Ch. 1061..1070
Chapter 1061
Margaret watched Madelyn go upstairs in confusion. She thought, ‘Why is she so angry? Did something go wrong today?’
Just as Madelyn went up, a voice rang behind her, “Come and see if the venue’s decorations are to your liking.”
Madelyn immediately gripped the handrails so hard that her nails bit into the wood. She replied, “Do whatever you like.”
She continued to climb up the stairs weakly. After choosing the decorations, Zach turned around to look for Madelyn.
Then, the manager said, “Mr. Jardin, you can rest assured that we won’t disappoint Mrs. Jardin. We will use champagne roses for all the decorations at the venue.”
On the other hand, Madelyn went to the drawing room and locked herself inside. She sat on the couch helplessly.
When Zach followed her upstairs, he knew she would be in the drawing room. As Zach tried to open the door, the handle would not budge. Zach’s gaze darkened. He asked Margaret, What did you say to her?”
Margaret told him, “I didn’t say anything to her! I merely mentioned that the date for the wedding will be on the fourteenth of February. Who’d knew she would become so angry so swiftly.”
“Bring me the keys,” Zach ordered. Margaret quickly went to take the spare key. When Zach opened the lock, he saw that everything was normal. Madelyn had a pen in hand. From a single glance, he could see that she was absent-minded.
Zach walked over as Madelyn was still stuck in her own world. She did not notice Zach until he held her hand. He asked her, “What were you thinking about just now?”
Madelyn answered, “The wedding date next month is my friend’s memorial day.”
Zach was at a loss for words.
‘Why did she tell me this?’ Zach thought.
Madelyn had thought about telling Zach that in her past life, the tenth of February was Cecilia’s and his wedding anniversary, as well as the day she died. She wondered if that would make him feel guilty. However, even without asking, Madelyn already knew the answer. She let go of her pen and had Zach put it aside.
He asked her, “Which friend?”
Madelyn avoided Zach’s hand and stood up before saying, “It’s a friend I know from another country. Why did you choose that day specifically?”
‘Was Zach reincarnated like Cecilia?’ Madelyn thought.
She shook her head and denied that answer. She thought, ‘If Zach did reincarnate, then why is he in such a hurry to hold this wedding? At this rate, I might end up with the same fate as in my previous life.”
Zach hugged her from behind and entwined their fingers together. He kissed the back of her hand and asked, ” You don’t like it? If you don’t, we can move it forward to the Twelfth Night next week.”
Chapter 1062
Madelyn answered him emotionlessly, “Just have it the same day.”
‘Zach plans to end everything on my death anniversary,’ Madelyn thought.
It was six in the evening, and there was still half an hour left before work was over. Blake stared at her injuries. Susan was quite violent and almost scratched her face off during the fight.
Janice asked with envy, “Did Mrs. Jardin buy that ointment for you?”
Blake replied smugly, “Of course. She was the one who helped apply the ointment on my face. Why do you ask anyway? It’s just ointment.’
Janice adjusted the glasses on her nose and whispered, “Did you know that everyone else looked regretful when they saw Mrs. Jardin support you? They didn’t expect you to have such a powerful person backing you.” She paused and continued, “Oh yeah, I want to ask you something, Blake.”
“What is it?” Blake said.
Janice asked, “Is Mr. Jardin afraid of his wife? I heard from those in the secretarial office that the Human Resources Department was about to punish you, but Mrs. Jardin blocked all punishments. Susan, on the other hand, was not let off easily. I heard she was given a warning due to causing a scene. Her year-end bonus for this month was removed as well.
“I also heard that the interns who joined last year would get twenty to thirty thousand dollars for their year- end bonus. You can imagine how much the senior employee would make for their year-end bonus; they could get up to one hundred thousand dollars. Albert from the Information Technology Department just bought a car. Besides, the Azure Corporation employees get even better benefits than us,” Janice whispered.
