Then his eyes meet mine, my obviously hostile ones. “Dove, she is July. She manages the kitchen.”
I force myself to nod, trying to look polite after just being introduced as the lady of the house. “Hello, July.”
She nods back with a smile. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Miss Bennett.”
I narrow my eyes. “And how do you know I’m a Bennett?”
“Everyone knows about you, miss.”
I turn sharply toward Zoan. He looks at her with a calm gaze. “Send everyone else here.”
She leaves with a nod.
The moment the door closes, I ask, “Why do you have a woman working for you?”
“She’s talented. And professional.”
I throw my hands up. “I don’t believe anyone is professional enough to not have a crush on you.”
His brows lift. “If she weren’t professional, I would’ve fired her.”
“Or maybe you like her.” The words comes out before I can stop them. “She is beautiful,” I add.
He exhales heavily. “Do you think I have nothing better to do than indulge in useless distractions with random women? What sort of image have you built of me in that head of yours?”
“It’s not my fault,” I pout.
But then I recall how many times he’s been spotted outside hotels, and my anger rises again.
“And it’s not like you’re a virgin. Even if you’re not having an affair with your staff, you’ve had plenty outside.”
And out of all the reactions I expect, what I get is—a smirk. No verbal answer.
I grit my teeth. I can’t even show my anger and frustration out loud, or he’ll know about my feelings for him. And that’s the last thing I want.
The doors open, breaking the suffocating tension. Three people enter the dining room.
Zoan gestures toward the man in his early thirties. “Dove, this is Antonio, our butler, and July’s husband.”
Oh. July has a husband.
He then gestures toward a woman in her thirties. “She is Mina, Antonio’s subordinate.”
And finally, a man in his forties. “This is Rex, our head of security.”
He looks at me. “If you ever need anything, you will ask them.”
I say hello to everyone. They leave after that.
Zoan uncovers his plate and then mine. I begin eating, sneaking glances at him every few moments, unable tostop myself.
chapter 14
Zloban
After dinner, I take her upstairs to her room, where her luggage has already been arranged. All her belongings are here—untouched. Everyone in this house is under strict orders never to disturb anything that belongs to her, and to keep everything spotless.
Our parents’ room remains locked and covered, only opened when they visit. But her room is never locked. I come here whenever I feel restless, and the mere sight of her things calms me.
