The CEO and the Country Wildflower chapter 76

[adminnovelsaudio]

Listen Audiobook Version:



The CEO and the Country Wildflower



Chapter 76: Shadows and Whispers


The morning after their first kiss, Lucas York strode into York Group with his usual commanding presence, but his sharp eyes betrayed an uncharacteristic softness whenever they landed on Emelly Clus. The office, already buzzing with whispers about the CEO’s sudden change in demeanor, erupted into fresh speculation when Emelly arrived, her cheeks pink and her usual fiery confidence tempered by a shy smile. Linda Crow, lurking near the coffee machine, narrowed her eyes as she watched Lucas’s fingers linger on Emelly’s wrist under the pretense of adjusting her bracelet—a touch that made his chronic migraine vanish instantly. Linda’s grip tightened around her cup. She had spent years clawing her way up the corporate ladder, only for some country wildflower to waltz in and steal everything. Meanwhile, Emelly’s best friend, Jane Claudias, was too wrapped up in her own bliss to notice the tension. She twirled into the office, humming, her heart still fluttering from Tony Bright’s sweet confession the night before. Tony, usually the epitome of composed professionalism, had surprised her with an impromptu rooftop dinner under the stars. Jane had teased him mercilessly—until he kissed her mid-laugh. But beneath the surface of their newfound happiness, danger simmered. The suspicious near-accident from the previous day—a car that had swerved too close to Emelly on her way home—was no coincidence. Lucas had spent the night combing through security footage, his jaw clenched in fury. The message left on Emelly’s desk, scrawled in jagged letters, was unmistakable: "You don’t belong here." Emelly, ever the optimist, tried to brush it off. "Maybe it’s just a prank," she said, though her fingers trembled slightly as she crumpled the note. Lucas wasn’t convinced. "No one threatens what’s mine," he growled, pulling her into his office and locking the door behind them. The intensity in his gaze made her breath hitch. "From now on, David drives you everywhere. No arguments." Emelly opened her mouth to protest, but Lucas silenced her with a searing kiss, his hands cradling her face as if she were something precious. When he pulled away, his voice was rough. "I won’t lose you." Across town, Bruno Halthorn found himself in an unexpected predicament. His marriage of convenience to Serritary Jonshon had started as a business arrangement—her family’s financial ruin in exchange for his name and resources. But the stubborn, mischievous heiress was proving to be far more than he bargained for. That morning, Serritary had "accidentally" swapped his usual black coffee with a caramel latte, grinning when he took a sip and scowled. "You’re insufferable," he muttered, though there was no real heat in his words. Serritary leaned against his desk, her eyes sparkling. "And yet, you haven’t filed for divorce." Bruno’s lips twitched. "Not yet." But as the day wore on, Bruno caught himself watching her—the way her laughter filled the room, the defiant tilt of her chin when she argued with him. When she absentmindedly tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his chest tightened. This wasn’t part of the plan. Back at York Group, Tony and Jane stole moments between meetings, their fingers brushing under conference tables, their laughter drawing curious glances. Tony, usually the voice of reason, found himself distracted by the way Jane’s nose scrunched when she laughed. But the shadow over Emelly and Lucas refused to lift. That evening, as Lucas walked her to David’s car, a figure lurked in the alley across the street. The glint of a camera lens caught the fading sunlight. Lucas’s instincts flared. He spun around, scanning the shadows, but whoever it was had already vanished. Emelly squeezed his hand. "What’s wrong?" Lucas forced a smile. "Nothing. Just… stay close to me." As David drove away, neither of them noticed the sleek black sedan tailing them at a careful distance. Summary of Chapter 76: The office buzzes with speculation about Lucas and Emelly’s relationship, while Linda’s jealousy festers. Jane and Tony bask in their new romance, and Bruno struggles with his growing feelings for Serritary. The threat against Emelly escalates, with a stalker capturing photos of her and Lucas. The chapter ends with an ominous presence tailing Emelly’s car, leaving their safety uncertain.