She continued, “Although Mr. Jardin also manages Azure Corporation, their pay is higher than ours by 1.5. It’s almost impossible to join in right now.”
“Why are you saying this?” Blake asked. She was confused by Janice’s explanations, so she asked again, “Why are you talking about this?”
She squinted her eyes at Janice and revealed to her, “Let me tell you something. Don’t tell this to anyone, but Mrs. Jardin and Mr. Jardin are in a peculiar situation. It’s better if you don’t know about some things. Or else we’ll be fired just like the previous group of employees from the Marketing Department. They can’t even find a job in other fields now. You just need to know that you’ll be fine as long as you don’t talk behind other people’s backs.”
Janice nodded thoughtfully and asked, ” What about the Azure Corporation? What’s happening there?”
Blake continued to examine her injuries while explaining, “What else could it be? Mr. Jardin is known for being a hypocrite. The people at the Azure Corporation have worked with Mrs. Jardin’s father and are mostly composed of senior employees. When Azure Corporation was about to close down and could not lay off the employees, Mr. Jardin offered them a triple salary and the best benefits to hire these people. The Azure Corporation is currently the most secure job for any senior employee; as long as Jardin Corporation doesn’t fall, the employees can sit around and still earn five to eight thousand a month.”
Then only Janice understands. She commented, “No wonder Mr. Jardin shows up personally whenever it comes to the Azure Corporation. This is all to ensure Mrs. Jardin’s family business does not close down. I’m so envious of Mrs. Jardin. When will I get to have such a great husband?”
Blake saw how hopeless Janice was and shook her head. In the public’s eye, Madelyn might seem happy, but she was not. Blake knew Madelyn had her own unspoken difficulties. If not, why would Madelyn tell her she was trying her best to run away back then at the Floral Loft?
‘Besides, have they all forgotten? The Arnold Corporation had openly announced the engagement of Madelyn and their boss five years ago.
Madelyn used to have a fiancée,’ Blake remembered. Blake could still remember how different Madelyn’s smile was currently compared to how happily she smiled when she stood beside Ethan. Madelyn never loved Zach and was forced into this marriage from the beginning.
Chapter 1063
The PR team had to make them look like a loving couple. What made it even more terrifying was the news of the Arnold residence being auctioned. It was swiftly covered up shortly after it was released. Now, there was no news of the Arnold family at all.
The Arnold family were aristocrats. They were based in Ventropolis and had been there for hundreds of years. Yet, sadly, the Arnold family was no more. Blake felt pity for them. She had a feeling that what happened to the Arnold family was related to Zach.
During this time, a few people gave Blake gifts to curry her favor. There were some sweets, accessories and even drinks given. Blake accepted them all. As she drank her latte, she saw Kevin walking in. It seems that he just finished his meeting. The moment Blake stood up, a few gazes locked onto her. They saw her holding a latte cup and walked into Kevin’s office.
Kevin noticed her presence and said, ” Your punishment has yet to be decided. Did you think pandering to me would make it all go away?”
Blake placed the latte before him and replied, “What do you mean pandering? I’m just trying to play along. The whole company knows about our relationship. Since I’m your girlfriend, I need to act like one. When do you get off work? Let’s walk together later, boyfriend!”
Kevin opened his mail to check the financial statements sent to him by other executives. Without even glancing at Blake, he said, “Take it back. I don’t like to drink this kind of stuff. You can leave after work first; it won’t affect me much.”
Blake nodded, “Fine, I’ll leave first. I have my own business to handle, too.”
When Blake left his office, only two minutes were left until work ended. She cleaned up her desk and put all her things into her bag. Just as she was about to rush out, Blake suddenly received Liam’s message: [I have a photoshoot at half past six, but I can’t find the Photography Department. Could you help me?]
