Ch. 1051..1060

Chapter 1051

The maid rushed to Audrey’s side with a mix of concern. She reprimanded her, “Ms. Parker, you need to rest! Mr. Parker has been worried sick about you and has arranged for your transportation.”

The maid continued, “You know how important your father’s image is, being the mayor of Ventropolis. And Mr. Harrison… he’s just an assistant, nothing compared to your status. Your father would be livid if he knew about your association with him. Your sister’s recent issue isn’t helpful, too.”

She sighed, “Mr. Parker had plans for you with Mr. Jardin, but that’s off the table now, given his marital status. However, I think Mr. Parker means you could marry Mr. Jardin if you’re willing.

Audrey clutched her chest, coughing weakly, “I can’t be Mrs. Jardin. My illness forbids me from living a normal life.”

The maid, determined to reassure Audrey, said, “Don’t worry, Ms. Parker. Your father will find a solution. With your beauty, you’ll be the pick of any suitor.”

Audrey simply replied, “I hope so.”

Meanwhile, Blake was rudely awakened by persistent doorbell rings. She grumbled and stomped into the living room, pillow in hand, “Who could it be at this hour?”

Blake had not tidied up her living room; it was a mess. When she looked around, she froze. She saw Kevin comfortably sitting on her couch.

“H-how did you get in here?” she stammered, her eyes wide with shock. Casually scrolling through his phone, Kevin glanced up, “You really should clean up more, you know.”

Flustered, Blake defended herself, “I’ve been busy, okay? You wouldn’t understand.”

Kevin, unfazed, observed her in her mismatched yellow cartoon pajamas and asked, “Busy with what exactly?”

Blake, now indignant, demanded, ” Why should I answer you? You broke into my house! I’ll call the police!”

She listed her grievances, finally demanding compensation, “For the lock, the door, my emotional distress- that’s at least five hundred dollars!”

Surprisingly, Kevin calmly took out his ID card from his wallet and gave Blake his wallet. He asked, “Will this cover it?

Blake stood there, heart pounding. The fluttering sensation in her chest grew stronger. The rapid beats echoed in her ears, drowning out her thoughts.

After a long, tense moment, Blake asked, “What are you doing, Kevin?”

 

Chapter 1052

Kevin stood up abruptly, his expression looking cold. “Figure it out yourself,” he said curtly to Blake, who was momentarily lost in thought.

As he moved toward the door, Blake, overcome by an inexplicable surge of joy, laughed heartily and hugged him from behind. Her sudden embrace and cheerful declaration caught Kevin off guard.

“I knew you came to make up! Let’s forget about yesterday and start over. Since you’ve given me all that money, consider yourself my boyfriend again!” Blake exclaimed.

Carefree and appeased, Blake was cheered up, especially with Kevin coming to find her. He turned to face her, his expression unreadable. “Are you sure you won’t regret this?” he asked, his tone hinting at something deeper.

Blake, oblivious to the underlying meaning, grinned, “Regret? Why would 1? Besides, we can deal with any problems if they come up. Since you have that much money, you must have a villa in the capital, right?”

Kevin just nodded, his cold expression warming slightly as he gently brushed a stray hair from her face.

Blake happily said, “See? I won’t regret anything unless you harm me. But if you upset me again, I’ll spend all your money.”

Kevin simply responded, “Okay.”

At that moment, Blake felt like a balloon filled with helium, ready to soar with happiness.

She understood this was true love; Kevin’s every move swayed her emotions. She knew she had fallen for him despite not knowing why and being unaware of his motives.

‘Well, so be it. Life is short. Might as well enjoy it.’ Blake thought. Her tone shifted to playful demands, ” You can’t ignore me at work. And no more lunches with Susan, okay?”

Kevin replied, “Alright.”

“I’ll think of the rest later and let you know,” Blake said. She returned Kevin’s wallet and added, “Here. I don’t need your money. I have enough from my mom and relatives.”

She continued while yawning, “Stay over. It’s late, and you won’t get much sleep if you leave. I’ll get you some pajamas”. She pulled Kevin toward the bedroom, then stopped. “Come on, I’m not going to do anything.”

