Chapter 84 I Like Freedom
Byron stepped out of the room, freshly changed. His shirt was half-buttoned, the tie still in his hand, and his appearance was far more laid-back and carefree than his usual business demeanor. He looked like a different man—less polished, more ruffianly. Athena had never seen him like this before. He was always so meticulous, and she would usually be the one to help him tie his tie.
“The breakfast…” Athena pushed his plate towards him.
Byron sat down lazily, one arm draped over the back of his chair. “Do you like it?”
“I’m not picky about food,” Athena replied, not particularly caring.
Byron frowned, tapping the table lightly. “You have to answer yes or no. I need to know your preferences so I can avoid giving you things you don’t like.”
“I like freedom,” Athena answered with a shrug.
Byron sneered. “Stay by my side, and you can do whatever you want. Isn’t that freedom?”
Athena rolled her eyes. Byron, instead of getting angry, smiled. He leaned forward, watching her sip on her oatmeal slowly.
“You’re cute when you’re not pretending to be obedient,” he remarked.
Athena almost choked on her food, caught off guard by his words. She looked up, locking eyes with him.
Byron touched her nose gently. “I remember you like sweet and soft things,” he added with a knowing smile.
Athena was taken aback. She quickly diverted her gaze. “Just so-so,” she muttered.
She lied. She had loved sweet, soft foods since childhood. Romy, her childhood friend, used to tell her that it was a good thing—that it meant she would grow into a sweet and gentle woman. But life hadn’t turned out that way. She had grown up to be stubborn, fierce, and far from the sweetness Romy had once envisioned for her.
After breakfast, Athena changed into a classic black and gold Chanel suit, making sure her look was polished and elegant. She applied light makeup, and her long hair was styled into voluminous waves—intentionally, of course, to irk Byron. She suddenly appeared brighter, more alluring, and it didn’t go unnoticed.
Byron’s eyes flickered to her hair, as if he wanted to say something.
Athena, eager to get ahead of him, spoke first. “I have natural curls. I straightened it just because Miss Holland’s hair is straight and black…”
Before she could finish, Byron interrupted her with a simple, “Beautiful.”
Athena blinked, momentarily stunned by his words. She had expected him to point out her change in style, but instead, he said nothing more about it.
She was about to respond, but he pulled her closer, lifting her into his arms and placing her on his lap.
“From now on, you don’t have to be like her,” he murmured softly, his hands resting lightly on her waist.
Athena didn’t fully understand. If she didn’t have to be like Miss Holland anymore, why was Byron still holding her? Why did he insist on making her feel like she had to stay close?
She wore pearl earrings today, their soft glow complementing her fair skin. Byron had noticed them during their reception on the cruise ship, and he’d asked someone to buy another pair for her the very next day.
The more Byron looked at her, the more he admired her, and as she got ready to leave, he leaned in, pressing her against the door to kiss her. Her lipstick was smeared in the process, but it didn’t seem to bother him. The kiss was gentle yet possessive, and Byron seemed lost in the moment.
Because of the delay, the meeting was postponed by an hour, and at nine o’clock, Byron and Athena finally made their way into the conference room. The room was filled with employees—dressed sharply, but all looking worn out with dark circles under their eyes. In stark contrast, Byron seemed invigorated, his energy radiating through the room.
“Mr. Crawford…” Jack stood up to greet them.
Byron simply sat down, not even looking at Jack. “Miss Newton is in charge of this case. Talk to her.”
Athena couldn’t hide her exasperation. He had dawdled all morning. Couldn’t he have briefed her on the arrangements beforehand?
“OK…” Jack concealed his reluctance with a forced smile and turned to Athena. “Miss Newton, you’re definitely the right-hand woman of Mr. Crawford. You’re sharp! We checked the report thoroughly last night, and there’s indeed something wrong with it!”