At the voice of Mr. Hakimi, I jerked my hands away from him and took a step back. Composing myself, I flashed the approaching old man a smile.

“Welcome, Mr. Valencian and Ms. Hutton! I’m glad you both could join us tonight for dinner.” He shook hands with Ace, then with me.

“Our pleasure, Mr. Hakimi. It wasn’t possible that you invited us with such respect and we wouldn’t show up.” Ace wrapped an arm around me. A blush kissed my cheeks when the old man’s observing eyes caught the gesture.

“I’m glad you did. Now please, come in. It’s freezing out here.”

But before we could even move, a flash of red engulfed him in a hug, causing his arm to fall from my shoulder.

“Oh my God! You’re finally here, Mr. Valencian! I was waiting for you for so long. I almost thought you wouldn’t show up!” Pulling away, she threw him a red lipped seductive smile.

My fists clenched.

The secretary of Mr. Hakimi. Cindy. How could I forget her?

My eyes cut through her from head to toe. She wore a red gown with a high slit and neckline so deep if she lowered herself a little, her assets would spill out. Was red her favorite color?

The nickname was perfect for her. Red witch.

With a hardened face, Ace gave her a curt nod before turning to pull me back into his arms. But his disinterest seemed to do nothing to her shamelessness as her eyes eyed him up and down.

My nails dug into my palms.

“Please come inside, Mr. Valencian, Ms. Hutton,” Mr. Hakimi said with a tight smile before turning to Cindy, his eyes harboring warning. “And Cindy, why don’t you recheck everything in the meantime so our guests won’t have to face any inconvenience?”

Tearing her gaze from Ace, she looked at her employer and nodded before sauntering away. Her hips swayed as she walked.

Where did Mr. Hakimi even find this witch?

Once we were inside, we met the other Arabs, and Arthur, who was already present. I didn’t know he was supposed to attend. The Arabs welcomed us with warm regards, drinks were served. As always, Ace didn’t have any. And the whole time his arm was around me, clutching me to him firmly.

“You don’t need to tie me with you all the time, you know? I’m not a kid. I won’t get lost,” I whispered as another man came up to us and started a conversation.

His form tensed for a fleeting second before he composed himself. Even though it was just for a second, I noticed it. What was that?