Kevin frowned. He looked at her sternly and asked, “Don’t you know men and women should keep their distance?”

Blake laughed off his old-fashioned remark and said, “Oh, come on! It’s normal for couples. We’re just going to sleep. Hurry up!”

In the office, Kevin was a fearsome tiger. But in Blake’s territory, he was suddenly like a cub in the wolf’s den.

She forcefully dragged Kevin into the master bedroom. He glanced around at the messy room with a disapproving look while she cleaned up.

Then, Blake found a man’s pajama in a dark color and handed it to Kevin. She said, “Here, this is for you. Go on and have a shower. Or do you need help undressing?”

Kevin was surprised by Blake’s boldness. He asked, “Blake, don’t you think you lack basic decency?”

Chapter 1053

Blake suddenly became angry. She looked into Kevin’s eyes and demanded, “What do you mean I lack basic decency? Kevin, look at me. Do you actually have feelings for me, or is this all just an act?”

Kevin remained silent, but his eyes betrayed him. Blake’s heart plummeted with the realization.

She had a bittersweet smile on her face. She sank onto the bed, resignation in her posture. She said, “I should’ve known. Someone like you with someone like me… it was never going to work, was it? Was there an ulterior motive from the start?”

Shakily, she asked, “What do you want from me, Kevin? I know you don’t really care, but I have feelings too. I don’t toy with people’s feelings like you do.”

Tears brimmed in Blake’s eyes as she stared at the unresponsive Kevin. His usual decisiveness now appeared cold and indifferent.

‘Even if Kevin was using me, couldn’t he at least pretend? Just saying ‘I like you’ would’ve been enough. But he didn’t even do that… Maybe he really likes Ms. Parker.’ Blake’s thoughts raced with hurt and confusion.

“Leave, Kevin. I’m clearly just a tool for you. You can’t even pretend to care,” Blake said, her voice laced with pain.

Kevin, typically so in control, seemed to falter. He said, “Your resignation will not be accepted. You’ll become a permanent employee, with triple the salary. That’s all you need to know.”

Then, he left abruptly, leaving his wallet on the table.

“Get out! The further away, the better!”

In a mix of anger and hurt, Blake hurled something at the door as it closed behind Kevin. Outside, Kevin and Liam passed each other silently, tension in the air. Liam’s gaze followed Kevin, and he commented, “She deserves better.”

Kevin rode down the elevator and exited the building, his face turning away. He felt the heaviness of the moment as he walked to his car.

He drove through the empty streets, his mind swirling with thoughts and emotions, ‘So she knew everything. She wasn’t supposed to be part of this, but she’s the key. Only she could lower Cecilia’s guard.’

Kevin stopped on the roadside. He was so consumed by his inner turmoil that the cigarette in his hand was forgotten. The cold morning breeze wafted through his car, stirring him from his thoughts.

He glanced at his watch and realized it was already 9:30a.m. The morning light cast long shadows, mirroring the complexity of his feelings in that moment.

Chapter 1054

‘I’m late for work.’ Kevin thought.

Kevin’s lateness was unusual for his flawless record at Jardin Corporation. His punctuality was legendary, making this deviation stand out.

At the office, Blake’s red, swollen eyes did not escape Janice’s attention. She handed Blake a comforting cup of coffee and asked, “Blake, are you okay? Did something happen with Liam?”

Blake brushed it off, “Just a late night with sad movies. I should go see Ms. Samford now.”

However, Blake’s meeting with Cecilia was not about work. Cecilia, usually the epitome of corporate professionalism, was dressed casually today. Blake could not help but notice a change in her demeanor.

The conversation took an unexpected turn as Cecilia inquired directly, “Are you dating Kevin?”

Taken aback, Blake struggled to find words, “Ms. Samford…”

Cecilia sat at her desk, clicking through her work email, and said, “Kevin sent me a work-related email this morning. Did you know about that?”

Blake thought, ‘Kevin emailing Cecilia is surprising. He’s always been loyal to Zach, not Cecilia.

