All Chapters of EXCEPTION: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Back to Adeleine’s POVI walked down the dim hallway with Oliver, my senses stretched taut. Every shadow seemed to move with him. Every creak of the floorboard twisted my stomach. He said we were going to meet Courtney, but he never said where. Naturally, I assumed somewhere outside the building—somewhere neutral. But the uncertainty gnawed at me.“Did he say where we’re going?” I asked, forcing my tone to sound casual, though unease slipped through. My eyes flicked to every corner we passed, scanning for anything that might move, anything that might strike.Oliver tilted his head and glanced at me. The look sent a chill down my spine.“Nah. Didn’t mention,” he said. “But you’ll ask him soon enough.”A short, smug smile crossed his lips—like he knew something I didn’t. Then he turned and walked ahead. I followed, my steps careful, measured, though my pulse was already racing.This wasn’t like the first time we met. Back then, everything had been stiff—two strangers circling each other.

Our arrival at El Bistro Piazza, one of the most exclusive Italian restaurants in the city, felt almost unreal. From the moment Courtney parked the car near the entrance, everything moved with a smoothness that reminded me how different his world was from mine. Nothing felt rushed. Nothing felt accidental. Even time itself seemed to slow down the moment we stepped out.As we walked toward the revolving glass doors, Courtney’s right arm wrapped securely around my waist—not possessive, not forceful, but firm enough to remind me that I wasn’t alone. The simple gesture grounded me more than I expected. I leaned into it slightly without thinking, allowing myself to be guided.The moment we entered, I was struck by how breathtaking the place was.The restaurant carried an old‑world elegance that felt deliberate and untouched by trends. The ceilings stretched high above us, adorned with subtle architectural details that demanded attention without begging for it. Dark wooden walls framed the s

I sat in the corner of the room, watching the scene unfold before me. Courtney had been punishing a man for seventeen minutes straight. The poor guy hunched over on his knees in a corner, trying desperately to escape. He was sweating profusely, shaking more than usual, and tears streamed down his cheeks like a child’s. His glasses were crooked on his nose. A bloodstain stretched from his forehead down his neck, dripping off his chin onto his shirt and pooling beneath his arms.I should have felt sympathy for him, but instead, I found myself oddly fascinated, knowing that Courtney’s actions served a profound purpose.“God damn you for soiling your uniforms! You’re such a piece of shit!” Courtney’s face twisted in disgust as he continued his tirade, repeatedly kicking the man with precise force. The man was breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling rapidly, but no words came out. He just stared at Courtney, pain and hatred etched into his features.It wasn’t long before the man spo

I smoothed my hands down the front of my dress, then grazed my dark red lipstick in the mirror, a look of resignation on my face. My eyes traveled over the tawny, wavy hair that framed my face—my new hairstyle. I scrutinized my reflection again, making sure my entire outfit was flawless for tonight. I had to commend Ms. Laura for helping me through the transformation. Honestly, I was more than satisfied with what I saw: an enticing image of myself in a fitted, cutout, long red charmeuse dress with a slit along my right leg and a deep V at the chest, enough to accentuate my cleavage. A ribbon tied at the back completed the look.I had never been a lover of my own looks. I always thought they were unneeded, unworthy of attention. But today was different. I finally appreciated myself. As I narrowed my eyes, scanning for flaws, stray hairs, specks of dust, or anything that could tarnish my beauty, I found none—except elegance itself. Yes, I had chosen to change. I had transformed into a wo

Easton guided me through the bustling crowd, and I made sure every step I took was perfectly measured and graceful. But despite my calm demeanor, I felt uneasy, my eyes scanning the sea of people that flowed past us on either side. Not to mention his hand resting firmly on my waist. I hate it!Hoping to see Courtney, I subtly shifted my gaze, scanning the surroundings discreetly, careful not to attract any unwanted attention, particularly from this man."Behave!" I told myself repeatedly.Upon arriving at the VIP room entrance, Easton swung the door open graciously, offering me the courtesy of entering ahead of him. I stepped inside, enveloped by a space far more expansive than I had anticipated. My eyes darted around, searching for any hint of a lurking threat, yet I found none—just three imposing suitcases positioned neatly against the wall, and a stack of papers scattered atop the table.“Make yourself comfortable.” He walked toward the bedside table where a bottle of champagne awai