Chapter 9 Stirred Emotions

That evening, Rose left her room after being summoned for dinner. Martha, the middle-aged housekeeper, led her to the mansion’s dining room. The long, elegant table could easily accommodate ten people, but only one place had been set with food. “Um... where is Mr. Sofph?” Rose asked as she sat down. Martha approached with a bowl of rice. “This room is prepared for you. The master rarely dines with anyone else.” Hearing that, Rose fell silent, though inwardly she wondered, does he never eat with anyone? “This wing of the mansion is usually reserved for guests,” Martha added as she finished serving the meal. Rose simply nodded, deciding not to ask any more questions. The lavish food in front of her, prepared with such care, was almost too extravagant for her to touch. “If you need anything, Miss Andelia, just call for me,” Martha said before exiting the room. After finishing her meal, Rose returned to her room. She felt strangely out of place. Normally, back in Las Vegas, her nights were spent at the casino, but here, the silence left her feeling restless. Unable to sit still for long, Rose ventured outside to walk around. The night sky was clear and filled with stars, though the moon was nowhere to be seen. She found herself sitting by the edge of the balcony near the indoor pool, her back leaning against a column as she gazed aimlessly at the sky. “Why aren’t you sleeping?” a deep voice startled her. Rose flinched, her hand accidentally slipping off the edge. Before she could fall, Antonio reached out and grabbed her waist, pulling her back firmly against him. Her back pressed against his muscular chest, and the warmth of his breath brushed her ear. Rose stiffened, trying to pull away, but Antonio didn’t let go. “What would you do if you fell?” Antonio asked, his calm voice betraying no emotion. The sensation of his breath sent a strange shiver down her spine. “Um... could you let me go, please?” Rose stammered. Though she was used to being touched by men at the casino, this time felt entirely different. Her heart was pounding wildly. “Not yet.” “You’re not to sit on this balcony again,” Antonio ordered sternly. His sharp gaze lingered on her, the faint scent of her perfume drawing him in. He suddenly wanted to pull her even closer. “Well, it’s because you startled me! You didn’t make a sound, so I was shocked and nearly fell,” Rose protested. “I’m telling you not to do it again,” he said before effortlessly lifting her off the balcony with one hand. “Ahh!” Rose squealed, startled as she was brought down to the ground, colliding once again with his chest. Quickly, she pushed him away. “Let me go! What if someone sees us?” She whispered, embarrassed. Antonio’s sharp eyes softened slightly as he looked at her. A faint, amused smile tugged at his lips. He had known from the beginning that Rose wasn’t experienced at seduction. She was a novice, pretending to be confident. He still didn’t release her waist, his penetrating gaze making it difficult for Rose to guess what he was thinking. “Mr. Sofph… um…” she stammered, trying to pull away again. Antonio studied her face closely one last time before finally letting her go. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing there in confusion. Rose watched his broad back retreat into the darkness, her heart pounding uncontrollably. She shook her head to clear her thoughts, scolding herself internally. No! This isn’t possible. He’s just my employer, nothing more. He only helped me because he felt pity—not because of anything else. The next morning, after breakfast, Antonio instructed Rossi to drive Rose to his company. Today, she would learn more about her duties. Inside Antonio’s office, Rose entered to find a beautiful woman already seated on a sofa on Antonio’s right. The woman was dressed in a short, black, strapless dress that showed off her long legs. Her makeup was bold and sexy, exuding confidence. “Take a seat,” Antonio said to Rose. She sat down across from the other woman, her expression composed but curious. “This is Herina Allen, my business partner. She runs the modeling agency we collaborate with,” Antonio introduced. Rose studied Herina’s polished appearance, wondering what exactly Antonio had in mind. “And Herina, this is Rose Andelia,” Antonio continued. “I want her to be our company’s featured model. I hope that won’t be a problem. I won’t be using Acia for this role anymore.” “What do you mean by that?” Herina’s voice rose slightly, her displeasure clear. She seemed to understand the reason but didn’t protest further. “I’m leaving Rose in your care,” Antonio said firmly. “She will only take assignments that I approve.” Herina nodded, though she still looked dissatisfied. Antonio turned to Rose. “Herina will oversee everything regarding your modeling—your styling, makeup, and wardrobe for the diamond auction happening at the end of the month,” Antonio explained. “Wait a moment,” Herina interrupted, frowning. “Are you saying you’re making her the lead model for the diamond auction? What about the models I’ve already arranged for the show?” “I’m simply adding her to your care. Your agency’s models will still participate as agreed. However, Rose will showcase the featured jewelry piece being auctioned,” Antonio replied firmly. His tone left no room for argument. Herina sighed, clearly unable to change his decision. “Fine. It’s your call.” “Then it’s settled,” Antonio said. Herina stood up and walked toward Antonio, leaning down to whisper something in his ear. “Is this woman yours?” Antonio shot her a sharp look. “That’s none of your business.” Herina smirked before straightening. “Alright. I’ll take my leave, then.” With that, she exited the office, leaving Antonio and Rose alone. Antonio turned his attention back to Rose. “You will model the featured jewelry at the auction at the end of the month. I expect you to do well.” “Understood,” Rose replied. “And in the meantime?” “In the meantime, you’ll be my personal assistant,” Antonio said flatly. Rose frowned, confused. “Personal assistant? But you already have Rossi—” “I said personal assistant. Not for the company—just for me,” Antonio clarified, his tone carrying an edge of mischief. Rose’s suspicion grew. “Mr. Soph…” “Don’t look at me like that. I’m not going to do anything crazy. But if you want me to, I wouldn’t say no,” Antonio teased, his tone light but provocative. Rose’s face flushed with indignation. She stood abruptly but relaxed slightly when Antonio walked back to his desk. “So, you expect me to…?” “There’s work, of course, but not today,” Antonio replied calmly, holding a black folder. He handed it to her and sat back down. “Open it.” Rose hesitated before flipping the folder open. “What is this?” “It’s in your contract,” Antonio explained. “I’m hiring you as the company’s lead model, so we need to sign an agreement.” For years, Antonio had worked with professional models through Herina’s agency, but he had grown tired of their endless schemes to get close to him. If Rose turned out to be the same, he wouldn’t hesitate to cut her loose as well. “I trust you won’t refuse to work with me?” Antonio asked, watching her intently. “No,” Rose replied, her voice steady. “I won’t refuse.”