The Tyrant's Stolen Bride-Chapter 107: An Unexpected Introduction

A week had passed since the terrible incident, and Lyra had finally recovered enough to return home.

Morning sunlight slipped through the narrow gap in the curtains of the Arlington penthouse as she blinked awake, only to realize she was still trapped between two strong arms.

She turned slightly and stole a glance at the man beside her, relieved to find him sleeping peacefully.

There had been nights when Rowan barely rested at all, his thoughts circling the same fear. Even after she was safe, the worry never quite loosened its grip on him.

The night before, she had given him her medicine to prove that she was healed and strong again, hoping it would finally let him rest.

At first, he refused, holding back despite the desire in his eyes. But after she coaxed, his restraint finally broke, and he held her tightly until she was left breathless in his arms.

Lyra shifted, propping her cheek against her palm.

"Wake up... you’re going to be late for work," she whispered, teasing the tip of his nose with her finger.

Rowan reacted in his sleep and turned his face away from her mischievous touch.

A soft chuckle slipping past her lips.

"It’s already morning. Aren’t you getting up for work?" she said gently, her voice coaxing him awake.

He stirred and mumbled something she couldn’t make out before drifting back to sleep. She figured he still hadn’t gotten enough rest and let him sleep longer.

She was in no rush that morning. Since the day after the incident, Rowan had insisted that the director grant her an extended leave.

Even so, she could not bring herself to stay idle in bed for long.

Carefully, she lifted his arm and placed it to the side, moving slowly so she would not wake him. She slipped out of bed as quietly and headed to the bathroom.

A few minutes later, she came down the stairs, the smell of breakfast filling her senses. Her stomach growled as she headed straight for the kitchen.

"Meredith, I’m hungry," she said, rubbing her stomach.

"Ah, madam, you startled me," Meredith replied, busy with her work and unaware of Lyra’s light footsteps as she approached.

"Everything is ready, madam. I’ll serve it now. Please come to the table."

Lyra insisted on having breakfast in the kitchen instead, and Meredith joined her since Rowan had not woken up yet.

She simply agreed, knowing her madam well enough to understand that once Lyra made up her mind, there was no point in refusing.

After finishing her breakfast, Lyra returned to the bedroom and found Rowan still asleep. She checked the time. Surely he was already late, which made her wonder if he had taken the day off.

After a moment, she decided it did not matter. Perhaps he was finally allowing himself the rest he had been denying for days. With that thought, she went downstairs again to keep Meredith company.

An hour passed easily as she chatted with Meredith, watching her move about the kitchen while she worked.

Then Rowan’s voice carried down from the upper floor, calling her name. Lyra immediately stepped out of the kitchen and looked up toward the stairs.

He appeared in a loose robe, fresh from a shower, one hand dragging a towel through his damp hair.

"So you’re finally awake. Did you call me?" she asked with a warm smile.

"Yes, come up."

Lyra hurried toward the stairs and when she reached him, Rowan slipped an arm around her and pulled her close.

"I’ve been called away on an emergency business trip, and you’re coming with me."

They walked into the bedroom as Lyra looked at him, a little surprised.

Rowan explained further. "I had no choice when one of the major investors requested an onsite meeting with the team. They wouldn’t move forward with the project without it. But I can’t leave you here."

Just thinking about it gave Rowan a headache. The investor was notoriously difficult to negotiate with. Fortunately, Lyra was on leave.

She nodded in understanding. "When are we leaving?"

"We have an hour to get ready. You can ask Meredith to help you pack."

Not long after, Damian arrived to pick them up, and they headed straight to the airport, where they boarded the private jet.

The flight took several hours before they finally reached Oaklyn City.

It was late by the time they checked into the hotel, and they stayed in for the night ahead of the meeting the next day.

By morning, Lyra felt uncertain. She had assumed she would wait at the hotel while Rowan attended the meeting, since it had nothing to do with her.

But now he held her hand firmly and led her forward, leaving no room for refusal.

The staff rose to their feet the moment they entered, and Rowan walked straight toward a middle aged man standing near the front.

From the way everyone deferred to him, she believed he was the key investor. Feeling suddenly self conscious, she gently withdrew her hand as she stayed behind Rowan.

After the man finished shaking hands with everyone from Rowan’s team, he leaned slightly forward and glanced over Rowan’s shoulder. His gaze landed on Lyra, who had yet to greet him.

For a brief moment, irritation flared. He thought one of the staff had dared to ignore him.

But then he considered that she might be someone more important, deliberately keeping a low profile and quietly sent to monitor the project and assess its progress.

He cleared his throat before asking calmly, "And who is this?"

Rowan turned slightly, his hand reaching for hers, but she avoided it, unwilling to hold hands in front of so many eyes. This was not the right moment for public affection.

"She is my—"

"—secretary," Lyra cut in abruptly.

Rowan frowned, but the man had already extended his hand and Lyra accepted it as they shook.

"Oh, she must be new," he said mildly, since Lyra did not carry herself with the same polished, corporate posture as the others.

"Yes. I’m new and here to learn," she replied calmly.

She then offered an awkward smile when she caught Rowan watching her.

"Good, very good. I like diligent and dedicated staff," the man said with approval.

"Please, take a seat. Let’s begin the meeting."