Chapter 44

"Good work today, Samantha." Abbie smiled brightly and patted my shoulder. "We should have dinner sometime."

By 10 p.m., the show had finally wrapped up. The atmosphere on set completely shifted once the cameras were off—no more forced smiles, no more perfect posture. I finally allowed myself to relax, slouching slightly on the couch.

"Of course! Just let me know when you’re free," I replied with a warm smile. "And thank you for making me feel so comfortable tonight. You’re an incredible host, Abbie."

"Haha, you’re flattering me too much," Abbie chuckled, but her eyes softened. "I’m really glad you’re back in the industry, Samantha. I mean that sincerely."

She gave my shoulder a reassuring pat. "I hope your journey from here on will be smooth."

"Thank you." I offered her a warm smile. I had a feeling that if our relationship grew stronger from here, Abbie could be such a great ally.

• • •

I cracked my neck as soon as I left the studio. Even though I had only been sitting and answering Abbie’s questions, my entire body felt sore from having to maintain a perfect image in front of the cameras.

Being a celebrity was tough—but I liked it.

A smile appeared on my face, and I bounced slightly as I walked toward the drop-off lobby. I glanced around, searching for Chloe, but I couldn’t find her anywhere.

"Where is she?" I muttered, pulling my phone out of my pocket. "She said she was calling the chauffeur."

Just as I was about to call my manager, a black sports car suddenly pulled up in front of the drop-off lobby.

I wasn’t a fan of sports cars, but just by looking at its design, I could tell it was an exclusive model—not something just anyone could buy.

Most celebrities loved collecting sports cars and showing them off whenever they attended events. I wondered which one of them was inside this car.

As I watched, the roof of the car smoothly retracted, revealing a familiar figure behind the wheel.

Zephyr.

His sharp features were illuminated by the city lights, his black shirt slightly unbuttoned at the top, giving him a casual look.

One hand rested on the wheel, while the other draped lazily over the door, exuding effortless confidence. His gray eyes locked onto me, and a warm smile appeared on his face.

"Need a ride, sweetheart?" he teased, leaning back slightly in his seat.

I hesitated, my hand hovering over my phone as I momentarily forgot about calling my manager.

"Zephyr?" I took a cautious step closer, narrowing my eyes as if to make sure I wasn’t imagining things. "What happened to you—no, I mean, what are you doing here?"

It had never crossed my mind that Zephyr could look like this—what was the right word? Oh. Hot. And ridiculously handsome.

All this time, I had only known him as the composed, business-minded man who spoke with firmness and authority.

Yet now, here he was—leaning back in his sleek sports car, smirking like some reckless heartthrob from a movie.

Was this his true self? Had the aloof and rigid demeanor just been a front?

Maybe not. Maybe Zephyr had always been like this from the start.

Well, sometimes he could be romantic and warm toward me, but this? This was on another level.

"I happened to be driving near this place, so I thought I’d pick you up." He opened the car door for me. "Hop in. Anyway, do you have any plans for the rest of the night?"

I slid into the seat without hesitation, not even bothering to check on my manager anymore.

It seemed Zephyr had already handled that, likely telling Chloe to head home and leave me in his care.

"I don’t have anything tonight. Why?" I asked, tilting my head slightly.

Zephyr leaned in closer. "I know you’ve been stressed lately, so how about we let loose for a bit? Just you and me, having fun tonight. What do you say, Samantha?"

I tilted my head, barely hearing his question because my eyes were too busy looking over his biceps that were visible thanks to the way he had casually rolled his sleeves up to his elbows.