Blake sent back a GIF : [Okay]
Before she left, she took two bags of snacks with her. They were imported snacks that could not be found at regular stores. Kevin watched as Blake left the office in a hurry before retracting his gaze calmly. When Blake found Liam, he was still at the supermarket.
“You really know how to pick a time, Liam. It’s right after our working hours. Is there anyone still in the Photography Department?”
Liam answered, “If that’s the case, I can cancel the photoshoot. You can come join me when you’re free.”
Blake answered him, “Don’t do that. I know that our company has done a lot to hire you. If you stood them up because of me, the Photography Department would kill me. Besides, I can go and gawk at beautiful men. I heard that many 6-foot-tall, handsome men with abs were hired. I might even get their phone numbers later.”
Chapter 1064
The Photography Department was on the eighth floor. When Blake was accompanying Liam upstairs, the employees of the Photography Department had already prepared the studio for them.
Liam pointed at her wound and asked, ” What happened to your face?”
She replied nonchalantly, “It’s fine. A dog scratched me. It’s no problem.”
Suddenly, Blake’s acquaintance appeared with a camera in hand and interrupted their conversation, “Blake, you son of a gun. I heard you’re dating Mr. Harrison and was the first to make a move. Did you know that the head of the Sales Department heard about it and got drunk at a bar? She then called Mr. Harrison in the middle of the night but was scolded this morning for it. She’s probably still sad about it right now.”
Blake did not notice Liam secretly typing on his phone during their conversation. She replied smugly, “I can’t help it. I’m just his type and the only one who can put up with his attitude. No one can get in between us.”
After they finished talking, the head of the Photography Department came to Liam and said, “Mr. Xander, you might need to wait for a while. As for the details, you will need to wait for Ms. Blue to explain them to you. We have prepared a lounge with some snacks inside. We’re also almost done calibrating the equipment.”
Liam nodded and answered, “Mmm.”
Blake had to use her phone to clock in for overtime. She then walked with Liam to the lounge and saw the thoughtfully prepared cherries. Blake felt so jealous she could cry. In the end, she sneakily tried one of the cherries.
“Liam, why is your editor not with you today? Thankfully, you met me before I ended work,” Blake joked.
She continued asking, “Is the shooting starting soon? What are you shooting today?”
Liam shook his head and answered, ” We’re not shooting yet. Just wait for a moment.”
Blake passed a cherry to him, encouraging him to eat the cherries, ” Eat some, Liam.”
Liam smiled and replied, “You can have it.”
Blake smiled back and said, “Thank you, Liam. You’re the best.” Then, she immediately ate another cherry.
When Liam told Blake to wait, she did not know what he meant. That was until a familiar silhouette arrived. Olivia came dressed in a blue suit and stood outside the lounge. She seemed to have come here in a rush and had a bag in her hand.
Olivia asked Liam, “I’ve bought the medicine you wanted. Are you hurt?”
Liam answered, “Not me.”
Then only did Blake realize it was for her. Surprised, she said, “How could I accept this, Liam? Besides, I’ve already applied some ointment. It’s just a tiny scratch. Let me pay you back.”
Liam stared at her with disappointment in his eyes. Blake could not stand his look; it felt like she was bullying him. She finally gave in, “Fine, I’ll accept it. I never expected you to buy me medicine.”
Chapter 1065
An odd expression flashed in Olivia’s eyes. Then, she passed some files to Liam and said, “Remember these lines. You’ll need them for later.”
Blake kept eating while watching them. Olivia helped smoothen Liam’s shirt and continued, “Don’t be nervous when you go onstage later. I will be watching from the side. You can ask me about anything anytime.”
“Mmm,” Liam replied as he flipped through the files.
Then, Olivia told him, “Change into your clothes first.”
As Liam went to the changing room, Olivia turned around and faced Blake. She asked her, “You work at the Photography Department too, Ms. Dion?”
Blake smiled and said, “Nope, I’m off work now. I came here on the way.”
