Chapter 9 The Art Of Seduction

• A flirtatious woman wasn't worthy of marrying into the Lennons despite her virtues.
• Blair bit her lip. "You're implying I made dinner to prevent us from divorcing?"
• "Well, isn't it?" There was always a hidden agenda in spontaneous pandering
• She could not defend herself and remained quiet, as her motives were not exactly selfless. Disappointed and considering her efforts on dinner a waste, she stomped away to the bathroom frustratingly.
• Zachary took her lack of response as silent agreement, which only deepened his disgust toward her. As he prepared to go, a cry came from the bathroom, followed by a thudding sound.
• His face turned stormy, and he turned to head back. "Blair?"
• Finding the door unlocked, he pushed it ajar on instinct just to reveal an unexpected sight. Blair was flushed from the steam, her eyes wet with tears as she struggled to support herself with her slender arms. One foot was raised with the other still on the floor as she attempted to rise but couldn't, causing her towel to fall after two tries.
• A visceral reaction shot through Zachary from his sudden desire, his Adam's apple rolling instinctively.\
• "G…get out!" Her voice wavered with a mix of anxiety and anger as she tried to protect her modesty with the towel while seated on the floor.
• He began to breathe quicker at the sight of her awkwardness, gripping the door handle tighter. He angrily shut the door with a slam out of frustration at her failed attempt to tempt him. His surprising reaction enraged him even more; how could Blair constantly charm him and frustrate him?
• Before he could get away, she asked weakly from the bathroom, "Zachary, you still there?"
• "Do you need anything?" His deep voice sounded displeased.
• Blair frowned while wishing she wouldn't have to say anything. "I think I have sprained my foot and cannot stand. Help me, please?"
• She had been so distracted about the contract to the point of hurting her foot and twisting her waist, which made her every move excruciating.
• "You wish you could tempt me like this." He exited the bedroom.
• "What? I didn't…" Her remark was interrupted by a resounding thump from the door slamming shut.
• She desperately considered anyone who could help her right now while shifting herself due to the damp, chilly floor and trying to sit up. She could not move her waist, and her ankle was swollen, which gave her no choice but to gather her strength against the wall.
• Zachary had taken a freezing bath and got into his pajamas before returning but could not find Blair. He eyed the bathroom in consideration she might still be in there.
• "You planning on staying there overnight?" He stared at a trembling Blair still leaned against the wall.
• "It's not a lie. I can't move my waist, and I have swollen feet. Just check it if you don't trust me." Blair stretched her damaged foot toward him in case he disregarded her again, making her towel fall off and expose her.
• Zachary felt himself weakening.
• "Shameless, aren't you?" He threw the cruel words at her with an icy look.
• Realizing her mistake, she turned red with humiliation and retracted her feet, just to strain her waist on accident, which made her call out in pain. The tempting siren-like sound almost made him melt, and his expression turned angrier and icier. "Shut it."
• She muffled herself while looking at him piteously.