The Enchanting Doctor With a Bite novel Chapter 13

Kylie lay on the bed, fast asleep.

Owen exhaled in relief at the sight.

His steps softened as he approached the bedside, his gaze lingering on her tranquil face.

Golden sunlight streamed through the sheer white curtains, casting a warm, amber glow over the room.

She rested her head on her arm, her long, dark hair cascading over the silver-gray pillow. Her lashes were long and delicately curled, her nose elegantly defined, and her lips held a natural, dewy sheen. Though she appeared peaceful in sleep, faint traces of exhaustion lingered on her face.

Seeing her asleep, Owen chose not to wake her. Instead, he thoughtfully tucked the blanket around her and slipped out of the guest room with quiet, measured steps.

Samuel sat at the head of the table in Prestige Group's conference room, his long, powerful fingers idly twirling a pen. Though his expression seemed distracted, his undeniable air of authority was enough to keep the entire room on edge.

Noting his grim expression, the executives grew especially cautious, wary of making even the slightest mistake.

According to the original schedule, Samuel was supposed to be in Oakheart today, negotiating a new project. Yet, for some reason, the trip had been canceled.

His gaze flicked to the presentation on the large screen. Furrowing his brows, he asked coldly, "Did any of you even bother bringing your brains to work today?"

The room plunged into silence. No one dared to breathe too loudly.

Samuel rose to his feet, his commanding presence pressing down on them like an invisible weight.

"Nova Group is drowning in a 2.5-billion-dollar debt, with a market value of barely 100 million. The industry itself is in decline, and its market is steadily shrinking. Companies within it can't even sustain normal profits, and the entire sector will soon collapse.

"And yet, you want to acquire a company that is a financial black hole? Tell me, did you leave your brains at home, or have they stopped functioning entirely?

"You have the audacity to present me with this kind of investment plan today? Then don't be surprised if I start slashing your salaries tomorrow. Prestige is a multinational corporation, not a charity. If you're looking for charity, I suggest you get out now."

The two-hour meeting was cut short to just ten minutes.

Samuel was in an especially foul mood today.

The executives, thoroughly berated to the point of questioning their own competence, filed out of the conference room with their heads hanging low.

"Has she gone back to Hythe Villa?" Samuel asked abruptly.

Logan froze momentarily before quickly responding, "Ms. Clark hasn't returned. If you're concerned, Mr. Vance, I can send someone to…"

"No need," Samuel cut him off. "I'd like to see exactly when she plans to return. And who said anything about being concerned? I'm just making sure she doesn't embarrass the Vance family."

His lips curled into a cold, mocking smirk, and his expression grew even darker.

The black Bentley glided through the night, rolling smoothly into the villa's driveway.

As soon as the car came to a stop, the butler stepped forward and respectfully opened the rear door. "Mr. Vance."

Samuel's gaze swept over the surroundings, sharp yet impassive. Kylie was nowhere to be seen.

Sensing his reaction, the butler quickly added, "Mr. Vance, Ms. Clark hasn't returned yet."

"You talk too much." Samuel's voice was cold as he reprimanded him.

"My apologies, Mr. Vance."

After dining alone, Samuel headed straight to his study.

Seizing a free moment, the butler swiftly pulled out his phone and dialed Kylie's number.

"Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavailable…"

A sweet yet mechanical voice echoed through the receiver.

He quickly redialed the number—only to be met with the same automated response.