Chapter 12 The Art of Playing Hard to Get

"Miss Duvall, your razor-sharp wit is as remarkable as your design genius," Rowan Blackwood remarked coolly, releasing her hand. For a moment, he felt disoriented—there was something unmistakably familiar about Marielle Duvall, an essence that sparked an irresistible urge to uncover her mystery. Marielle laughed coldly. "Mr. Blackwood, perhaps you should attend to your family affairs first." She turned and left Horizon Corp. This time, Rowan didn't stop her. After Marielle's departure, Selina Vaughn approached, voice quivering. "Rowan, I didn't know she was a company designer. But she provoked me first! I—" "Why are you here?" Rowan's icy expression deepened her unease. "You skipped breakfast. I worried about your stomach, so I brought food. Rowan, I didn't mean trouble. Please don't be angry." She clutched his sleeve desperately. His piercing stare made her shrink. "Rowan..." "You struck first?" The image of Selina's earlier frenzy still disturbed him. Under his relentless gaze, she a