Selene and Adrian both turned toward the source of the voice.
Even after Leo had so mercilessly exposed him, Adrian showed no hint of anger. Instead, he leaned in closer, brazenly invading Selene’s personal space.
“Take a careful whiff. Is it blood or wine?” he teased, his breath warm.
Startled by his proximity, Selene instinctively held her breath, trying to steady herself. She inhaled cautiously and caught the unmistakable fragrance of wine.
Earlier, when Adrian had been struck, Selene had been holding a glass of red.
She’d always assumed the scent of wine came from her own glass. But now, all the wine she’d had was currently dripping down Harrison’s face.
Yet, standing this close to Adrian, she could still smell that rich, intoxicating aroma. Her gaze drifted to his lips. The color there was different from the dark, dried shade of blood–it was more vibrant, almost inviting.
He really did have the kind of lips that were made to be kissed.
The thought flashed through her mind unexpectedly, and she instantly scolded herself: Sinful–absolutely sinful!
Suddenly, a commotion erupted from the first floor.
“That’s Dr. Vaughn!”
“Oh my god, it really is Dr. Vaughn! I can’t believe I’m seeing the real Dr. Vaughn!”
Guests on the ground floor gasped and clamored in excitement. Although they all knew Leo attended the annual welcome banquet, this genius who seemed almost otherworldly never mingled with the general crowd.
Tonight, it was as if a deity had descended among mortals, and the guests surged forward, eager for even a glimpse of him.
A few suited security guards moved to intercept the crowd, but Leo lifted a hand, signaling them to hold back.
The guards exchanged puzzled looks. Leo was notorious for avoiding the spotlight, and the fact that he’d personally taken the elevator down had already stunned the heavyweights gathered in the conference hall upstairs.
09.05
Chapter 171
Within moments, Leo was surrounded by dozens of guests.
The security tried to maintain order despite the chaos.
Selene’s attention was drawn to the commotion. She saw Leo, seated in his
wheelchair, completely swallowed up by the crowd. In the middle of that chaos, he looked like he could barely breathe..
Without thinking, Selene strode forward, pushing through the guests.
“Excuse me let me through!” she called out.
Leo shook his head, not even glancing at him. “Not at all. I just noticed you reek of
רור
nons
Chapter 171
green tea.”
Selene caught the double meaning and blinked in surprise. She’d always thought Leo was above such things, but apparently, he could recognize a fake when he saw
one.
Her admiration for him grew.
Adrian’s lips curled into a sly grin, his eyes glittering with mischief. “I dabble a bit in scents. A man like you, Dr. Vaughn, would be perfect for ‘White Lily‘–don’t you think?”
His gaze turned mocking. “White lilies look pure and untouched, but appearances can be deceiving. Innocence, weakness, helplessness–it’s all just an act.”
09

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