Olivia did not speak and proceeded to walk to the changing room. After a while, Blake heard her say, “Liam told me about you. I didn’t think it would be such a coincidence that you would be on a blind date with him. He didn’t like to attend these events in the past, so I was responsible for refusing them. However, it is different this time. You are the daughter of Liam’s mother’s best friend.
“Regardless of what matter it is, I am always the first person he would consult. Liam has a good impression of you, so continue your hard work. If it works out, you could sit and reap the fruits of our labor,” Olivia said snidely.
Blake chuckled. She knew what Olivia meant behind those words based on her many years as an assistant. She would have given her a rebuttal if she was at the company. Instead, she rolled her eyes at Olivia.
“Ms. Blue, I think there’s something you should understand. You’re only Liam’s editor and not his butler. You have no right to interfere in our relationship, regardless of whatever happens. You’re over thirty years old; you should consider backing off any matter regarding us youngsters!”
Blake rolled her eyes again at Olivia before walking away with the cherries. Olivia was at a loss for words, “Y-you.”
‘Does she not know how old she is?
Thinking of all the women eyeing him all the time, I just couldn’t bring myself to let this go on. I need to tell him about this incident later just in case a random middle-aged woman ruins him,’ Blake thought.
At the same time, Liam walked out of the changing room and asked, “Does it look nice?”
The question was directed at Blake. She immediately nodded and said, ” Amazing! I think you look handsome in a white suit.” She paused and continued, “Wait a moment. I think I know which tuxedo would suit you the best.”
This was Liam’s first public appearance, so they could not afford to let him embarrass himself. Although the suit prepared by the company was branded, it was incomparable to a tailored one. Then, Blake stole a white suit from the Photography Department and told him, “Put this on.”
One of the Photography Department’s employees saw the suit in Blake’s hand, and his eyes widened.
“Are you crazy, Blake?! That suit was specially prepared for Mr. Harrison! How could you let him put it on!” The employee exclaimed.
Blake argued, “What’s the big deal anyways? Just let Liam wear it. It’s just a suit. If Mr. Harrison doesn’t like it, I’ll talk to him later.”
When the employee saw Liam’s innocent gaze, it made him feel like he was bullying Liam. He said to Liam, ” It’s okay, Mr. Gale. You can go change.”
“I’ll wait for you here,” Blake said before winking at Liam.
However, Kevin saw what happened from the door. He chided Blake, “Using my suit to please another man! You’ve grown quite bold, haven’t you, Blake?! “
Chapter 1066
Blake was choking on a cherry. It took a while, but she finally coughed it up. The photography crew suddenly encountered someone rarely seen, and it left them silent with fear.
The person nearby cautiously reminded Blake, “Mr. Harrison planned to wear this outfit at Mr. Jardin’s wedding. It was custom-made by the X.M brand. Watch yourself.”
Blake immediately put on a sly smile, walked up, and grabbed Kevin’s hand. ” Come on, it’s just a piece of clothing! I can buy another one for you right now. Mr. Harrison, you’re not that stingy, are you? You were so generous before and gave me all the money you had on you.”
Kevin looked at Blake, who was a head shorter than him and yet demonstrated strong adaptability in challenging situations. He chose not to dwell on the matter. “Wait for me in the parking lot downstairs in an hour.”
Blake nodded. “No problem.”
Kevin had an intense and intimidating vibe, just like Zach. They were equally formidable. When Kevin turned to leave, he suddenly halted at the doorway. “It’s your working time now, but you aren’t in your workspace. According to the rules and regulations, we will deduct six hundred dollars from your pay and cancel your perfect attendance bonus.”
“You cheapskate!”
“Deduction of another two hundred dollars for using offensive language toward your supervisor.”
Blake had never encountered someone like Kevin in her entire life. Liam emerged in a white suit, leaving Blake momentarily stunned. Then, she quickly gave him a thumbs-up and praised him, “Liam, not only are you good at writing, but you’re also stylish. You look very handsome in it!”
