Chapter 1582:
“Then let’s go home.”
But Elena had something else on her mind. The Phoenix Wood still needed to be transformed into cufflinks for Wesley—a gift she didn’t intend to delay. With that in mind, she asked, “Don’t you have duties waiting at this hour?”
Wesley lifted a brow, a smile tugging at his lips.
“None that outweigh you.”
Elena raised her chin.
“No. You need to earn money for me to spend.”
Nearby, the auctioneer discreetly dabbed at a bead of nervous sweat. How boldly she declared it. Most women hid their greed behind a delicate pretense, but Elena wore her candor like a badge. No wonder Wesley’s obsession with her seemed unshakable.
Arion, long desensitized to Wesley’s indulgence of Elena, showed no surprise. He’d witnessed far stranger scenes between them.
Wesley let out a low chuckle, amused. How had he missed this unabashed little gold-digger streak in her? “Are you sure you don’t want me to escort you back?” he asked.
Elena waved him off without hesitation.
“That’s enough. Just go back to work.”
When Wesley finally left, Elena slipped eagerly into her studio. Hours passed in careful, focused dedication until, by eleven, the cufflinks were complete.
Once the cufflinks were packaged neatly, Elena reached for her phone. Wesley’s endless flood of messages filled the screen—affectionate lines brimming with intimacy. She skimmed through them, replying only to a few that felt less cloying.
After setting the device aside, she stretched her weary limbs and headed for the bathroom. Steam rose as she surrendered to the shower’s warmth.
By the time she stepped out, the clock was creeping toward eleven fifty. Midnight was close. And with it, Wesley’s birthday would begin—their first since they’d met.
Elena hesitated, debating whether to call and offer her wishes.
𝖍𝖔𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝖎𝖓 𝖘𝖎𝖙𝖊: 𝖌𝖆𝖑𝖓𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖑𝖘﹒𝖈𝖔𝖒
Suddenly, an incoming video call interrupted her thoughts.
Elena accepted the video call, and the screen instantly filled with Wesley’s strikingly handsome face—followed by a very deliberate display of his lean, defined torso.
For a brief second, Elena froze. She wasn’t the type to spend her free time admiring male physiques, yet somehow, Wesley’s abs always managed to catch her attention before she could stop herself.
Every ridge of muscle looked carved with the precision of sculpture—sharp lines tempered by restrained elegance, an intoxicating blend of strength and refinement that suited her tastes a little too perfectly.
She recovered quickly, lowering her eyes as a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Calm as ever, she concealed her amusement. He was clearly trying to tempt her.
In a light, unaffected tone, she teased, “It’s getting late, Wesley. Aren’t you afraid you’ll catch a cold standing there half-naked?”
His brows drew together slightly, confusion flickering in his eyes at her lack of reaction. Didn’t she love his abs? He’d angled the camera carefully, every muscle arranged to show perfect symmetry. She should have been flustered—at least a little impressed.
.
.
.