All Chapters of EXCEPTION: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Back to Adeleine's POVI am walking in the hallway with Oliver. He told me to follow him and said we would meet Courtney, but he did not mention where that was going, so I assumed it would be somewhere outside of the building. "Did he mention where we were going?" I asked while surveying every corner that we passed. He swiveled around. "He didn't. But don't worry, you can ask him later."He let out a short smile before turning around again and walking down another hallway.This isn't like the first time we met. The previous meetings were awkward, with both of us being strangers trying to get along with one another. The truth is I prefer being alone with Courtney than with him. I just couldn't explain it, but his eyes gave me the creeps. They looked cold and calculating, making me feel like a lab rat. I couldn't open this matter to Courtney because I didn't want him to worry about me.To divert my attention from these thoughts, I decided to take my phone out of my pocket. I was surpr

Our arrival at El Bistro Piazza, renowned as one of the wealthy Italian restaurants, was swift and seamless, taking us merely fifteen minutes. Nestled in a parking lot adjacent to the entrance, we traversed through the revolving glass doors; Courtney wrapped his right arm around my waist, guiding me toward the nearest counter. The restaurant's interior exuded a grandeur that left me astounding, boasting lofty ceilings, walls adorned with rich dark wood, and a plethora of exquisite artwork on display. It's filled with classical music, which I rarely hear from a restaurant. The interior comprised vintage black leather booths lined up along the walls, interspersed with plush velvet chairs and elegant glass tables, creating a harmonious blend of old-world charm and luxury. There are also paintings, photographs, and sculptures scattered in every corner. At one end of the restaurant, there's a wall with bookshelves lined with books.A female receptionist approached us, engaging Courtney in

I am sitting in the corner of the room, watching the scene unfold before me. Courtney has been punishing a guy for seventeen minutes straight. The poor guy hunched over in a corner on his knees as he tried to escape from his. He’s sweating like crazy, shaking even more than normal, and tears swell down both cheeks like a child. His glasses are askew on his nose. There was a blood stain that stretched from his forehead down his neck. It dripped off his chin onto his shirt, pooling beneath his arms. I should have felt sympathy for him, but I'm just enjoying myself watching, knowing that Courtney was doing it for a profound reason."God damn you for soiling your uniforms! You're such a piece of shit!" Courtney's face twisted with aversion as he continued his tirade against the guy, repeatedly kicking out with his foot. The guy was breathing hard, his chest puffing up now and again, but no words came out of his mouth. He just stared at him with so much pain and hatred.It wasn't long unti

I smooth my hands down the front of my dress before grazing up my dark red lipstick in the mirror with a look of resignation. My eyes scanned the tawny, wavy hair that framed my face, my new hairstyle. I scrutinized my reflection again to ensure my entire outfit was perfect for tonight. I have to commend Ms. Laura for helping me throughout the whole process of my new transformation. And I can say I’m overly satisfied with what I see before me: an enticing image of myself in a fitted cutout long red charmeuse dress with a slit along my right leg and a deep V in the chest area enough to show off my cleavage. There’s a ribbon tied at the back of my dress.I’ve never been a lover of my looks. I always thought they were unneeded and unworthy of attention. But today is different because I finally appreciate myself. As I narrowed my eyes to look for flaws, stray hairs, specks of dust, or anything else that could detract from my beauty, I found none except my elegance. And yes, I decided to c

Easton guided me through the bustling crowd, and I made sure every step I took was perfectly measured and graceful. But despite my calm demeanor, I frankly felt uneasy as my eyes scanned the sea of people that flowed past us on either side. Not to mention how his hand wrapped against my waist. I hate it!Hoping to see Courtney, I subtly shifted my gaze, delicately scanning the surroundings discreetly, mindful not to attract any unwanted attention, particularly from this man.Behave! I tell myself repeatedly.Upon arriving at the VIP room entrance, he graciously swung the door open, offering me the courtesy of entering ahead of him. Stepping into the room, I found myself enveloped in a space far more expansive than I had anticipated. I scanned the surroundings, searching for any hint of lurking threat, yet finding none as of yet. Only the three imposing suitcases were positioned neatly against the wall, and a stack of papers scattered atop the table."Make yourself comfortable." He wal