Celine's pupils constricted. He had gotten Nikki pregnant, yet he had the audacity to say that to her.

Her shame and anger boiled over. "You're shameless!" she spat.

Adam lowered his gaze, his sharp features unreadable as he studied her. Her long, pure black hair spilled messily over the couch, framing her pale face. Her clear eyes, bright and unwavering, stared up at him with indignation. She looked exactly like the woman from his dreams. At that moment, everything came rushing back.

A faint smirk tugged at Adam's lips. "Why are you calling me shameless? What exactly did I do to deserve that? Be specific."

Despite her sharp tongue, her scolding never went beyond simple words like "horrible" and "shameless." She sounded more innocent than scornful.

Celine glared at him. "Why are you here? If you dare to bother me again, I'll tell Nikki. She's pregnant with your child and can't handle stress. Don't push her."

At the mention of Nikki, Adam's eyes gleamed with icy sharpness. She had dared to set her sights on him, and she would regret it.

"Celine, are you angry? Is it because of Nikki? Because she's pregnant?"

Celine's face was blotchy, overwhelmed with fury, shame, and sorrow. She sat upright and, in a sudden burst of rage, bit his Adam's apple.

It was a sensitive spot. Adam felt the sharp sting; his eyes reddened with pain. He sat up straighter, lifted Celine into his arms, and placed her gently on his lap.

He wore a crisp white shirt and black tailored trousers, a classic look that accentuated his dignified charm. Celine was dressed in a white knit sweater and a pleated black skirt—the very picture of an innocent college student. The sight of the sophisticated CEO holding a beautiful, youthful girl in his arms felt like a scene from a movie.

A maid entered, carrying a tray of coffee. "Mr. Alvarez" she began, freezing at the scene before her. The maids in Lux Garden were older and more experienced, but even they would blush at the intimate sight. She quickly retreated to the kitchen, averting her gaze.

Adam's long fingers combed through Celine's silky hair as he cradled the back of her head. She was still biting him, refusing to let go. His voice dropped to a husky murmur. "Celine, I'm sorry."

His lips brushed against her ear. "I'm sorry."

Celine froze, releasing him in surprise. A delicate imprint of her teeth marred his throat. She really did have a habit of biting people; his body bore several teeth marks.

"I don't accept your apology!" Celine pushed him away and stood.

But Adam's strong arm wrapped around her again, pulling her back onto his lap. He pressed his face into her fragrant hair and repeated in a low, gravelly voice, "Celine, I'm sorry."

Celine was bewildered. Was this some kind of twisted game—hurting her one moment, comforting her the next? She didn't need his gestures of guilt.

"Let me go! Don't touch me! Go find Nikki!" Celine struggled, trying to pry his hands off her.

Adam's lips tightened. "There's nothing going on between me and her."

He wanted to explain, but before he could finish, a loud knock sounded at the door.

"Celine! Let Celine out!" Hailey and Robin's voices echoed from outside.

Adam frowned in frustration.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Celine shoved him away with all her strength and bolted toward the door.

"Celine! Are you okay? What did Mr. Alvarez do to you?" Hailey and Robin pulled her into their protective grasp.