189 Without Even Knowing He's In Danger

He had seemed odd when he left. Almost as if he was angry, or disappointed. But what would he have to be angry about? Elle didn't know what to make of it.

Once she was ready she made her way downstairs with her stomach in knots on the way down. Elle didn't feel like herself. Her mind wasn't prepared to face all these people. Though she didn't know what type of expression was reflected on her face, with her head held up high, Elle confidently walked into the banquet hall.

The party was already in full swing. Most of the staff were already there and mindless chatter filled the air. Adam stood by one of the tables, having a conversation with the director, while many others swarmed around. Some of them were just innocently waiting for a chance to speak to him, hoping to be remembered for a future opportunity. Others stood by hoping for the opportunity to catch his eye.

All of them failed to catch his attention, however, Adam's eyes wandered to the entryway the second Elle walked in. Even with all the noise and colour to distract him, Adam noticed her presence the second she came in. His gaze fixated upon her.

He had always thought she was beautiful. Even with no makeup and in the most simple clothes she looked beautiful. She always looked beautiful, but tonight she looked stunning.

Elle wore a muted, lilac coloured dress. It was a short dress that had embroidered flowers falling down the skirt and long, sheer sleeves. Through the sheer material her delicate collarbone and her slender arms could still be admired. The softness of the material and the elegance of the embroidery mirrored the softness and elegance in her features.

It was modest but still modern, and elegant without being plain. It was just like her.

Without knowing that she had bewitched him yet again, Elle wandered into the room. Her eyes scanned the room until she spotted Adam and the director. Elle did her best to keep her confidence up as she made her way over to them.

"Director, Mr. Hayes." She greeted politely. Elle studied Adam's face. She hoped to read his feelings there, but as usual, he gave away nothing. His face was perfectly blank, the only hint she received was something dark in his eyes.

Adam spoke before anyone else could. "Why don't you have a seat." He offered, pulling out a chair at the table for her.

Elle couldn't refuse him, so she sat down and watched nervously as he took a seat next to her. The others that had been surrounding him watched Elle sit down with jealous eyes.

'Believe me, I would trade places with you if I could.' She offered in her mind.

Elle glanced at Adam again but all she could see now was his profile as he kept his gaze pointed forward.

"You really seem to pay special attention to the writer." The director teased from the side. Speaking the thoughts that everyone around them had. "You usually don't have eyes for women but it seems our Elle is an exception."

Elle's heart dropped as she looked up at the director. Her eyes were wide and her face blank with shock, but the expression lasted for the smallest part of a second before a painted smile assumed her face. Meanwhile her hands clenched into fists under the table.

'This fool. Why couldn't he keep his mouth shut?' Elle thought. 'He's walking on a mine field without even knowing he's in danger.'

"That's right." Adam said. His voice was calm but Elle could hear the dark warning that ran beneath it. "It's thanks to her that this project even exists. She's an important person and yet,, after speaking to some of the crew members, that important person has been showing a distressed face."

Elle's head snapped towards Adam. How much did he know?

"Perhaps," Adam continued, "One of you know the reason why? It seems Ms. Shaw won't tell me even if I ask her but I have no intention of ignoring anything that goes on behind the scenes of this production. No matter how small."

Adam's face was dark and his eyes were hooded. It was the first time Elle had seen him look so intimidating. A heavy atmosphere fell over the room and no one dared to speak. The director looked sorry that he had opened his mouth in the first place.

Elle looked around at the guilty and worried expressions. Amongst the worried crowd Elle could see the three girls with pale faces. If this wasn't handled carefully this entire project could end, all because of a little pettiness.

"It isn't like that." Elle finally said, flashing Adam an innocent smile as she rested her hand softly against his arm. "I've just been a bit worried because I'm unfamiliar with the work. You needn't trouble yourself over it Mr. Hayes."

Adam gauged her for a minute before the anger in his eyes faded. "Since she says it's fine I'll let it go this time but you all ought to be mindful of your behaviour. It might be allowed on other sets but not even the smallest issue will be overlooked while you're working for MK. "

The room let out a sigh of relief and everyone resumed their conversations. Those who were once swarming Adam backed away, going off to seek enjoyment somewhere else.

"You really have a gentle heart." Adam murmured softly, quiet enough for only Elle to hear. "You should have let me punish them."

"I want to do my job well. I didn't tell you because it was my problem to overcome, not yours." Elle replied in the same hushed tone.

"It's fine if you have things you want to overcome on your own but I want you to at least discuss your problems with me. Not as the CEO Adam Hayes who is responsible for this project, but as Adam who is your partner."

"You're right. I was wrong this time." Elle said, taking a hold of his hand under the table where the others wouldn't see. "I won't make the same mistake again."

Adam nodded in acceptance and a peaceful silence resumed between the couple.

"You look really beautiful tonight." He whispered again after a moment.

"Thank you." She said with a bashful smile.

One of Adam's hand rested on her leg under the table, his thumb rubbing circles against her skin. "I don't know how I got so fortunate. I thought my heart might stop when you first came in."

Elle prayed her face wasn't as red as it felt. Adam succeeded in ensuring she noticed nothing but him for the rest of the night.