Chapter 17
When Yasmine arrived in Uplon, the local time had just entered the early hours of the morning. Walking out of the airport, the icy wind carrying fallen leaves blew toward her. Dressed a bit lightly, she instinctively shivered.
Her assistant, Kayla’s, flight had arrived two hours earlier, and she’d gone ahead to the pre–purchased property to prepare the place for Yasmine’s arrival.
At the moment, Yasmine looked around. The deserted street showed no sign of the driver Kayla had mentioned she would arrange for her. She clicked her tongue softly and called Kayla.
Kayla’s voice paused for a moment on the phone, apparently checking something, before quickly returning with a hint of annoyance. “Sorry, Ms. Wagner. I didn’t expect such bad luck.
ང ན ་ ར མ ་ ཇ ལ་
“It seems like the driver I booked for you got into an accident and can’t make it. I’m already arranging a new driver for you. Please head to the hotel closest to the airport for now. I’ll send you the room number shortly.”
Yasmine had no luggage with her, just a bag containing her ID, visa, phone, and other essentials. Feeling the wind grow increasingly harsh, she accepted Kayla’s suggestion and opened her map app to follow the directions.
The hotel really was close to the airport. The moment she walked into the lobby, warmth instantly enveloped her. Yasmine let out a long breath and walked to the front desk, presenting the room reservation Kayla had made for her and receiving her key card.
A hotel staff member escorted her to the elevator, confirmed she didn’t need help finding her way, then stepped aside. The elevator rose steadily rubbed her temples.
as she wearily
The arrival chime sounded. Yasmine’s hand was still at her temples when she walked straight into someone standing at the elevator entrance.
She instinctively apologized, but the next second, a familiar cologne scent filled her nostrils. Yasmine looked up sharply to see Xavier’s slightly startled face.
“I just happened to be traveling here,” Xavier instinctively explained, his voice carrying a hint of unnaturalness.
Yasmine noticed he was holding several books in his right hand, giving him an overall scholarly air.
‘How did you end up in Uplon?” he asked.
Yasmine took a small step back, creating distance between them under his somewhat disappointed gaze. “Xavier, it’s been a while.”
Just those words made his previously dimmed eyes instantly brighten. He suppressed the urge to smile, keeping his voice controlled. “Yeah, Yasmine. It’s been a while.”
The hallway lighting cast uneven shadows across his well–defined features. Yasmine noticed the faint dark circles under his eyes. He clearly hadn’t been resting well lately, either.
A subtle atmosphere hung between them, both familiar and not.
“I’m here to explore expanding into the Uplon market. But Xavier, your ears are so red right now. Are you feeling warm?”
Xavier froze, instinctively covering his ears and awkwardly looking away. “Yeah, it’s a bit hot today, so I…”
“Do you want to sit in my room for a bit?” Seeing Xavier’s innocent reaction, Yasmine couldn’t help but smile. “After all, we haven’t seen each other in so long. We should have a proper in–depth conversation…”
Those few words made the already tense Xavier’s eyes widen instantly.
Realizing her words could be misinterpreted, Yasmine cleared her throat softly and continued, “The driver my assistant arranged should be here soon. I won’t be sleeping here tonight, so we’d really just be chatting in the room.”
11