“As long as you like it, that’s all that matters.” Liam’s gentle smile grew wider.
Blake did not take these words to heart, and just thought he was praising her fashion sense. Unsure how long Liam’s shoot would last, Blake glanced over to find it was still ongoing. It was almost eight o’clock, and she had not eaten anything yet. Lost in thought, Blake received a message from Kevin.
[Come to the underground parking lot.]
Seeing Liam still occupied, Blake headed to the lower level without saying a word. She searched for Kevin’s car in the vast parking lot. Just then, his vehicle came to a flawless stop right before her.
Kevin lowered the window and said, ” Get in.”
Blake hopped into the passenger seat, and Kevin leaned over to help her fasten her seatbelt. She asked, “What’s gotten into you today?”
Blake’s breathing slowed down as he approached. The fresh scent of laundry detergent still lingered on him. Suddenly, Kevin said, “Cecilia.”
In an instant, Blake caught on. After fastening her seatbelt, she grabbed Kevin’s tie before he got up. Leaning in, she planted a quick kiss on Kevin. His calm eyes turned to her, and Blake’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly looked away anxiously,
“If we’re going to play the part of a couple, we need to make it convincing. Otherwise, she’ll see through it in a second. Let’s go and grab a meal. I’m practically starving.”
“Let’s go somewhere first,” said Kevin.
“Where to?”
Cecilia gripped the hand beneath her skirt, panting. Her face slightly flushed after the climax, and waves of ecstasy swept over her as she watched the departing vehicle. She closed her eyes and slumped in the driver’s seat, savoring the sensation. “You’re really something.”
“You slut, can’t other men satisfy your needs?”
Cecilia asked, “Did that batch arrive yet?”
The man replied, “I’ve already arranged everything. Just focus on your tasks and get control of the company. I don’t care if they’re men or women, they’re all the same. Once you hold power in your hands, they’ll obediently follow you in the end!”
Cecilia said, “Don’t worry. When the time comes, you can take what’s yours.
As for me…I only want him.”
Blake was surprised that Kevin was taking her to the hospital. ‘Could it be that he’s taking me to get my facial injuries checked out?’
But just as the warmth filled her heart, it swiftly faded, turning cold in the next moment. Kevin stopped in front of a flower shop and said, “Go pick out a bouquet.”
Blake asked, “A bouquet? Are you planning to visit Ms. Parker in the hospital?”
Chapter 1067
Kevin explained, “Audrey is the daughter of the mayor of Ventropolis, and some of our company’s projects require the mayor’s approval.”
‘Hmph, fine!’ Blake thought. She smiled at Kevin, then casually tossed the half-empty water bottle she had just finished drinking onto him.
“Sorry! It’s past work hours now. Go visit her yourself if you want to. I’m not tagging along as a third wheel.”
Next to them was SereneCare Hospital. It was convenient for Blake to have dinner around here as she could easily walk home in about fifteen to twenty minutes. She pulled twenty bucks from her pocket and handed it to Kevin.
“This is for the ride.”
Then, Blake swiftly opened the car door, got out, and closed the door. She did not look back as she left.
‘I must be out of my mind. Instead of going home, I remained hungry without eating and followed him to this place.’
Blake entered a restaurant at the end of the street. After placing her bag, she immediately ordered a full table’s worth of dishes.
Kevin watched from nearby as she placed the order.
After a few minutes, the car had already disappeared when Blake looked over again. She glared angrily and forcefully broke the fork in her hand into two pieces. ‘What am I still expecting at this point!?’
Just as the waiter was serving Blake’s dishes, back on the set, Liam finished shooting and scanned his surroundings, as if looking for someone.
Olivia brought a bottle of water over to him and said, “You’ve worked hard. We’re done for today, and I made a reservation at that restaurant you like.”
Liam asked, “Where is she?”
