Page 44 of Protected By My Playboy Billionaire

“I’m here to work, ma’am,” I reply evenly, trying to keep my composure. What is she tryingto achieve?

She waves a dismissive hand. “Oh, don’t play coy with me. I’ve seen this scenario play out countless times before. Girls thinking they can win the big boss's heart.” She clasps her hands, her gaze boring into mine. “But let me tell you something, woman to woman, and you’d be wise to open your ears. Adrian Morgan is not only out of your league, but he’s also not the type to settle down with someone like you.”

“Someone like me?” I feel a surge of anger bubbling inside me but try to remain calm. What the hell does that mean?

Victoria’s smile turns patronizing. “Adrian is a man who enjoys the company of beautiful women, but he’s not interested in anything serious. You’re among the countless women he’s taken to events and his bed that eventually get dumped with nothing but a broken heart. I’m sure you’ll find that out soon enough.”

I can’t listen to this. Her words sting, but I refuse to let her see exactly how much.

“I appreciate your concern,” I say, my tone grim. “But I’m simply here to work.”

She chuckles, a sound that grates on my nerves. “Suit yourself,” she replies dismissively. “But don’t actlike you didn’t see it coming when he does the same with you.”

The waiter interrupts with a quick apology and sets my food down in front of me before turning to the woman across from me.

“Ms. Duchamp, can I get you anything?”

She waves the waiter away with a red-nailed hand, not even looking at him.

“Thank you,” I call after him, feeling bad for seeing him be dismissed with such little respect.

Victoria leans in closer, regaining my attention, a smug smile playing on her lips. “You know, Elana, Adrian and I are very close,” she says, her voice dripping with implication. She punctuates her statement with a sly wink.

My heart sinks at her words. How close are you exactly? That’s what I want to ask, but I will not give her the satisfaction. The thought sends a wave of unease coursing through me.

“It’s nice to see an employee of his considering him a friend,” I reply, trying to keep my tone casual despite the turmoil brewinginside me.

“Hmm.” Victoria nods, her expression smug. “We’ve known each other for years, and we have a very special bond.” She leans back in her chair and taps her scarlet nails on the table.

I force a tight smile, my mind racing with questions and unwelcome images of their bond. “I see,” I murmur at last.

Victoria chuckles, pleased with herself. Bitch. “I just thought you should know. I wouldn’t want you to get your hopes up about Adrian. It pains me to see so many girls fall for the sweet little lies he tells them.”

“I doubt Mr. Morgan would appreciate your words.”

“He appreciates more of me than you know. Enjoy your meal.” With a final smirk, Victoria rises from her seat and glides away.

I did not enjoy my meal. In fact, I did not enjoy a single thing about my day after my encounter with Victoria. The knowledge that she had paid for my meal came to me only after I’d already finished my soup and bread. It wasn’t an act of kindness; it was a final slap in the face from her.

There hasn’t been a minute since during which I hadn’t thought about what she’d told me, the conversation replaying over and over in my head. After it, my conversation with Adrian himself flashes through my mind. He ran after me. He told me he never wants to be away from me. His words clash with Victoria’s warnings.

It pains me to see so many girls fall for the sweet little lies he tells them.Victoria’s words echo in my mind, poisoning the warmth I felt during my moments with Adrian in the elevator, just like she poisoned my food by paying for it.

As I walk towards the black Mercedes with Mac patiently waiting for me, both conversations replay in my mind.

“Hi, Mac.” I give the older gentleman a weak smile as he holds the door open for me.

“Good evening, Miss Elana.” He closes the door and slides into the driver’s seat a few seconds later. “How was your day?”

“Eventful.” I sink into the leather backseat and meet Mac’s understanding gaze in the rearview mirror. “Are we going to waitfor Adrian?”

“Mr. Morgan has dinner with some of his business associates and a few board members. He asked me to tell you he should be home around nine.”

I don’t have the energy to respond, so I offer him a nod I’m not sure he’ll see and close my eyes, the humming of the engine lulling me to sleep.

After returning to Adrian’s penthouse about an hour ago, I took a long, soothing shower to wash away any lingering traces of Victoria’s heavy perfume. Now, dressed in my usual pajama shorts and an oversized hoodie, I make my way to the kitchen. I haven’t eaten since lunchtime, and I desperately need to eat something that isn’t paid for by Victoria.

So, you’ll eat something paid for by Adrian?I scoff at myself while rummaging through the fridge for something to put in my belly.