Chapter 3 Chapter 3: A Hundred Times Already, Why Not a Few More

Joel tossed the notebook aside, stood up, and walked over to Liesel, his eyes fixed intently on her.

His muscular frame, still radiating the steamy heat from his recent shower, exuded an overpowering presence.

He lifted her delicate chin with his finger, his tone playful, "A hundred times already. Why not a few more?"

Clearly, he wasn't satisfied yet tonight.

"Mr. Schott, you sure know how to joke."

Liesel gently brushed Joel's hand away and slipped past him.

She grabbed the small notebook from the bed, stuffing it into her bag while glancing around as if searching for something.

Joel's expression darkened as he let out a soft chuckle, bending down to pick up a bra from the floor.

He dangled her bra but didn't hand it to her, waiting for her to come and get it.

His sharp brows were laced with a complex emotion.

Liesel, who could distinguish the scents of hundreds of different fragrances, found it hard to decipher Joel's current mood.

But it no longer mattered to her.

She reached out, took the bra, and turned away to quickly put it on.

Joel leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his straight nose casting a shadow over the faintly smiling curve of his lips.

His gaze lingered on her hands as she fastened her bra behind her back.

In the past, she would pretend she couldn't hook her bra, softly asking him for help.

But today, she skillfully fastened it with one hand.

Liesel slipped on her dress, slung her bag over her shoulder, and headed towards the door. Just before leaving, she stopped.

She turned back, bending down to rummage through her bag for a car key.

A flash of surprise crossed Joel's eyes.

She fiddled with the keychain for a moment, removing the little bear cover, and then tossed the bare car key at him.

Snap.

Joel caught the car key with one hand, still warm from her touch.

"I told you, the car was a gift for you."

Joel kept his voice light and composed, though he restrained his emotions.

As someone in a position of power, he couldn't afford to lose control over anyone or anything.

"I know Mr. Schott is generous, but this wasn't part of our deal." Liesel smiled serenely. "Thank you for taking care of me all this time. Goodbye."

The door opened and shut behind her.

The sound of high heels echoed lightly in the hallway.

Joel stared at the car key in his hand, his expression darkening.

A deal.

Joel glanced out the window briefly, then pulled off his towel, dressed, and went downstairs.

Just as his car pulled out of the courtyard, Joel caught sight of Liesel's slender figure.

She was holding her heels, walking barefoot down the mountain.

It seemed she intended to walk all the way back.

Just as he was about to press the gas and catch up with her, the sudden roar of an engine shattered the silence of the mountainside.

A motorcycle's high beam suddenly blinded him, and with a swift turn, it stopped beside Liesel.

The rider, dressed in a white biker suit, had chiseled features that looked like they were carved from stone.

His thick black hair swayed slightly in the breeze, adding a touch of rebellious charm.

He lifted the visor of his helmet, revealing a pair of slanted eyes, cold and stern.

With one foot on the ground, he affectionately placed a helmet from the back seat onto her head.

Liesel adjusted her skirt as she climbed onto the back of the bike.

Her arms wrapped tightly around the man's waist.

Watching this scene unfold, Joel's fingers clenched the steering wheel involuntarily, as if squeezing her neck instead.

His knuckles whitened from the pressure, veins bulging on the back of his hands, his handsome face half-hidden in shadow, with only the tight line of his lips visible.

The motorcycle, with Liesel on the back, sped down the mountain.

Joel sat in his car, an inexplicable irritation rising within him, and he slammed his fists against the steering wheel.

Riding on the back of the motorcycle, the wind whipping past her ears carried the taste of freedom for Liesel.

"Weren't you working on a scent? Any results?" the man in front called out to her.

"There's a small bug," Liesel shouted back. "I'll refine it when I get back from the Winters family."

"When I'm not around, keep an eye on the lab for me," she added.

"How long are you staying at the Winters?" the man asked again.

"A day or two. Not too long!" Liesel quickly added, "If I'm fast, I might be back tomorrow."

"They're eager for the samples this time, so don't delay too long," the man reminded.

Liesel frowned slightly at his words. "Anthony Halstead, who's the boss here anyway?"