Olivia realized who he was asking about, “She’s already left. Do you need her for something?”
Liam noticed the medicine Blake had forgotten to take and said to Olivia, ” You can go home first.”
Liam called Blake and asked, “Are you there alone?”
Blake said, “Yes, it’s just me. Wanna come over?”
“Okay.” Liam smiled when he received the address Blake sent. He said to Olivia, “I’m off.”
“But…” Before Olivia finished, Liam had already walked away and could not notice the unusual emotion in her eyes.
Blake worried the dishes would get cold quickly, so she asked the waiter to reheat them. When Liam arrived, it was almost nine o’clock.
He apologized, “Sorry I’m late.”
Blake said, “It’s okay, let’s eat. I don’t know what you like, so I ordered what I myself enjoy eating. Feel free to order a few more dishes if you want.”
Liam preferred mild flavors and rarely ate spicy food. During his time in the hospital, he had been consuming bland liquid food, and he had gotten used to it. After a while, Blake remembered he could not handle spicy food, while all the dishes she had ordered so far were spicy. She promptly asked the waiter for dishes more suited to his taste and ordered an alcoholic fruit juice for herself.
After the meal, Blake finally satisfied her hunger and patted her round belly. Liam carried a women’s bag and followed beside her. “If you like it here, we can come again next time.”
“Sure! Their sweet potato casserole is great.”
The neon lights bathed the street as Liam and Blake strolled among pedestrians, easily spotted in the crowd. Simultaneously, Kevin returned from dinner and got back into his car. However, there was a woman in the passenger seat.
While waiting for the traffic light to turn green, Kevin looked at the people crossing the street and spotted Blake’s bright smile. She was walking backward, talking excitedly to the man beside her. Kevin noticed that the man walking with her kept a close eye on their surroundings while simultaneously listening to her attentively, never getting tired of her talking.
Chapter 1068
“Careful.” When Liam saw Blake was about to fall, he reached out from his pocket and caught her around the waist. The passerby who accidentally bumped into her quickly apologized.
After steadying Blake, Liam noticed the flashing green light. Subconsciously, he grabbed her hand. Blake was momentarily stunned. She looked at the hand holding hers and quickly withdrew it as they reached the other side of the street.
“Thank you! I didn’t expect to be so engrossed in talking to you again that I forgot to watch the road. I’ll be more careful next time.”
Liam put his hand back in his pocket and said calmly, “It’s okay. Your hands are a bit cold.”
Blake exclaimed, “Ah, that’s just me. I’m always cold, especially when winter hits, My hands and feet are freezing, but it’s okay. I’ve gotten used to it.”
Liam remained silent. After walking for a while, Blake suddenly remembered, ” Isn’t your place supposed to be the other way around from where we’re walking?”
Liam’s eyes flashed, and he replied, ” I’ve already moved to a new place.”
Blake asked, “Where did you move to?”
“You’ll know soon,” said Liam.
In a black sedan, Audrey reminded Kevin when she noticed he was distracted, “Mr. Harrison, the auction is about to start.” Only then did Kevin shift his gaze back, step on the gas, and drive away.
In the periphery of Blake’s line of sight, she always felt a gaze fixed on her. When she looked over, she caught Audrey’s calm and indifferent gaze flick away from her. The car then drove past her. Seeing the familiar license plate number, Blake felt nothing else besides a slight discomfort deep down.
‘No wonder Kevin isn’t into me. It turns out he’s got someone else in his heart- the mayor’s daughter. She’s graceful, poised, and beautiful, with a gentle and elegant way of speaking. Any man would fall for such a person. I’ve been deluding myself all this time.
‘Forget it, I’ve already given up. Now, I’m just playing along for Madelyn’s sake. Otherwise, I wouldn’t bother sticking around and wasting time with him at the company.’
