Even foreign women couldn't resist him. No wonder Maya refused to give up and came back so fiercely, trying to steal him away. Zaden noticed Athena drifting off. He turned around and asked curiously, "Athena, what are you thinking about?" She pursed her lips and said in a low voice, "That woman was looking at you weirdly." Zaden chuckled at this. Of course he'd seen the way that woman looked at him. He wasn't clueless. Zaden just didn't care. There was only one woman who mattered to him. Still, Athena's reaction amused him. Seeing her a little jealous made him strangely pleased. Ever since they got married because of Teri, their relationship had been lukewarm—steady but quiet, like still water. There was attraction, but not much passion. Zaden had sometimes wondered if Athena didn't love him the way most women loved their husbands, or maybe she'd just been hurt too deeply by Lewis and had locked her heart away. But this trip abroad was proving something new. Athena did care. More than she let on. "What's strange about it? I didn't see anything wrong," Zaden said with a half-smile, teasing her. Athena was about to explain, but then she caught the playful curve of his lips. It hit her. This guy already knew exactly what she meant. He was just messing with her. Her brows knitted together. She turned her head away, refusing to look at him.Zaden sighed, a helpless smile tugging at his mouth. She really was impossible when she got moody. A moment later, the front desk clerk stepped out of the research building. "Mr. Storm, Dr. Windal is ready for you," she said politely. Zaden glanced at Athena, then nodded. "Come on," he said softly. "Let's go in." Athena thought for a moment, then turned to Zaden. "I'll go in by myself. It might get boring in there, so you can just wait here." In truth, she was nervous. She had always felt insecure about her hand. She didn't know why, but she didn't want Zaden to see that side of her. It made her feel unsafe, like she'd be too exposed. Zaden gave her a gentle look and said quietly, "Alright. I'll wait here." He could tell she was tense, and the last thing he wanted was to add to her pressure. Athena nodded. "Okay, I'm going in." After she disappeared into the building, the receptionist brought Zaden a cup of coffee. She smiled and said warmly, "Mr. Storm, I've seen your name on the billionaire list. You're truly impressive—young and successful." Normally, people like her didn't show much respect for foreigners from other continents. But when someone had enough wealth and influence, everything changed. The moment she recognized Zaden, her eyes lit up with interest. Zaden gave a polite nod, his attitude distant. The receptionist slid a business card toward him with a practiced smile. "I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Lucy Clem. If you need anything while you're here, feel free to contact me. I'll do everything possible to help." She winked at him, her voice turning soft and suggestive. "Anytime, really."Zaden's eyes flicked down to the card, but he didn't take it. His tone turned cold. "Thanks, but if I need anything, I'll speak with Dr. Windal. I doubt a receptionist like you has the authority to handle my problems." Lucy froze, her smile turned awkward. She'd always been confident in her looks and her body—whenever she made a move, no man had ever resisted her. But Zaden's cold rejection hit her as a giant blow. Refusing to give up, Lucy lifted her chin and said, "Mr. Storm, aren't you underestimating me? I'm just as capable and attractive as the woman you came with." She obviously thought Athena was Zaden's date. Zaden gave a short laugh, his voice cool and sharp. "I think you're nowhere close." That was the second time Lucy had been humiliated that day. Her pride couldn't take another blow. She turned on her heels and walked away without a word. ... Inside, Athena had no idea any of this had happened. She was already meeting Conrad Windal, the hospital director. He was of Acreainian descent and had been briefed by Zaden beforehand. When he saw Athena, his attitude was warm and respectful. In slightly broken Acrein language, he greeted her with a polite smile. "Mrs. Storm, it's a pleasure to meet you. Mr. Storm mentioned you'd be here for surgical practice. I didn't expect you to be so beautiful. I'm sure your skills are just as impressive." Athena smiled politely, but she didn't mention her past. Even though her nerves had mostly recovered, she could tell her control wasn't perfect yet.