Chapter 356

Dillen and Alonso nodded in agreement. By discussing private matters, they hoped to create a sense of special connection with her.

“Private matters?” Elliana looked at them and asked, “Alright. What private matters do you want to talk about?”

Hutton was taken aback by her quick agreement but then smiled. “We were thinking of inviting you to our place to chat over some coffee. We’d love to hear more of your guidance to improve our skills.”

Elliana didn’t hesitate. “I don’t have the time. I just accepted a billion-dollar project and need to focus on that.”

Another billion-dollar project? The three men were stunned. She made it sound so easy—no wonder she was the top name in the AI community. Hutton looked disappointed but managed a weak smile. “Then we won’t hold you up. I’ll reach out another time.”

Elliana smiled and waved. “Bye.”

She stepped into the elevator, and the doors closed.

The three of them stood there, watching their idol disappear.

The elevator reached the top floor. As soon as the doors slid open, Elliana rushed out. Without pausing, she made a beeline for the CEO’s office. Usually, Myles, Aron, and Hugh would be stationed in the outer office area, ready to assist Cole. But today, the area was empty. She didn’t stop to think and pushed open the office door.

Once inside, she went straight to Cole and called out sweetly, “Coley, I’m back!”

Cole looked up, but before he could react, she threw herself into his arms. His arms instinctively wrapped around her waist to steady her. Before he could say a word, her lips landed on his. The kiss was firm and sudden, leaving a warm tingle on his lips.

Without hesitation, Elliana pressed Cole against the chair and kissed him. As she drew back, her lips curved mischievously, and she asked, “So, Coley, does this meet your expectations for the one-billion-dollar deal?”

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Cole had to fight back a grin. “Honey, I’m more than satisfied with how you’re handling things with this much energy. Still, shouldn’t you ensure we’re alone before being this enthusiastic?”

Alone? His office hardly seemed like a place for surprises. Elliana hesitated, glanced around, and it finally dawned on her that Cole wasn’t the only one in the room.

Myles, Aron, and Hugh were also there. She felt no embarrassment about their presence. Back at Regal Grove, she’d teased Cole shamelessly, never once caring if the three were watching. However, one thing threw her off balance. Why on earth was Jason here?

Across the room, Jason fixed his eyes on her, half of his face hidden behind a mask. Though the mask concealed most of his face, there was no mistaking the astonishment in his gaze.

“Ahem!” A cough slipped out of Elliana as she tried to recover her composure. Quickly, she slid off Cole’s lap and moved to the sofa. She dropped into the cushions, seized the nearest glass, and drained the water in a single go. Watching the scene unfold, Myles, Aron, and Hugh looked completely fed up. This scene…

Jason fiddled with his collar, outwardly calm, yet inwardly, his emotions churned in chaos. Nothing in recent memory had unsettled him quite like what he’d just witnessed. To him, Cole had always seemed aloof around women, but watching that wild-haired, less-than-glamorous woman throw caution aside and kiss Cole in front of everyone was unthinkable. Worse still, he could hardly believe that Cole actually looked pleased about the whole thing. Had Cole lost his mind?

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