‘Everyone wondered if Cecilia would be Mrs. Jardin, but that changed when Madelyn returned, and Zach chose her.

‘Cecilia’s promotion to vice president, after losing favor, seemed like a consolation. After all, she co-founded Jardin Corporation.’

Blake shook her head and replied, “I- I’m not sure.”

Cecilia turned her computer screen toward Blake, showing her the email, ” It’s from Kevin, rejecting your resignation.”

Blake’s eyes trembled slightly, possibly due to the lack of sleep, as she struggled to focus on the person in front of her.

Cecilia walked up to Blake, smoothed her hair, and said, “Blake, as a woman, be confident in yourself and your looks. You’re as good as anyone. I also went to a lesser-known college. Nevertheless, with your skills, you could take over my job someday. You have more potential than Susan.”

Cecilia went on, “The company is very competitive. Our department has only three full-time jobs, and getting one is tricky. You’ll need a staff member’s recommendation; there’s only one spot for that. You’ve been here longer than the three interns, and Kevin’s recommendation for you is a big deal since you’re the first.

“I’m not always at the company, but I know what’s going on; you’re my only assistant. I’ll ignore your affair with Kevin and act like I don’t know. Technically, you both should be fired for breaking the rules. If I say something, not even Zach could save Kevin.”

Half an hour later, Blake left Cecilia’s office. She was more confused than ever. She wondered, ‘How did Cecilia find out about me and Kevin? I was already broken up with him!’

Blake was still in a daze when she returned to her desk, where everyone looked at her strangely.

‘Why does everyone seem to be looking at me strangely?’ Blake pondered.

She sat at her desk and asked Janice for clarification. Janice simply told her to check her work email.

Chapter 1055

Confused, Blake opened her work email. A notification about permanent positions caught her attention. Only three staff members were mentioned, one each from the Creative Design and Marketing Departments and Blake.

Blake blinked in disbelief. She thought, ‘My name is on the list!’

In the background, the secretary’s office buzzed with chatter.

“It’s okay, Susan. There’s always next month,” one voice soothed.

“Exactly! It’s those with connections who get ahead. Us regular folks just can’t compete,” another added bitterly.

“I can’t believe how shameless some people can be.”

Blake tried to ignore them, but their words were too loud, too pointed. The group was consoling Susan, painting her as a victim.

Frustrated, Blake slammed her desk and stood, “Enough! If you have something to say about me, say it to my face. I’m not putting up with this!”

Tears streaked Susan’s face as she turned to Blake, slapping her across the face.

Susan said angrily, “You don’t deserve this, Blake. You’re not even in my league, professionally or educationally. You’re just cozying up to Mrs. Jardin. What else did you do? Climbing into bed with Mr. Harrison for a promotion? How desperate can you get?”

Blake’s cheek stung from Susan’s slap, but she did not hesitate to slap back. Blake retorted, “I don’t need this job. If it means so much to you, go talk to Mr. Harrison. Stop acting like a child.”

“Y-you hit me! How dare you! Even my mom never hits me! I’ll kill you, Blake! “Susan yelled. Her face was red from the slap. She lunged at Blake, her nails leaving red marks on Blake’s neck.

Blake, who had training in Taekwondo, did not hold back. She landed a punch that sent Susan reeling, “You asked for it!”

Blake removed her work badge, not wanting to be held responsible for any damage. Despite Susan’s relentless attacks, Blake stood her ground, matching each blow with her own.

Someone rushed out to seek help upstairs as the commotion grew. Having just finished a meeting with Zach, Kevin was leaving the conference room.

Zach said, “Don’t be late again like today.”

Kevin nodded, “Yes, sir.”

Then, a secretary came running, panicking. Upon seeing Zach, she froze, “M-Mr. Jardin.”

Zach’s expression was cold. He demanded sternly, “What happened? Speak!”

Breathless and panicked, the secretary stammered, “It’s Blake and Susan, sir. They’re… they’re fighting.”