She turned to Liam and said, “Liam, about the blind date… If our parents ask, could you say things are progressing smoothly? Just consider it as friends helping each other out. It’s okay if you disagree with it. I just don’t want my parents to nag me. Otherwise, they might try setting me up with someone else if they get too eager.”
When Blake looked back, Liam had his head drooped, looking lazy. When he lifted his head, his eyes seemed misty. ” Okay.”
Blake asked worriedly, “What’s wrong with you? Are you having a headache again?”
Liam squinted and nodded, “Sort of.”
Blake hurriedly approached to support him. “We’re almost at my apartment complex. I’ll call a cab for you. Hurry back home and rest. The pharmacies are closed now. Do you still have medicine at home?”
Under a streetlight, the white light illuminated them as he suddenly hugged her. Liam’s soft and short hair hung over his forehead, and Blake’s eyes widened instantly, taking a moment to register what was happening.
“Just hold on to me for a while,” said Liam.
In that fleeting moment, a gust of cold wind tousled Blake’s long hair and stirred something within her heart.
Ten minutes later, they arrived on the same floor. Blake asked, “Liam, when did you move across from me? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Surprise.”
Blake said, “It’s indeed surprising, but let’s go back now. You should take your medicine.”
Chapter 1069
Liam entered the door code. The door chimed and swung open. He reached for the light switch on the wall, flooding the living room with brightness. The spotless room revealed neatly stacked files on the table. Blake ran her hand along the cabinet at the entrance, noting how neatly everything was arranged.
‘Compared to this place, I’m living in a pigsty.’
She asked, “Where do you keep your medicine? I’ll get it for you. Sit on the sofa and rest for a while.”
Blake did not receive a response. When she looked over, Liam was already asleep on the sofa. Blake had no choice but to look for the medicine. After a while, she finally found it in his room. After some thought, Blake put it back and returned to the living room. She boiled a pot of water, set it to keep warm, and covered him with a blanket, thinking that when he woke up, he could have some warm water.
She stepped forward, removed his shoes, and carefully laid him against a pillow. After tucking him in, Blake hid on the sofa, watching him peacefully asleep. It was like watching an adorable big golden retriever.
“Goodnight, Liam.” After saying the last words, she gently closed the door and left.
It was not too late, not even half past ten. Surprisingly, someone was already asleep, almost like it was retired cadre resting hours. Blake also felt tired as she stayed up last night. She hammered her sore neck, and her phone suddenly rang when she was preparing to freshen up for bed. Without guessing, Blake knew who was calling, but she did not answer.
After showering, she wearily picked up her phone, seeing a missed call and a message from Kevin. [Come out.]
Blake replied, [I’m going to bed now. If there’s something, we can talk about it tomorrow. Kevin, people will get tired. I don’t have time to play along with your act at this hour.]
After sending the message, Blake placed her phone on the bedside to charge, muted it, and paid no further attention.
A car was parked downstairs in the community with its headlights still on. The passenger seat held a bag wrapped in oily paper, packed to the brim with grilled pork. A strange smell filled the entire car, and Kevin’s gaze turned cold as he read the reply. When he looked up, the lights upstairs had already gone out. He closed the car window with a gloomy expression.
Blake woke up early feeling refreshed and went to the company. When Janice rushed to the office, she saw Blake already snacking. She approached in surprise, “Blake, am I seeing things? You actually arrived at the office half an hour early today.”
Blake said, “I went to bed early last night, so I came over early for snacks.”
Janice asked, “Don’t you have breakfast in the morning?”
“No! I do eat! Isn’t this the breakfast I have?” said Blake.
Janice retorted, “Blake, having this for breakfast isn’t healthy. Eat my sandwich instead. Two buns should be enough for me.”
“Ah, it’s fine.” As soon as she finished, Kevin walked in from outside and knocked on her desk. “Come with me to the office.”
Susan glared at Blake angrily with her makeup. Even with the heavy makeup, she could not conceal the bruising around her eyes, making it look absurd. After entering the office, Susan left with some documents, leaving Blake and Kevin in the spacious office.
