Daron’s face darkened as he walked toward the guest room. He opened the door and saw Marina lying on the bed, already asleep.
She was sleeping so soundly, her face soft and serene as she rested.
Daron remembered that she had been standing at the entrance of the winery to receive guests all afternoon, and in the morning, she was also standing at the post, waiting for orders at any time.
He let out a quiet sigh, swallowed the heaviness in his chest, and quietly closed the door before heading back to the master bedroom.
Early the next morning, Marina woke up. After freshening up, she headed to the walk–in closet, picked out the outfit Daron would need for the day, hung it neatly on a hanger, and set it up by the mirror.
Once everything was ready, she grabbed her phone and sent Daron a message.
[I’ve just finished preparing your clothes for today. They’re in the closet.]
After sending the message, she stood there for a moment, seriously considering if she’d missed anything. Before she could think of anything else, Daron showed up at the doorway.
His face was cold, and his eyes were locked on Marina with a burning intensity.
“So, is this how we’re going to communicate now?” Daron asked.
Marina glanced up, noticing his phone and realizing it was the message she’d just sent him.
“I thought you got in late last night and might still be sleeping, so I messaged you instead,” she explained.
Daron gave a low, dismissive grunt and strode into the closet, walking toward her.
Marina took a deep breath. As Daron stopped in front of her, she looked up to meet his gaze.
“What…
Before she could speak, the man bent down, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her lips.
Marina instinctively stepped back.
But that small step back only made Daron more annoyed. He tightened his grip on her waist and deepened the kiss.
It wasn’t until Marina was gasping for air, her legs about to give out, that he finally released her lips. But his arm was still locked around her waist.
Marina pressed her hand against his chest, trying to catch her breath.
Above her, Daron’s deep, displeased voice rumbled. “Anna, I’m really mad.”
A flicker of surprise crossed Marina’s eyes, then she lowered her gaze and apologized quietly.
“Sorry. I was just so tired last night, so I went ahead and left.”
Daron frowned, his voice deep and serious. “Did you leave because you were tired, or because you didn’t want to wait for
me?”
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Under his intense questioning, Marina was momentarily at a loss for words. After a few seconds, she murmured, “It really was just because I was too tired.”
Daron gave a dismissive grunt. “The driver said you didn’t wait for me at all. The second I arrived, you had the staff send you home right away.”
As he spoke, he reached out and tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze.
“If you were that tired, why didn’t you just say something when I got there? Were you worried I’d force you to stick around and wait for me?” he pressed.
Marina was stunned.
“I just didn’t want to hold you up with your talk with Ms. Blanchard. It’s about the Zamora family’s business, and I figured her conversation would be important and probably go on for a while. So I thought it’d be best if I just went home,” she explained.
Daron listened to her calm response, his brow furrowing slightly, a hint of annoyance in his voice.
“You’re really level–headed,” he said.
Marina stared right back at him, her eyes sharp and unreadable, not a single emotion showing.
“After someone does something irrational, there will be a long period of reason once they calm down.”
“I think that’s where I’m at right now,” she added.
Daron’s expression darkened at her words, his voice turning cold. “What reckless thing are you talking about?”
Marina pressed her lips together and answered softly, “You know what I’m talking about. Why even ask?”
“Finley Group has a shareholders‘ meeting today, and there are some things I need to take care of for my sister this morning. I won’t be coming to Zamora Group. Maybe I’ll drop by later…”
Before Marina could finish, Daron cut her off, his voice low and firm. “Don’t bother coming.”
Marina was silent for a few seconds, then asked, “Is it just today, or are you saying I shouldn’t come at all from now on?”
Daron frowned, his voice icy. “So, you want to stop coming altogether?”
The three months aren’t up yet,” he added.
Marina bit her lip and gave a silent nod.
With a cold look, Daron released her and turned away. “Aren’t you busy? Go on, then.”
Marina shot him a look, kept quiet, and walked out.
As soon as she walked out, Daron couldn’t help but watch her leave.
Seeing Marina go without saying a word, Daron took a deep breath, his fists clenching and loosening at his sides.
Just like Bette said, she really did have the ability to make him lose his mind.
He’d already given her a chance to smooth things over.
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All she had to do was say something nice to comfort him, and he wouldn’t have held it against her.
But she just kept acting all calm and distant, like nothing could get to her.
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He’d barely slept last night, and now, with Marina pushing his buttons, Daron was literally seeing stars. He reached out to steady himself against the wall, then sent the mirror flying with a loud bang.
He figured Marina would at least glance back after all that noise, but she didn’t even flinch.
He looked over at the doorway, but it was completely empty.
Once she was downstairs, Marina headed straight for the garage, got in her car, and drove off.
She found out from Albert that Carter had bought some shares off another investor, and today he’d be attending the meeting as a shareholder.
When Marina arrived at the Finley Group, Carter had already shown up.
He was causing trouble right outside Elnora’s office.
‘I’m her father! What, I don’t even have the right to walk into my own daughter’s office?” Carter yelled.
Reynaldo was standing next to him, the two of them cornering Anya and making things difficult.
‘Everyone knows Elnora went to Port City for treatment, and her health’s really bad. She could pass away any time. She doesn’t have any kids, so my uncle is her primary heir,” Reynaldo said.
‘Finley Group’s got no one in charge right now. So what exactly are you trying to do by blocking us?” he pressed.
Anya stood her ground, neither backing down nor getting flustered.
‘Ms. Elnora gave clear orders. No one’s allowed in her office except Ms. Marina,” she replied.
Carter was losing his temper and about to hit Anya when Marina cut in before he could do anything.
Why are you making such a scene so early?”
Carter and Reynaldo both turned around at the sound of Marina’s voice.
When Reynaldo saw Marina, his eyes lit up for a second, but he quickly hid it and greeted her with a smile.
‘Hey, Marina, long time no see,”
Marina didn’t bother looking at Reynaldo. Instead, she locked eyes with Carter and said coldly, “My sister went to stay with her husband. Who started spreading rumors she’s dying?”
‘She’s doing just fine.”
Carter scoffed, his tone sharp as he said, “You might be able to fool everyone else, but not me. I’m her father. I have a right to know how she’s really doing”
“I’ve seen her medical records. It’s gastric cancer,” Carter said flatly.
There wasn’t the slightest hint of sorrow in his expression. It was as if Elnora’s diagnosis was a stroke of luck for him, paving his way back into the Finley Group.
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Marina couldn’t help but think, ‘What kind of father does something like this?‘
Her gaze grew cold as she looked at him. She instantly knew where Carter had gotten the news.
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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.
