car’s just downstairs.”
Daron shot her a cool glance, then without another word, put on his shoes, walked out, and waited for her at the door.
Marina quickly slipped on her own shoes, stepped out, and quietly closed the door behind her.
“Mr. Zamora, you’really don’t need to walk me out. You should get some rest. I can drive myself home, no problem,” Marina said softly.
She was being respectful and polite, but Daron’s face darkened, vein twitching in his brow.
“Am I old?” Daron asked.
The sudden shift in topic left Marina a bit dazed. She quickly shook her head.
“No way,” Marina said.
Daron’s gaze was icy as he leaned in close, his anger barely contained beneath his brows.
“Why are you being so polite then?” Daron asked.
Marina pressed her lips together, a little embarrassed. “Because you’re my boss.”
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Chapter 114
‘Guess that’s why he suddenly got annoyed–he’s touchy about s age, Marina thought.
Daron’s expression softened a bit. “Do you plan to stay with Zamora Group for the rest of your life?”
Marina shook her head, not hiding her true feelings.
‘No way that’s happening,’ she thought.
She needed to return to Vrufield to help Elnora.
There was no way any company could tie her down now–she just wanted to go back to Finley Group.
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“Then stop with all the formal talk. It just makes me feel like you’re keeping your distance,” Daron said, turning away and heading for the elevator.
Marina forced a smile and walked over, noticing the displeasure in his eyes, but still tried to explain.
“Mr. Zamora, I swear I didn’t mean to offend you… Honestly, it’s he opposite. I really respect you–a lot. You just have this commanding presence, so I end up being formal without even thinking about it,” Marina said.
Daron wasn’t swayed by her explanation. He just shot her a look that was hard to read.
“Sir… Uh…” Marina started, then quickly caught herself.
She tapped her lips, a little embarrassed. “You’re just five years older than me, that’s nothing! I never thought my sister was old, either.”
Daron looked down at her.
‘Five years older,‘ Daron mused.
‘People say three years is a generation gap. So between me and Marina, it’s almost double that,‘ he thought.
Daron rubbed his temples.
“Just treat me the way you treat your sister. No need to be so stiff with me. It only makes me feel ancient,” Daron said.
Marina bit her lip and murmured, “I don’t think I can.”
Daron frowned. “Why not?”
Marina pressed her lips together, not saying anything, just shaking her head.
With Elnora, she’d always be a little spoiled and loved sticking close to her.
But she couldn’t just be all spoiled and clingy in front of Daron.
She couldn’t exactly be glued to him every second, either.
So there was no way she could treat Daron the same way she treated Elnora.
Daron just stared at her, frowning in silence,
Marina looked up and locked eyes with him. There was a hint of motion flickering in those deep, dark eyes, and for some reason, it made her heart skip a beat.
“Mr. Zamora, you’re a man. How am I supposed to treat you like my sister?” Marina blurted out.
She was just trying to break the tension, but as soon as she said i she realized it was a cringe–worthy joke. The only thing
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Chapter 114
echoing in the empty hallway was her own awkward laugh.
The atmosphere just got even more awkward.
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Luckily, the elevator doors slid open just then. Daron stepped in first, and Marina let out a quiet sigh of relief as she followed him inside.
Usually, she’d be the one to start a conversation, but for once, she stayed quiet instead of trying to make small talk.
Daron glanced down at her, noticing how unusually quiet she was standing next to him.
“Your place is way too far from the office. I’ve got another apartment nearby. You should pack up and move in,” Daron said, his tone calm.
Marina shook her head.
“It’s not that far, really,” Marina said.
Daron said, “Lavern’s been scheming to siphon off company assets for half a year now. He’s definitely got something up his sleeve to keep you in check. The place you’re living in is way too sketchy, and the security’s terrible.”
Marina said softly, “My grandma has lived there for decades. All my neighbors are like family–I know them all. It’s really safe, nothing’s ever gone wrong.”
Daron’s voice was low and serious. “You never know what people are really like. These days, everyone’s got a price–are you sure you’re really safe?”
Marina went quiet. For once, she didn’t say no to him right away
Honestly, he made sense–greed is just human nature.
The elevator doors slid open in the underground garage.
Marina followed Daron out of the elevator, and when she saw him heading toward his car, she quickly spoke up.
“Mr. Zamora, I’m honestly okay, I can drive myself home. Plus, you drive me back, I’ll be stuck without my car tomorrow. It’s just too much trouble,” Marina said.
Daron didn’t stop. He walked straight to the passenger side and opened the door.
“It’s already dark outside, and you just managed to fall at my place. You and your sister are both masters at causing me trouble–if anything happens to you on your way home, I bet Elora will find a way to pin it all on me,” Daron said.
Marina was at a loss for words.
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‘He makes it sound like Elnora and I are some kind of bandit du Marina thought.
Honestly, after all these years, the only time they ever actually shemed against him was at that reception banquet.
Seeing she didn’t move, Daron spoke in a low, commanding void.
“Come here,” Daron said.
Marina bit her lip and reluctantly walked over.
Daron was standing by the passenger side of the car. As Marina got in, her mouth moved before her brain could catch up.
“You were totally fine with being used, weren’t you?” Marina blurted out,
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Chapter 114
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That was why Elnora was so sure he’d show
up that night.
Daron didn’t answer. He just stared at her, his deep eyes unreadable.
Marina felt uncomfortable under his stare, so she shut the car door and quickly looked away, avoiding his gaze as much as possible.
‘Unrequited love really sucks, Marina thought.
Even though he knew Elnora didn’t care about him at all, he still showed up, letting himself be used.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