Rubbing his temples, Kevin excused himself, “Mr. Jardin, I’ll handle this.”

“Go,” Zach replied, pocketing his hands and returning to his office. He encountered Madelyn emerging from the lounge. He asked, “Did the noise wake you?”

Madelyn answered, “I just heard about Blake fighting. Is she always like this at the office?”

Chapter 1056

Zach normally detached himself from day-to-day staff issues at Jardin Corporation and dealt only with major company decisions.

He felt that if minor problems required his intervention, it was a sign the company needed an overhaul. He paid high salaries for efficiency, not for employees to create drama.

To Zach, incompetence had no place in Jardin Corporation.

When Kevin arrived at the secretary’s office, he was greeted by a scene of chaos. Blake, usually composed, was now in a fight with Susan, who was visibly battered.

Kevin asked in disbelief, “Blake, are you acting out because I wasn’t here?”

He pulled Blake away, noticing the bloodied and bruised state of her neck.

Blake shot back, “Yes, I am. What are you going to do? Fire me?”

Kevin’s expression darkened, chilling Blake to the core. She had never seen him this serious. Her bravado faltered, replaced by a sense of guilt.

As Susan was hoisted up, Kevin, visibly frustrated, declared, “Take her to the hospital. I’ll cover all her medical expenses.”

His decision sparked whispers among the staff.

“Why is Mr. Harrison paying out of his pocket?”

“Could the rumors about him and Blake be true?”

“The favoritism seemed obvious.”

Unwittingly, Kevin’s actions had indeed shown a preference for Blake, something he had not fully realized. His headache worsened as he thought about last night’s incident, which was still clear in his mind.

“Come to my office,” Kevin ordered Blake, who followed him angrily. She grabbed her work badge before entering. In Kevin’s soundproof office, he inquired, “Explain yourself.”

His tone was almost routine, as he was accustomed to Blake’s frequent troubles. Given her conduct, he even began to doubt the authenticity of her degree from Ventropolis University.

Blake scoffed, turning away, “I don’t owe you an explanation. I don’t like her, that’s all. And I don’t need your help with the compensation. You’re nothing to me.”

At that moment, Madelyn made a rare appearance. Her elegance and presence caused a stir in the office. One of the staff asked, “M-Mrs. Jardin, why are you here?”

Madelyn entered calmly and said, ” Don’t mind me.”

She approached and overheard the heated exchange inside Kevin’s office.

“I don’t want this job,” Blake said, tossing a wallet at Kevin. “Keep your filthy money. I don’t want any part of it!

Blake stormed out of Kevin’s office with tears in her eyes, passing Madelyn without a glance. Madelyn stepped into Kevin’s office, a space she had never entered.

Chapter 1057

Kevin looked at Madelyn intently, his eyes holding back his thoughts. He stood up, staying quiet. He never really thought of Madelyn as Mrs. Jardin.

Kevin was just following Zach’s orders, even though he did not really want to. In a different time, Kevin could have been Zach’s devoted general, unwavering in war.

Perceptive to Kevin’s feelings, Madelyn addressed him, “Mr. Harrison, your look says it all. I know you disapprove of me. I overheard part of your conversation. You and Zach are using women as pawns for your ambitions. Isn’t that akin to exploitation?”

Her voice chilled as she continued, ” Whether or not you have genuine feelings for Blake, I advise you to keep your distance. It’s not about suitability; it’s about worthiness. You don’t measure up to someone like Liam.”

“Don’t repeat Zach’s mistakes,” she warned, sounding protective, almost maternal.

Before leaving his office, she added, ” I’ll discuss Blake’s situation with Zach. After all, he listens to everything I say now.”

Kevin’s expression darkened. Madelyn’s words struck a nerve, underscoring his insecurities about his position and worth.

“Can you believe it? What’s Blake’s background that even Mrs. Jardin came to support her? This is unbelievable.”

“Oh no, what should we do? If I’d known, I wouldn’t have said those things. My job is at stake now.”

“Is it too late to apologize to Blake now?

Madelyn eventually found Blake in a convenience store, seeking solace in a sandwich. She had stopped to buy some medicine for Blake.

