His 181St Second (Laverne and Marina) novel Chapter 67

**Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale**

**Chapter 67**

The air in the lavish room was thick with the whispers of business elites, their eyes subtly darting towards Daron as they gauged his mood. When they caught sight of the slight smile that graced his lips, a collective sigh of relief seemed to ripple through the crowd. It was a signal—a sign that he was in high spirits. Instantly, their gazes shifted toward Marina, now filled with a mix of admiration and a hint of flattery, as if they were eager to curry favor with her.

Marina, standing amidst the gathering, felt the weight of their attention. Confusion flickered across her features as she registered the sudden change in their demeanor.

Daron leaned in closer, his voice low and teasing. “Ms. Finley, you certainly have the audacity to throw around compliments, but I wouldn’t dare accept them in such a public setting,” he remarked, his tone playful yet laced with an undertone of challenge.

A frown creased Marina’s brow, her bewilderment deepening. She had come here with a purpose, and Daron’s words seemed to throw her off balance.

A chuckle escaped Daron’s lips, and the laughter of those around him echoed in response, creating a ripple of camaraderie. One of the onlookers, noticing Marina’s perplexed expression, seized the opportunity to make a jest. “Ms. Finley, perhaps you should save that for later tonight. I think we’d all love to see you in a more private setting,” he teased, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Marina’s cheeks flushed crimson, her heart racing as she struggled to find the right words. “No, that’s not what I meant!” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

She had arrived here with a reservoir of confidence, ready to make her mark. Yet, the moment she found herself surrounded by these towering figures of industry—faces she had only ever seen on the financial news—her resolve began to waver. The words she had meticulously prepared in her mind now tangled together, slipping through her fingers like sand.

Daron observed her with an amused glint in his eye, clearly enjoying the moment. “So, what exactly did you mean by that?” he prodded, his tone light yet inquisitive.

Marina pressed her lips together, ready to respond, but Daron swiftly interrupted her again. “Whatever it is, let’s save it for a more private conversation, shall we?” he suggested, casting a glance around the room as if to underscore that this was not the ideal venue for their discussion.

In that instant, Marina realized the looks they were receiving from the crowd had shifted to something more complex, a mixture of intrigue and speculation. A wave of embarrassment washed over her as the realization hit her hard.

‘Daron did this on purpose!’ she thought, frustration bubbling up alongside her mortification.

“I’ll take the gift then. I suppose I’ll save it for later tonight,” he declared, a satisfied smile plastered across his face.

Marina was momentarily rendered speechless, her mind racing.

She clenched her jaw, the urge to silence him rising within her.

But Daron, seemingly unfazed, strolled past her with that insufferable grin, leaving her to glare at his retreating figure.

As he moved, his entourage fell into line behind him, a shadowy procession that only added to her sense of isolation.

Curious glances from those who didn’t know Marina turned her way, their expressions a mix of intrigue and judgment.

“Mr. Zamora, I need to speak with you!” she called after him, her voice tinged with urgency.

As she spoke, she fumbled through her bag, retrieving her resume, but Daron didn’t even glance at it. Instead, he pressed the gift bag back into her hands with a cold chuckle, leaving her standing there, stunned.

Marina felt as if she were frozen in time, staring blankly at the gift bag she now held, her mind racing with confusion and disbelief.

‘How could he go from charming to frigid in the blink of an eye?’ she pondered, frustration mingling with embarrassment.

Her confidence had already begun to unravel the moment she entered the room filled with industry giants. Now, with Daron walking away without a second glance at her resume, the last remnants of her self-assurance crumbled to dust.

She had forgotten that this was Vrufield, a city where every inch of real estate was worth its weight in gold, teeming with sharks ready to devour the unwary. It was a far cry from Sicester, which was still finding its footing in the world.

“Miss, are you alright?” the receptionist inquired gently, her voice laced with concern.

Marina realized she had been standing there for far too long, the receptionist’s worried gaze a stark reminder of her predicament.

Taking a deep breath, Marina tried to piece her confidence back together, forcing a brave smile onto her lips. “I’m fine,” she replied, her determination rekindling within her.

She couldn’t simply walk away.

No matter the challenge, she was resolute in her desire to join Zamora Group.

There was no way she would allow her sister’s carefully crafted plan to fall apart.

The receptionist maintained a polite smile, but Marina could sense the unease in her eyes.

It seemed evident that the two of them shared a connection, but without Daron’s words to clarify their relationship, the receptionist was left unsure of how to assist Marina.

Catching the receptionist’s hesitation, Marina offered a reassuring smile. “Is there a waiting room where I could sit until Mr. Zamora is available?”

Marina offered an awkward smile, feeling a flush of embarrassment creep up her neck.

By lunchtime, Daron had still not returned.

Marina had only managed to gulp down a glass of milk before leaving that morning and hadn’t even touched her sandwich. After hours of waiting, her stomach growled in protest.

She glanced around, noting how no one seemed to be moving to leave. Biting her lip, she leaned over to the person next to her and whispered, “Aren’t you guys going to eat?”

He shook his head, a serious expression on his face. “No way. If Mr. Zamora calls while we’re out, we’ll miss our chance. I can’t risk that.”

Marina blinked, taken aback.

‘Wow, these people are really dedicated,’ she thought, her resolve strengthening.

She had started to rise, but the weight of his words made her sit back down, her appetite suddenly vanishing.

Just as she settled into her seat, her phone buzzed to life.

Marina glanced at the screen, her heart skipping a beat—it was her sister.

She quickly answered. “Hello?”

Elnora’s voice was as icy as ever. “I ordered you some takeout. It’s waiting for you at the front desk of Zamora Group. Don’t forget to eat,” she instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Marina felt a swell of gratitude, mixed with curiosity. “How did you know I was still at Zamora Group and hadn’t eaten yet?” she asked, genuinely intrigued.

Elnora’s response was swift. “Daron’s no fool.”

With Marina making her way to Zamora Group for a job, it was clear to her sister that Daron would see through their plan.

**Chapter 68**