When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese and Zacharias) novel Chapter 769

Adrian splashed cold water on his face to cool his body. After a brief pause, he opened the restroom door and stepped outside.

Pepper sat on the edge of the bed, her head lowered. Her shirt was slightly unbuttoned as she carefully spread burn ointment over her waist and stomach.

It appeared that her pain was so overwhelming that she didn't notice him stepping out immediately. After a moment, she finally responded by swiftly turning her back and pulling her shirt closed.

Adrian immediately looked away, but the image of pale skin lingered in his mind. The burn does look serious. The skin is so red. It might really hurt.

He cleared his throat. "If it's that bad, you should go to the hospital."

"I probably... don't need to, right?" Pepper sounded unsure. Even she couldn't gauge how severe the burn was.

She stood up and looked at him helplessly. "Could you take a look at it for me, Adrian? I have to return to the shop later. I really don't want to make another trip to the hospital, but I'm worried I might misjudge it and it could get infected."

Adrian thought about how Pepper had made soup especially and brought it all the way to his office. After a brief hesitation, he finally replied, "Button the top. Just lift the hem, and I'll take a look."

Pepper answered immediately, "Okay."

A soft rustle of fabric followed as she walked toward him.

Her head stayed lowered, as if she felt embarrassed. Somehow, she stumbled and bumped straight into Adrian.

Adrian instinctively raised his hand to push her back, but his palm hit her burn.

Pepper let out a painful cry. Her body went weak at once, and she began to sink downward.

Adrian quickly reached out and caught her by the waist.

Pepper seemed startled, too. In a panic, she wrapped both arms around him. Just like that, the two of them ended up pressed together in an awkward embrace.

Before Adrian could even make sense of what had happened, hurried footsteps approached outside the lounge, followed by his secretary's excited voice coming from the office.

"Ms. Chalmont, Mr. Malone is in the lounge. Please take a seat first. I'll inform him you're here immediately."

Adrian's mind went blank for a moment.

He thought, Ms. Chalmont? Which Ms. Chalmont?

For some reason, Wendy was the only person who came to his mind. However, he knew Wendy shouldn't be here.

This idea so unsettled him that he completely forgot he was still holding Pepper.

It wasn't until a familiar figure appeared at the lounge doorway and their eyes met.

It really was Wendy.

She wore an elegant, pale moon-white suit. Her hair was loosely pinned back, complemented by subtle, refined makeup. Her expression was calm and nearly neutral.

He thought, Crap! It's over. I'm finished.

At this rate, his head might roll.

He thought, Mr. Malone, this is your own mess. Please don't blame me for it.

"Wendy!" Adrian finally snapped out of his trance, pushing Pepper away from his arms and quickly heading after Wendy.

When he finally caught up, Wendy had already reached the office door.

Adrian seized her arm, his voice tense with worry. "Wendy, what are you doing here?"

"I really shouldn't have entered like that," Wendy said, glancing at the secretary next to her, whose face had gone completely blank. "Yale, please escort me to the reception room first."

Adrian quickly panicked. "No, Wendy, that's not what I meant! You can come whenever you'd like. I just..."

Wendy snatched her arm away from his grip and looked disapproving. "Mr. Malone, I believe there was a misunderstanding. I sincerely apologize. I should have stayed in the reception area earlier. I apologize for interrupting you, Mr. Malone. Please continue."

A look of surprised, stunned happiness flashed across Adrian's face when he heard her words.

He did not let her leave.

Instead, his voice softened.

"Wendy, are you jealous?"