“Only sandwiches? Aren’t you paid well enough?” Madelyn asked gently.

Startled, Blake looked up, “Madelyn? What brings you here?”

“I came with Zach to address some issues at the company. I was about to head back.” Madelyn responded. ” Trouble at work?”

Blake hesitated before responding, Just tired of people talking behind my back. It led to a fight.”

“You remind me of myself at your age,” Madelyn remarked. Blake, surprised, said, “I can’t picture you fighting, Madelyn. You’re always so calm.”

As Madelyn applied medicine to Blake’s wounds, she reflected, “People change. Standing up for yourself was the right thing. Now, they won’t dare to mess with you again.”

“I heard your argument with Kevin, and I think I know what his motives are, “Madelyn confessed.

Blake winced under the sting of the medicine, “What do you mean, Madelyn?”

 

Chapter 1058

Madelyn smiled as she spoke, “Blake, don’t become a pawn in their power games. You’re a kind soul. Perhaps it’s best for you to leave Jardin Corporation. If Kevin makes it difficult, I’ll speak with Zach. And between Kevin and Liam, Liam is your better choice.”

Blake, still grappling with the complexities of office politics, listened intently. Madelyn’s insight into the power dynamics at play, particularly the unfolding rivalry between Zach and Cecilia, highlighted the precarious position Blake found herself in. Departure seemed like a prudent option.

Madelyn left after tending to Blake’s injuries and advising her to take care. As Madelyn entered a waiting Bentley, Blake sat there and tried to digest Madelyn’s advice.

In the car, Zach placed a blanket over Madelyn’s legs, his concern evident. He commented, “You care for everyone, yet you often neglect me.”

Madelyn, unfazed, replied, “You have plenty who’d dote on you at a moment’s notice.”

Zach drew her close and said, “Isn’t being with you around the clock enough, Mrs. Jardin?”

Madelyn spoke bluntly, “I don’t want Blake to be caught in the crossfire of your battle with Cecilia.”

Zach’s stern gaze met Madelyn’s as she warned, “Cecilia’s trying to prove she’s the right Mrs. Jardin. But the fallout affects more than just you two. You have responsibilities. People’s livelihoods depend on your choices. It’s risky.”

“Enough!” Zach snapped, his eyes angry. “I don’t need your input. Just be my happy bride, and I’ll handle Cecilia.”

Cecilia was always a formidable adversary in both love and business. She was not someone to be underestimated.

Madelyn wondered if Cecilia and Zach had a fulfilling relationship in the past life. Perhaps he had achieved his dream of a family. Otherwise, his vast fortune would have had no heir.

In this life, however, Zach was not fighting alone. In less than five years, he accomplished what took a decade in his previous life. Undoubtedly, Cecilia’s love for Zach was deep. Otherwise, her love would not have turned to such deep resentment.

Zach knew Madelyn was pretending to agree with him and preferred her to keep up the act. He was angry not because of an outsider but because Madelyn pushed him toward Cecilia.

Blake had an epiphany from watching two stray dogs fighting on the street. She grabbed the medicine Madelyn bought for her and stormed into Kevin’s office.

Chapter 1059

Blake sprinted to the upstairs conference room and noticed Kevin was not in his office. Her haste stirred curiosity in the department, but no one dared to ask. Blake’s closeness to Madelyn kept them at bay.

The office was alive with gossip. Some said Madelyn had scolded Kevin in the secretary’s office. Others whispered about Zach’s plan to fire his longtime assistant. The wildest rumor was Blake pressuring Kevin to marry her.

Blake went to the ninety-ninth floor and saw Kevin coming out of Zach’s office, holding some documents. He ignored her as he passed.

‘He’s ignoring me!’ Blake fumed internally.

Blake impulsively seized Kevin’s tie, drawing surprised stares from nearby colleagues. Kevin had underestimated Blake’s boldness at work.

In a dim corridor, the motion-sensor lights flickered on, then off. The emergency sign cast a faint green glow. Blake looked into Kevin’s eyes as she held his necktie.

