Falling for the Goddess

Lipstick Stain on His Shirt

At JH Grand Hotel.

"President Blake, here's to a successful collaboration."

"Likewise."

Adrian Blake had just concluded a business dinner and was stepping out of the private dining room when he heard a commotion from the neighboring room. Angry shouting, accompanied by the shattering of glass, broke the relative calm of the hallway.

He paused, intending to walk away, but the door to the neighboring room burst open. A young woman ran out in a panic, colliding directly into him.

"Sorry—" She looked up mid-apology and froze. Her eyes lit up as though she'd found salvation. Grabbing his shirt sleeve tightly, she stammered, "Adrian..."

Adrian Blake glanced down. The disheveled woman was Rachael Hall. Her hair was a mess, and her entire appearance screamed distress. His gaze shifted to the man who stormed out after her.

"President Blake?" The man faltered when he recognized him, halting in his tracks. His hostile expression morphed into one of obsequiousness. "Do you... know her?"

Adrian's voice was curt. "I do."

The man's demeanor shifted instantly, his tone ingratiating. "Ah, why didn't you say so earlier? Miss Hall's dancing is phenomenal! She's destined to be a star. President Blake, why don't you join us for a drink and a chat?"

Adrian shot a glance at his assistant, Charlie Scott. Understanding the unspoken cue, Chen stepped forward to introduce the man. "This is Mr. Williams from TX Entertainment."

Mr. Williams nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, yes, that's me."

Unmoved by the man's flattery, Adrian dismissed him entirely, turning to Rachael Hall. "Let's go."

Rachael Hall followed him closely, gripping her sleeves and biting her lip. As they walked past Mr. Williams, her eyes flickered with a flash of resentment.

When they reached the hotel entrance, Adrian stopped.

Rachael Hall, still trembling, lowered her head and mumbled an explanation, "My agent said there was an important opportunity tonight. They told me it was just an interview, and I had no idea it would be like that..." Her voice cracked, carrying hints of tears. "They forced me to drink, and when I refused, I ran out..."

She didn't mention that they had also gotten handsy, pushing her past her limits.

Adrian stared into the distance, his thoughts elsewhere as her voice wavered helplessly.

She wore a sleek, form-fitting dress that exposed her arms and back. Without her jacket, which had been left behind in the private room, she shivered visibly in the cool evening air.

Holding Adrian's coat, Charlie Scott glanced between Rachael Hall and his boss. Making an executive decision, he stepped forward and draped the coat over Rachael Hall's shoulders. Internally, he patted himself on the back for his thoughtfulness.

Adrian, however, shot him a cold glare.

Charlie Scott blinked, confused. What did I do wrong?

Her cheeks glistened with tears, Rachael Hall clutched the coat tighter and looked up at Adrian with gratitude. "Thank you."

"Does your teacher know about this?" Adrian asked, his voice devoid of warmth.

Rachael Hall stiffened, her fingers curling into the fabric of her dress.

She didn't respond. Her teacher, Michael Hall, vehemently opposed her entry into the entertainment industry. While she knew the road would be fraught with challenges, she wanted more than just a career as a dancer.

Her gaze lingered on Adrian, and her determination only solidified. She would climb to the top and make herself worthy of standing beside him.

"Get in the car. I'll take you home," Adrian said finally.

Charlie Scott drove while Adrian and Rachael Hall sat in the backseat. Adrian leaned against the window, looking out and saying little.

Rachael Hall tried to initiate a conversation multiple times, but Adrian responded indifferently. Eventually, she fell silent.

Adrian Blake was more than an accomplished businessman to her—he was the epitome of untouchable elegance. She was determined to rise high enough to stand beside him one day.

As the car made a sharp turn, Rachael Hall lost her balance and fell against Adrian.

"Sorry, Boss," Charlie Scott apologized from the driver's seat. "A car suddenly cut in."

Adrian adjusted his position, showing no particular reaction. Rachael Hall quickly straightened up, murmuring, "I'm sorry."

After dropping off Rachael Hall, Charlie Scott asked, "Boss, where to now?"

"The villa," Adrian Blake replied. After a pause, he added, "And don't act on your own again."

Charlie Scott blinked, glancing at Adrian in the rearview mirror. The man had already closed his eyes, signaling the conversation was over.

"Yes, sir," Charlie Scott answered, resigning himself to silence.

When Adrian arrived at the villa, Sara Hart was still in the living room. Hearing the door, she turned with a smile. "You're back!"

Adrian's gaze landed on the vase and scissors on the table. "Did you buy flowers?"

"Mm-hmm." Sara carefully adjusted the flowers in the vase. This time, she had chosen soft pink and white tulips, giving the room a serene, warm touch.

Adrian had grown accustomed to seeing fresh flowers in the house every day.

"Did you eat at home?" he asked.

Sara shook her head. "No, I ate at school."

Since Adrian wasn't home, she hadn't asked Aunt Wang to cook.

Adrian stood beside her, watching as she carefully arranged the flowers with her usual patience and meticulousness.

When his eyes fell on her unadorned earlobes, he asked, "Why aren't you wearing them? Don't like them?"

Sara blinked in confusion before realizing he meant the earrings he had given her. She touched her earlobe sheepishly and smiled. "No, I love them! I usually don't wear earrings unless there's a special occasion."

The sincerity in her voice softened Adrian's expression. "Mm," he murmured.

Once she finished with the flowers, they went upstairs together. Sara followed a step behind, and her gaze landed on the shoulder of Adrian's white shirt.

A lipstick stain.

She froze mid-step.

The faint trace of perfume she had noticed earlier wasn't her imagination. Neither she nor Adrian wore perfume, so whose scent was it?

Adrian retrieved his pajamas and headed for the bathroom, leaving Sara motionless in the hallway.

She wanted to believe it was a misunderstanding. Adrian wasn't that kind of man... was he?

Her phone buzzed suddenly, breaking her train of thought.

"Hello, Ella?"

"Sara, check the news! I just sent you the link!"

Sara's heart sank. A wave of unease washed over her as she opened her messages.