Chapter 525 Do You Mind If I Search?
Winona stepped inside without thinking twice, figuring it was best to dodge any drama.
Who knew what those gossip-hungry paparazzi would spin if they saw this? As soon as Winona stepped in, Zachary was right on her heels.
Already a bit thrown off, Winona was now totally confused. "Why'd you come in?" she asked.
Zachary shot back, "You want me to stay out there and get caught in a scandal with him? He's practically naked in that bathrobe." Winona could almost hear him grinding his teeth when he said 'practically naked.' He added, "If the media catches that, it would be a disaster."
Winona went quiet.
The closet door shut, plunging them into darkness. Suddenly, the slightly open door was shoved wide, and reporters with cameras swarmed in, snapping shots of Matthew. "Mr. Watson, is it just you in the room?"
Matthew's face turned icy. Anyone would be pissed if someone barged in like that. The fact that Matthew kept his cool showed his good nature. He shot back, "Are you saying you don't count as people?"
He added, "Get out. I need to change."
A reporter piped up, "Mr. Watson, we got a tip that Mr. Bailey's ex-wife is also in your room..."
Before she could finish, Matthew walked towards her. The others stepped aside, mainly because his expression was pretty intimidating. Matthew glanced at her name tag and said, "Slander and defamation have legal consequences."
Inside the closet, Zachary was holding Winona, wiping her hand with the corner of his shirt, from her fingers to the spaces between them, and then to her wrist, not missing an inch of skin.
Winona's mind was outside, worried someone might suddenly open the closet door. By the time she noticed Zachary's actions, her hand was almost rubbed raw. Even though Zachary's clothes were high-end and soft, they couldn't withstand such repeated wiping.
Winona asked, "What are you doing?"
The closet was tiny. It was fine with just Winona, but with the tall and broad Zachary, it was super cramped. Forget turning around freely; even moving was tough.
Zachary held Winona from behind. To avoid being heard by the people outside, she had to turn her head and speak into his ear. Given the tight space, she could easily end up kissing his face if she wasn't careful.
Zachary replied, "Cleaning you up. I can't stand his fake demeanor."
Winona rolled her eyes at him, but in the darkness, nothing could be seen. She said, "Matthew is out there dealing with the media for you, cleaning up the mess. Isn't it a bit unethical to hide here and call him fake?"
"Isn't he just playing a part? He helped you three times in one night; it's obvious he has hidden motives," Zachary said. "I used to be his defender, but now it just feels like he's returning the favor."
"When did you become so arrogant? Have you no shame?" Winona's tone carried a hint of playful reproach.
"In front of you," Zachary responded without hesitation, turning his head to kiss her. His breath brushed heavily against her cheek, and his tongue lightly curled, capturing her lips and tongue.
Winona froze. The sounds from outside seemed distant and unclear, as if separated by a layer of water.In the darkness, Winona's eyes sparkled.
Zachary's arm wrapped around her waist, his fingers threading through her soft hair, his warm palm resting on the back of her head, deepening the kiss.
Winona's mind went blank, her body going limp in his arms. She had to make an effort to stay aware of her surroundings, caught between two extremes, leading to fine beads of sweat forming on her forehead.
After what felt like forever, Zachary finally let her go, still reluctant. He pressed his forehead against hers, his breathing heavy. "Winona, I'm not a bad actor."
How childish to hold a grudge and even feel the need to explain it. Zachary remarked, "I just couldn't bear to see you upset. I intended to keep pretending, but seeing you hurt by my words, I couldn't continue. Their target is the Bailey family. I've been investigating the mastermind since I woke up, but I've found nothing. They hypnotized me to use me against the Bailey Group."
As for their purpose, he still hadn't figured it out. He continued, "I took a shortcut by playing along when Timothy said I was Nicholas, hoping to lure them out. But if it means causing you pain, I'd rather find another way."
His voice, though low, was filled with deep emotion.
Winona didn't know the details, but from the shocking injuries on his body, she could guess that the transformation from Zachary to Nicholas was extremely difficult. Timothy, that pervert, must have done some unspeakable things.
Winona stayed silent.
With no sound in the closet, the noise outside became clearer. Today was the Bailey Group's anniversary banquet. If news broke about the former Mrs. Bailey and Matthew being together, there would be no shortage of headlines for the next half month. So even though Matthew was driving them away, they were reluctant to leave.
Just when Zachary thought she had no reaction, Winona wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his shoulder. "Were you scared then?"
Zachary hesitated, ultimately deciding not to play the victim and make her sad. He replied, "No."
"But I was very scared." Winona's voice carried a faint sob, and the spot where she leaned against Zachary grew warm and damp. She said, "During the time you were missing, I was scared every day, afraid I wouldn't find you, and afraid I would."
After all this time, Winona finally shared her feelings from back then. Zachary's chest felt like it was filled with hot cotton, both stifling and burning. His Adam's apple bobbed violently. "Winona..."
Zachary was deeply moved, but before he could express his feelings, Winona suddenly lifted her head. Her eyes, still wet from crying, looked even brighter. "I was worried sick about you, but you lied to me. I really thought I had mistaken someone else for you. I thought a shark had eaten you," she said.
"Sorry." Zachary softened his voice to comfort her, but before he could say more, Timothy's voice came through the door, with his characteristic, seductive tone. "Mr. Watson, have you seen my brother?"
Matthew replied, "No."
Timothy said, "I checked the hotel's surveillance. My brother entered your room. If you don't mind, can I search it?"
Matthew replied, "I'm just wondering— is he your brother or your prisoner?"
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