Kevin’s voice shattered the quiet, “Do you even know what you’re doing?”

Blake’s resolve wavered at his icy tone. She said, “I-I understand now, Kevin. I’ll figure out what you want eventually. It’s just not the right time.”

“Let go,” Kevin said sternly.

Blake released his tie. The lights illuminated his emotionless eyes, making her question if he ever cared about anyone.

She conceded, “That’s all. I’ll stay and follow orders, but for Madelyn, not you. In the narrow, quiet space, their breaths were the only sounds. Blake could smell the fresh scent from Kevin’s black suit.

“I’m heading back now,” Blake announced, but Kevin’s grip pulled her back. Her cheeks flushed with warmth.

“I’ll leave first. Come to my office in five minutes,” said Kevin.

Kevin watched a cleaner pass by through the gap in the door before he pushed Blake away and left the emergency exit. He passed a cleaner on the stairs, who greeted him, “Mr. Harrison, you’re here!”

Kevin nodded without replying.

The cleaner watched him leave, then glanced at the ajar door and muttered, What’s in there?”

The cleaner, peering into the room, found Blake near the door, “You scared me, Blake! Were you and Mr. Harrison…

Blake panicked, ‘Crap! Jill’s the biggest gossip here. She’ll think Kevin and I were secretly meeting. How do I explain this?’

Chapter 1060

Blake realized she could not cover up any longer. She forced a smile, playfully grabbed Jill’s hand, and said, ” Jill, fancy seeing you here!”

Then, Blake headed to her office without looking back. Her office soon buzzed with rumors about her and Kevin.

When Blake arrived at her desk, she found it buried under snacks and gifts. She felt several pairs of eyes on her. However, when she looked up, the others quickly turned away.

Blake did not mind the unexpected perks, knowing it was not her money that paid for them.

No one mentioned the morning’s incident, as everyone was aware of Madelyn’s support for Blake, the new arrival.

Before, the company was buzzing about Zach’s favoritism toward Madelyn, stirring up rumors of the typical mistress-to-wife drama. Zach, however, had firmly shown his intolerance for such gossip last year by firing a team and halting their projects in a fit of anger, revealing that his only emotional outbursts were related to her.

An old Azure Corporation employee once revealed that Madelyn was Zach’s childhood friend, and he was an adopted son of Hayson. The revelation quelled any negative gossip about Madelyn.

They also learned about Zach’s efforts to win Madelyn’s heart after he had been trapped in a political marriage with the Young family, leading the heartbroken Madelyn to leave the capital for four years.

Madelyn had only reconciled with Zach after she returned to the country. Zach’s devotion to Madelyn was clear, especially compared to his treatment of his ex-wife.

That morning, major media platforms announced the official news of Zach and Madelyn’s wedding next month, set to coincide with Valentine’s Day.

But unbeknownst to many, Valentine’s Day held a dark significance for Madelyn. Madelyn learned about the wedding date from Margaret at home, where holiday decorations were replaced with wedding ones.

The wedding photographer arrived with photos as Zach discussed plans with the wedding planner. The staff admired the pictures.

“Mr. and Mrs. Jardin are a perfect match,” a servant remarked.

“I don’t think Mr. Jardin can find anyone more perfect than Mrs. Jardin.” another added. Madelyn took the carrot ginger soup from Margaret, a daily remedy for the cold weather.

Looking at the photos, Margaret commented, “These photos are stunning, Ms. Jent. Mr. Jardin genuinely cares for you and Dalton. Unlike many wealthy men, he’s always with you and becomes like a father to Dalton. It’s rare to find someone so rich yet so family-focused.”

Madelyn silently questioned Margaret’s sudden advocacy for Zach, whom she considered a murderer.

Margaret mentioned the wedding date, “February 14th, how perfect!”

That date drained the color from Madelyn’s face.

‘Why that day?’ Madelyn wondered, haunted by its significance. She no longer wished to hear more, so she handed her bowl to Margaret.

“I need to be alone,” Madelyn said, hurrying to her room.