Janelle didn't open her mouth. She genuinely didn't want to eat anymore.
"I'm full." She'd barely eaten anything.
"Not to your taste? We can go somewhere else." Erik was truly worried about her stomach.
"I'm full. No need to change."
Janelle pulled out her phone to check flight schedules. Erik plucked it from her hand.
"It's too late now. Your stomach is bothering you. Don't go back tonight. We'll return together tomorrow." Blue Whale wouldn't vanish overnight. One night's rest here wouldn't hurt.
Her stomach had just started feeling better; a long flight was indeed unwise. Janelle didn't refuse.
Jason returned from his call, apologetic. "Janelle, I'm so sorry! I have to leave."
"Stay at the hotel tonight. I'll personally see you back tomorrow." He'd brought her; it was his duty to ensure her safe return.
Janelle shook her head. "No need. Go handle your business. I'll get back myself."
"Not acceptable. I'll pick you up from the hotel tomorrow. I've already booked you a room at the Imperial Capital Grand Hotel. You can check in directly." Jason finished instructing and left the restaurant.
Alone in the private room again, Erik was in no hurry. He ate at a leisurely pace.
Janelle didn't rush him. She picked up her phone to handle the files Linda had sent. Her movements were swift and efficient. Soon, she was done. The project progress was fast; the current issue was funding. Westin would never invest that much. He was eagerly waiting for her downfall, after all.
"Problem?" Erik noticed her distraction and asked.
"No. Finished?"
"Yes. Let's go." Erik stood first, waiting for her.
Janelle rose, and they walked out together. The manager personally escorted them to the underground garage.
"Stomach still hurt?" The therapeutic cuisine was renowned, but he still worried.
"No. Please take me to the hotel." Janelle was genuinely tired.
Erik didn't answer. He simply started the car.
Staying at a hotel on his turf? Unthinkable. Besides, she had nothing with her; a hotel would be inconvenient.
"Close your eyes and rest. I'll wake you when we arrive." Seeing her drained, Erik felt a pang of tenderness.
Janelle closed her eyes to rest.
Erik drove out of the garage. Outside, a light rain had begun to fall. He turned up the car's heater slightly.
Glancing at her, the girl's face was still pale, her long lashes hiding her usually lively eyes. Seeing her like this, Erik felt a distinct ache in his chest – true concern for her.
The car entered the hillside villa. The butler, seeing his return, came out to greet him. Yet, after the car stopped, Erik didn't emerge. The butler walked over with an umbrella.
Erik rolled down the window. "Prepare the master bedroom. Freshen it up." He hadn't been back for a while.
The butler had already spotted the girl in the passenger seat. It was the first time the Young Master had brought a young lady home, and with such evident importance. He dared not be negligent. He immediately changed the sheets and redecorated the master bedroom.
"Awake?" Erik found her sleepy confusion utterly endearing. The usually aloof girl only looked her age of twenty when just waking up.
"I asked you to take me to a hotel."
"Miss Rovella, on my turf, letting you stay in a hotel is out of the question. Besides, you have nothing with you, not even your ID. How would you check in?"
"..." These were just excuses. She could manage without an ID.
"Don't worry. I won't lay a finger on you tonight."
Don't worry? The predatory look in his eyes suggested he wanted to devour her whole. She couldn't muster an ounce of reassurance.
"Really. I promise." Janelle didn't even want to dignify that with a response.
Erik got out, opened an umbrella, and came to her side, opening her door. "Come on. Go shower and get some proper rest."
Janelle stepped out. The rain was heavier now, and they only had one umbrella. Erik drew her firmly against his side. The temperature had dropped with the rain; her body felt cool, while his embrace was intensely warm.
He brought her into the living room. Erik's clothes were soaked through on one side, while Janelle only had damp pant legs.
The butler immediately brought towels. "Young Master, dry yourself!"
Erik took a towel but promptly wrapped a large bath towel around Janelle instead. "Come on, shower first." Her hands were icy cold – probably poor circulation. Erik took her hand directly and led her to the master bedroom.
In the ensuite bathroom, the bathtub was already filled with hot water. Erik added a few drops of essential oil – a product developed by Haoting Group's pharmaceutical arm, known for its calming and sleep-inducing properties. Remembering her cold hands, he also turned on the bathroom heater. Once everything was ready, he stepped out to call her.
"Go on. Don't worry. I won't come in without your consent." His voice was low, reassuring. "If you need anything, just tell me. Don't stand on ceremony."
Erik left. Looking at his preparations, Janelle felt a flicker of something unexpected. This dangerously intense man… was surprisingly thoughtful.
She took the provided sleepwear into the bathroom, shed her clothes, and stepped into the large, thermostatically controlled bathtub. The temperature was perfect. Rose petals floated on the water's surface. Janelle sank in, soaking comfortably.
By the time she emerged, half an hour had passed.
Outside, Erik had showered in a guest room. He'd changed into loungewear, looking relaxed and effortlessly handsome.
"Young Master, supper is ready. Would you and Miss Rovella like some?"
"I'll check on her first." Her appetite was poor; she likely wouldn't want to eat at this hour.
Erik walked to her door. His hand hovered over the handle… then dropped. He knocked.
He'd brought her here for rest, not to impose himself.
Janelle emerged wearing the robe – new, but thoughtfully washed by the butler. The underwear provided also fit perfectly. Erik's eye for sizing was unnervingly accurate.
Opening the door, she saw Erik in his loungewear. The simple, well-cut clothes looked effortlessly sophisticated on him. A man of undeniable substance.
"Yes?" The girl's voice was slightly husky from the steam. Dressed in the robe, her damp hair cascading down her back, her face looked delicate and utterly tempting.
"Nothing." Erik spoke, realizing his own voice had roughened.
"Then I'm going to sleep." Janelle moved to close the door.
But his hand pressed against it, stopping her.