---- Chapter 79 Tara's back was pressed against the wall, her ears burning red. No matter how she struggled, she couldn't break free. The corner they were in was cloaked in shadows, almost invisible in the dim light. "Mr. Farrell, let go of me," she hissed , her voice barely above a whisper. Fear tingled in her veins-not from him, but from the possibility of someone seeing them. The last thing she wanted was for others to think she'd seduced Soren.

Soren studied her silently for a moment, then raised his hand and gently tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his eyes. His gaze was dark and brooding. "Still trying to run from. me?" Achill crept into his voice, and Tara's breath hitched. 'N- No." His tone softened , but it didn't make her feel any safer. " Everything you told me two days ago-you lied." Immediately , Tara shook her head. "No, I meant what I said.

I just wanted us to test the waters and determine if ---- we're right for each other. I didn't want you to regret anything . Rushing into a relationship never ends well." "So you're doing this for my sake?" She looked up at him earnestly. "Of course. It's only fair to you." Alow chuckle escaped him, quiet and unsettling. His fingers brushed lightly beneath her chin. "That mouth of yours is always trouble," he murmured, his gaze drifting to her lips.

Tara pushed against him again, but he didn't move an inch. His frame was solid, every muscle trained and unyielding. There was no way she could overpower him. He was leaning in slowly, and panic flared inside her. With a flash of desperation, she blurted, "M-Mr. Pearson! Soren froze. His expression darkened instantly. Tara quickly ducked under his arm and slipped out of his hold just as the elevator doors to the underground parking lot slid open. Lance and Shawn stepped out.

Trying her best to calm her racing heart, she greeted them, "Hello, Mr. Swain, Mr. Wilhelm." Lance's sharp eyes caught the lingering flush on her ears. ---- Without a word, he turned toward his car, lips pressed into a thin line. As he walked, he called back, telling her she'd be riding with him. With a gentle smile , Shawn told her she could ride with any one of them.

If Tara had to choose between the three of them, she'd definitely ride with Shawn since he was the safest choice- he never made her feel cornered. "M-Mr. Wilhelm's car is closer. I'll ride with him." She avoided even glancing at Lance. It was obvious she was avoiding him, and she didn't care. Shawn's smile never faltered, showing no visible reaction to her choice. "You can sit in the back," he said. Tara nodded immediately. She rarely sat in the front unless she had no choice.

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The only time she'd done so was in her previous life, during a carpool when it was the last seat left. Shawn's calm and distant demeanor put her at ease. With her head lowered, she slipped into the back seat. Through the window, she spotted Soren getting into his black luxury car. She quickly looked away, her heart still pounding from earlier. ---- Soren didn't respond well to being physically rejected and even less so to being avoided. But she knew she still had to avoid him.

As long as the others were around, he wouldn't try anything bold, and opportunities for them to be alone were rare. What she'd forgotten, however, was that she often delivered his meals. And during those times , they were alone. On the way to the shooting range, Shawn made light conversation. He was approachable, without the arrogant air someone from his background might have. He even. asked about her future plans. "I'd either work for a company or open a small shop," Tara said honestly.

He was quiet for a moment before asking casually, " Planning to open that shop back home?" "T haven't decided yet," Tara admitted. "I'll figure it out when the time comes." Shawn smiled. "If you ever need my help, feel free to call me." Tara had no plans to save his number. She would return the phone he'd lent her as soon as they got back home. ---- She also didn't take his offer too seriously -it was just polite conversation. She thanked him out of courtesy.

Ten minutes later, they arrived at the shooting range. Only Soren, Lance, and Shawn were present -Jonah had a video meeting back at the villa. To her surprise, Soren didn't say a word to her. Tara kept her distance, not willing to test her luck. Lance was unusually silent, his face blank as he hit the target with chilling precision, every shot clean and direct. "Do you want to give it a try?" Shawn asked Tara. Tara shook her head. "You guys go ahead.

I'll just wait here." Shawn didn't press her. Despite his gentle demeanor, his marksmanship was impeccable. Every bullet hit the bullseye without fail. Tara didn't stay idle either. She helped hand out water and fetched things now and then. They spent over two hours there before returning to the villa. The four men weren't fans of the local cuisine and rarely ate out. Honestly, even the priciest meals at the ski resort couldn't compare to what the private chef prepared at the villa.

The difference was night and day. The chef's skills were ---- on a whole other level. Throughout their time at the range, Lance and Soren's moods darkened noticeably - especially after Tara once again chose to ride with Shawn. Lance shot her a glance cold enough to make ice, but Tara didn't notice. She got into Shawn's car without hesitation. Soren, on the other hand, was uncharacteristically quiet. His face was impassive, and he made no move to interact with Tara.