Chapter 17
Levi got a call from his secretary, Lucas. Walking over to the floor–to–ceiling window, he put the phone to his ear to answer. “Mr. Gordon, we’ve got everything on Ms. Miller’s whereabouts these past few years.
“There’s no sign of any connection between her and Ellie Cooper. It seems like she just happened to pass by the school that day. Nothing was pre- arranged.”
Levi was always cautious. Even though Zoey was just his wife in name, he had to be sure she wasn’t up to something. If she had any ulterior motives, he wouldn’t hesitate to deal with her.
Hearing Lucas’s report, Levi gave a small grunt. “Well done. I’ll double your bonus this month.”
“Thank you, Mr. Gordon,” Lucas said sincerely, and he added, “Mr. Gordon, please forgive my forwardness. We found out that Ms. Miller’s life was pretty rough, but everyone who knows her speaks highly of her. She’s kind–hearted and genuine, not like those social–climbing women.”
Having worked with Levi for years, Lucas had seen his fair share of women trying to marry into wealth, each one more scheming and ruthless than the last. So when an innocent and pure–hearted girl like Zoey walked into his boss’s life, Lucas thought his boss should give her extra protection.
Levi cut him off. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Mr. Gordon, I just mean… Ms. Miller is a good person. With her by your side, we can feel more at ease.”
“I’ll handle my own business,” Levi said curtly and hung up the phone.
The sound of running water from the bathroom stopped, and Zoey came out in a silk nightgown. She started rummaging around the living room, clearly looking for something. Levi opened the balcony door and walked back inside to ask her, “What are you looking for?”
“Oh, I can’t find the hairdryer,” replied Zoey.
Levi grumbled with a frown, “You’re always losing things.”
Zoey stuck out her tongue playfully. “Just this time, not always.” Continuing her search, she bent over and the neckline of her gown slipped, revealing her smooth skin. Levi instantly averted his gaze.
He pulled the hairdryer out of the cabinet and handed it to her, his expression icy. “Stop looking. Here.” He couldn’t help but think, ‘I even remember where she puts her stuff, and she can’t? She’s not just bad with her eyesight, her memory too.
“Thanks,” Zoey said as she took the hairdryer and moved to the side to dry her hair. After she finished, she carefully wound up the cord and tucked it back into the cabinet.
Levi’s gaze lingered on her again. Fresh out of the shower, her cheeks were a rosy pink, and her skin was smooth and baby–like. She was on the petite side, but after some time of careful care, her figure was becoming more defined, and the silk nightgown hugged her newly developed curves.
Back when models and actresses with killer bodies used to throw themselves at Levi, he’d never batted an eye. But now, watching Zoey’s slim, delicate frame–she wasn’t even fully developed yet–he found himself feeling strangely hot. This is ridiculous. I’m probably just overworked recently,’ he murmured inwardly.
Zoey hesitated for a moment and then walked over to him. She brought a faint floral fragrance that lingered in the air. “Mr. Horton, thank you,” said Zoey with a warm smile.
“For what?” Levi asked, his hands casually tucked into his pockets, his eyes drifting toward the window.
“For taking me to meet your family,” Zoey said, her expression a little shy, and her voice soft. “It made me feel a bit of warmth, like I was part of your family.”
Her words were like a pebble thrown into still waters, sending ripples in his heart. He turned his head back, and his eyes reluctantly stayed on her face, refusing to stray any lower. After swallowing, he called, “Zoey”
“Hmm?” Zoey replied.
“Keep yourself in line, and you’ll always be a part of this family.” In that brief moment, Levi suddenly understood why his grandmother, Jack, and even Lucas seemed to have a soft spot for Zoey.
She brewed love for everyone around her. She was like the sun. No matter how many hardships or setbacks she faced, she still radiated warmth.
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Chapter 17
No one could resist the warmth of the sun and Levi’s words slipped out before he could stop them. He had no regrets about his words.
He’d need a wife eventually, someone to keep the family content. And for now, Zoey seemed like a good fit. As long as she kept being this obedient, he could let her settle into the role of Mrs. Gordon. He could give her a life of luxury, of wealth and privilege.
Zoey froze for a second, and she gave him a sweet smile while grabbing his hand. “Trust me, Mr. Horton, I’ll work hard to make our home better. I cherish what I own now.”
She didn’t have the same depth of scheming and calculation as Levi. Her thinking was simple–if someone treated her well, she’d return the favor. Levi was good to her, so she’d do her best for him. Even if he turned out to be not that attractive, it wouldn’t change that.
Levi smiled, pleased with her response. He then asked, “How’s school going?”
Zoey hesitated for a moment, choosing to tell him only the good things. “It’s been fine. I’ve made a new friend.” She didn’t want to burden him with her problems. He already worked so hard, and she didn’t want to make him worry about her.
“Glad to hear it,” Levi replied.
It was getting late, and Zoey was about to head to bed when Levi stopped her. “Hold on.”
Zoey’s hand tightened around the doorknob, and her heart raced rapidly. ‘Wait… is he about to ask me to… do what a wife should do?‘ she thought nervously.
Her mind raced. “True, I’ve decided to make things work with Mr. Horton, but I still haven’t seen his face yet. I don’t care much about his
appearance.
‘I just don’t want my first time to be with someone I haven’t even seen properly. And I can’t use the excuse of my period either. He knows my period cycle. Oh boy, what do I do?‘
Levi was completely unaware of the storm of thoughts in her head, and he simply said, “You haven’t had your milk yet.”
Zoey exhaled a long sigh of relief and shuffled over to the living room, picked up her glass, and sipped the milk slowly.
To make up for her years of poor nutrition, Linda had been making all sorts of nutritious soups, and on top of that, she had to drink a glass of milk every morning and evening. She’d almost forgotten tonight.
Once she finished, she placed the glass in the sink and walked past Levi. “Mr. Horton, I’m going to bed. Night.”
“Night.” Levi nodded slightly.
Zoey pushed open the door to her room and leaned back against the door. Zoning out, she asked herself in mind, ‘How strange… I should’ve felt relieved, but instead, there’s a tiny hint of disappointment bubbling inside me.’
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