Without lifting his head, Kevin said, ” You don’t have to act anymore. You’re not needed now. Just follow the routine from now on.”
Chapter 1070
Blake hesitated for a moment, not understanding his intention. Then, she realized and said, “In that case, you can transfer my permanent position to Susan. I’m leaving in three days, and there’s no point in me staying. I had agreed to stay before because of Madelyn. Since that’s over now, let’s just call it quits.”
Kevin rarely gazed at her with emotion, though it was not anger but dissatisfaction. He said, “What do you think Jardin Corporation is? A place you just can come and go as you please?”
Blake sneered. She leaned over the table to gaze at Kevin, “Mr. Harrison, you wouldn’t be reluctant to see me go, would you?”
Kevin’s eyebrows furrowed, and Blake knew it was a sign of his anger. He never had a good temper with her, and she did not want to receive a cold shoulder. After toning down her smile, Blake stood up straight and earnestly said to him, “Mr. Harrison, I’m serious this time. Initially, being an assistant was merely a means to make a living for me. Now I realize that this role doesn’t suit me, so you don’t have to waste the chance of a permanent position on me.”
Kevin said, “The company has issued an official contract, and this decision is irreversible. You should understand the company regulations. If you breach the contract, you’ll have to compensate the company with five million for talent loss. I’ve asked Susan to get the labor contract. Whether you sign it or not has nothing to do with me. Get out!”
Blake exclaimed, “Five million? What a heartless company! Why don’t you just go and rip people off?”
Kevin said, “It’s working time now. Watch your attitude!”
Blake slammed the door angrily. She sat in her seat and opened the employee handbook in the drawer. After she turned to the page, there was indeed an explanation that decisions from management could not be changed arbitrarily unless the company was on the brink of collapse, necessitating layoffs. Only then were they allowed to leave. Jardin Corporation signed formal contracts with employees to prevent talent loss and potential losses for the company.
Upon receiving the contract, Blake looked at the clauses and thought, ‘ This is basically a slave contract. But logically, I’m just an ordinary employee. How could such unreasonable terms be added? It must be that Kevin tampered with the employment contract.”
Blake stormed into Kevin’s office with the document and slammed it on his desk. “I suspect you tampered with the contract. I’m going to report you.”
Kevin, who was discussing business matters, was interrupted. He said, ” Report? Mr. Jardin isn’t here currently, and I make all the decisions. If you’re not satisfied, you can find Ms. Samford. You don’t belong under my jurisdiction. So, don’t bother coming to me for anything in the future.”
Blake nodded angrily, “Okay, this is what you said. I don’t belong to your jurisdiction, so don’t bother me in the future.”
She slammed the door and left angrily. Susan expressed her dissatisfaction, ” Mr. Harrison, Blake is yelling at her supervisor in the company. Why do you keep someone like her?”
Kevin lowered his eyes and flipped through the documents in his hand. He seemed a little absent-minded for a moment. “Mind your own business.”
Susan sat on a chair nearby, looking disappointed while staring at her knees in a short skirt. “But Mr. Harrison, my permanent position…”
Kevin promised, “I’ll apply for it for you next month.”
“Thank you, Mr. Harrison. Don’t worry. I’ll strive to be an effective assistant,” said Susan.
Blake went to the office upstairs, but Cecilia was away from the office again today. She accidentally bumped into someone upon her return disappointedly. “Sorry, I bumped into you. I was in a hurry,” Blake said without lifting her head and left immediately.
“It’s okay.”
‘This voice…’ Blake instantly raised her head. Looking at Liam in a white coat, her eyes squinted with a smile, “Liam, why are you here?”
Liam walked toward her, reaching out to brush away the hair in front of her forehead. “It turned red.”
Blake shook her head immediately, ” It’s okay. It doesn’t hurt at all.”