hapter 40 55 vouchers Soon , Kaia froze when Tobias knelt down and started tying her shoelace . Her ears burned as she stared at him . She still couldn't wrap her head around the fact that this big - shot businessman would actually bend down just to tie her shoe . Her heart picked up speed . " All set , Tobias said as he straightened up , his gaze soft when it met hers . The moment their eyes locked , a strange tingle ran through Kaia . She quickly looked away . " Oh ... uh , thanks . Just then . Tobias reached out a hand . " Why are your ears so red ? " The second his fingers brushed her ear , Kaia jumped back . " Don't touch me , " she said , looking startled . He couldn't help but enjoy how flustered she looked . His eyes dropped to the potato she was holding . " Weren't you gonna let me try that ? " Relieved by the change of subject , Kaia offered it to him . But instead of taking it . Tobias lifted her hand and bit the potato right where she had . " Mmm ... Not bad , " he said with a grin . Kaia stared at the potato with the huge bite mark and frowned . To her surprise , she didn't feel annoyed . She didn't even mind that he'd bitten it at the same spot . " Why'd you stop eating ? Hurry up before it gets cold , " Tobias said . " Want me to feed you? " That snapped her out of her daze . " Don't be ridiculous , " she muttered , trying to calm the mess of emotions inside her . As she ate , she kept wondering why she was acting so weird today . Tobias just stood there , watching her with a smile . When Kaia got back to her room at the manor , Joel stepped out of the bathroom . " Why are you hiding in my room again ? " she asked , quickly locking the door so Tobias wouldn't barge in . " I heard you were in danger , " Joel said , his brows drawn in concern . 1/4 1:53 pm Chapter 40 55 vouchers " It wasn't a big deal - just a little trouble . No need to make it sound like I almost died , " Kaia said . " It's not about making it sound worse , " Joel said . " It's because of who you are . You're Wustriland's top scientist . You can't risk getting hurt . I think you should have a whole army protecting you every time you leave the house . " Kaia rubbed her forehead . " You make it sound like I'm some kind of national treasure . " Joel shook his head . " No. You're more valuable than that . " Kaia didn't know how to respond to that and kept silent . Even if nothing happened this time , we can't just ignore it . Casey tried to attack you , an elite official . That's a serious crime , " Joel said , his eyes darkening . Kaia shook her head . " She's already been punished . We don't need to- " No ," Joel cut her off . " I'll give in to you on other things , but not when it comes to your safety . Don't other arguing . Protecting you is my job . " Kaia knew there was no point trying to change his mind . " Fine . Do whatever you want . " The next day , Casey's family visited her in jail and told her the school she'd applied to had rejected her . Not just that school - no other school would take her either . She nearly lost it . And Philip's Snyder Hotel had its five - star rating application denied . Businesses cut ties left and ight , and the Snyder family was teetering on the edge of bankruptcy . ***** The Moreno family's annual dinner party was coming up - a big deal in their circles . Every year , the women in the family had custom dresses made to make sure they looked their best and grabbed all the attention . Before the party even started , Cecelia and Bianca made a point to corner Kaia . " Kaia , since you're basically Tobias's fiancée now , don't embarrass him at the party ," Cecelia said with a smirk . " If you don't have a decent dress , you can beg me . " I've got plenty of old ones . They're a little outdated , but still pricey . I'm guessing you've never worn anything that nice . What do you say ? Want to beg me now ? " Kaia rolled her eyes . " I'll pass . Honestly , I don't even like your dresses . " " Keep acting tough . I can't wait to see you humiliate yourself at the party , " Cecelia said , starting to walk off with Bianca . But she soon turned back . " Oh , by the way - you used to brag about your clothes being made by 2/4 11:53 pm Chapter 40 ER 55 vouchers Conrad , right ? Well , he just put out three new dresses this month , and I already ordered one . At the party , you can watch me look stunning . " Kaia arched an eyebrow at her . " Judging by that look on your face , I'd say you won't be getting Conrad's dress anytime soon . " Cecelia rolled her eyes and left with Bianca , pretending she didn't care . Right then , Kaia's phone buzzed . Conrad was calling . What a coincidence - she'd been about to call him . " Miss Bennett , I just posted pictures of three new dresses on Twitter . Two are already taken . The last one's my favorite this month , and I've been saving it for you . I turned down everyone else who asked for it . " Conrad said . Kaia opened Twitter and saw the photos . The two claimed ones were nice , but the one Conrad had saved for her was clearly the best . Cancel all the orders ," she said . All of them ? " Conrad asked , startled . Yes . And for the customers whose orders you cancel , give them a free custom dress or whatever else it takes to smooth things over , " Kaia said coldly . " But don't contact a customer named Cecelia Moreno . " Understood , " Conrad said without asking why . He figured Cecelia must have done something bad for Kaia to want her taught a lesson . Everyone in international circles knew better than to cross Kaia - not just because she was a top - tier cientist , but because if one got on her bad side , she could make life very unpleasant . Kaia hung up , not giving it another thought . Cecelia wasn't worth stressing over . She was just annoying enough that Kaia decided a little payback wouldn't hurt . Kaia headed back to her room , but at the door , she found Tobias waiting with a measuring tape in hand . " I'm here to take your measurements for the dress ," he said . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!