Adam tossed the blanket aside and got out of bed. On the other end of the line, Curly's cheerful voice rang out. "Adam, are you up yet?!"

Distracted, Adam replied with a nonchalant hum. He watched Celine bolt for the bathroom, her steps frantic and clumsy in her haste to escape. He had been awake the moment she stirred, but he didn't open his eyes. When her delicate fingers tentatively traced his jawline, he felt it all. He knew she was scared to touch him, but couldn't resist.

"Adam! Adam, are you even listening to me?" Carly's voice snapped him back to the conversation.

"What is it?" Adam asked, his tone now focused.

"I've invited a few friends over today. Come join us at Tate Manor," Carly said.

Adam declined. "I have a management meeting today. I need to be at the office."

Carly sounded disappointed but didn't press. "Alright then. Work hard!"

Ending the call, Adam glanced down at his pants, a faint shadow of frustration crossing his chiseled features. Whenever Celine was involved, he felt a strange, inexplicable physical attraction. He couldn't understand why, despite not liking her, he kept having these different feelings toward her.

Adam stepped into the adjacent bathroom and took a cold shower to calm himself. When he came out, Leo had already arrived. "Mr. Alvarez."

Adam had regained his usual composure and aloof demeanor. He parted his lips and instructed, "Have someone investigate Larry."

Leo asked, "Mr. Alvarez, do you mean Mrs. Alvarez's adoptive father?"

Adam nodded. "Larry served a ten-year sentence. Find out the details of the case—I want to know why he was imprisoned."