The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride

Chapter 2110

Azriel couldn't be less bothered by such childish antics. In comparison to her sister's schemes, these little tricks were mere child's play.

Yet, it was these very same childish games that managed to grind his gears.

He had only been back in the country for a short while, and his first meal had landed him in the hospital. With an empty stomach and despite the initial lack of appetite, the tantalizing smells around him were too much to resist. After all, these were the flavors he craved.

His hunger piqued, he could only watch as the young woman in front of him gloated with glee.

At first glance, she seemed well-behaved, but her impact on him was unexpectedly profound. After all these years, she had managed in a single day to bring about his most embarrassing and nearly fatal experiences.

Phoebe, noticing that Azriel's expression was turning particularly sour, decided not to push her luck and promptly cleared away the food after finishing. Then, like a cat that got the cream, she suddenly became as timid as a mouse, not daring to make a sound.d2

Azriel silently leaned back on his hospital bed, reviewing documents, amused and annoyed at the sight of her cautiously sipping water, trying her best to be inconspicuous.

Such a little drama queen.

*

As evening fell, a few visitors arrived at the hospital room.

Two handsome men walked in, both exuding an air of affluence. One sported a suit yet carried a roguish attitude, while the other, in a black sweater and gray coat, struck a balance between casualContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

and composed.

Phoebe was dozing on the sofa when they entered, prompting a subtle shift in their expressions upon seeing her.

"What brings you here?" Azriel's voice drew their attention back to him.

The composed man spoke, "We were planning a welcome back dinner for you, but it seems you checked into the hospital first."

The suited man inquired, "Food poisoning, they say? What on earth did you eat that was so toxic?"

Phoebe felt a touch awkward at the question.

Azriel glanced at the suited man, his expression flat, "Sounds like you're more interested in laughing at my misfortune."

The suited man chuckled, not bothering to deny it, but his interest shifted to Phoebe. "And who might you be?"

"I am..." Phoebe hesitated, "the one who sent him to the hospital."

The suited man raised an eyebrow and said with a laugh, "Well, thank you for that."

Phoebe forced a chuckle, glancing nervously at Azriel, "No need for thanks, it was the least I could do."

He smirked, his eyes playfully scanning over Phoebe's features, eventually settling with a mischievous glint, "How could I not thank you? You saved my buddy's life. I must treat you to a meal in return."

"That's really not necessary."

The suited man persisted, "What's your last name, miss?"

"Grayson," Azriel interjected, his tone heavy, "leave her be."

Grayson turned to face Azriel's icy demeanor, laced with a clear warning. Their eyes met for a few seconds before Grayson, with a light laugh, broke the silence, "She's not your girlfriend, is she?"

Azriel remained silent. So did Phoebe.

This man named Grayson had an air of mischief about him; the way he looked at people was unabashedly brazen and flirtatious.

Azriel's response, despite being subtle, confirmed Phoebe's suspicions about Grayson. She was relieved by Azriel's tacit acknowledgment. After all, a friend's partner is off-limits. Better to keep Grayson at bay now than to have him entangle her later.

"Alright then, I guess I'm the odd one out," Grayson shrugged, "But we really should catch up soon. Next time, make sure to introduce her around, remind everyone to keep an eye out, so they don't inadvertently cross paths with your girl."

Azriel merely hummed in response.

With that casual acknowledgment, Phoebe suddenly felt her heart skip a beat, even though she knew he was just being evasive.

How strange.