4. Free Lunch

"It's lunch time."

Caroline was startled when she heard that sentence. She looked up, turning her head to look at Jared, who was standing next to her. She don't know when Jared had been there, but Caroline didn't realize it because she was too focused on her work.

"What do you want to eat? Thalius will order for us, so we can eat right away when we get to the cafeteria."

"Us?" Caroline gave a confused look.

"Don't waste time; tell me what you want to eat right now." Jared repeated his question.

"I've brought lunch from home to save money." Caroline replied as she took out her lunch box from inside the tote bag. Inside the box were pieces of fruit and mayonnaise.

Jared took a quick glance, then made a face as if he didn't care.

"You can eat all you want at the office cafeteria without spending any money. Breakfast and lunch are covered by the office." Jared tried to lie so Caroline wouldn't feel burdened by it.

"Really? Wow, I didn't realize that this company cares so much about its employees. I feel very blessed to work here. I was even given a special desk." Caroline said it with a pleased look on her face.

"Is that true, sir? I've never heard of that, since when did that rule come into effect? I've always been asked to pay every time I order something." A man replied to Jared's words.

"That's right!" Another employee confirmed.

Caroline gave Jared a look that demanded an answer.

Jared was taken aback. He was caught off guard, not expecting the other employees to eavesdrop on their conversation. He was too focused on Caroline to care about the others. Jared was too good at managing his facial expressions, so he looked normal, even though he was actually confused.

"Didn't you guys read the announcement that was sent via email? I sent an email notification; you shouldn't have missed this important news." Jared made an excuse.

"Well, did I?" They all started to get busy opening their phones to check the email Jared had mentioned.

Before the employees could protest again, Jared quickly pulled Carolin away. He wasn't sure if he could come up with another excuse if they came back asking questions about Jared's false announcement.

"Sir, you're gripping my arm too hard." Caroline tried to release the grip Jared was giving her.

"Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to." Jared immediately let go.

"It's okay. But why do you seem to be avoiding them?" Caroline stared questioningly.

Jared sighed deeply. He stopped walking, then looked deeply at Caroline. "There are other unwritten rules that you must abide by. No questions if you're not asked. You also have to obey if I say something." Jared said it with emphasis.

"All right. I understand, sir." Carolin nodded.

"You don't have to call me that. Just call me by name when it's just the two of us." Jared felt uncomfortable. Caroline's call from Sir seemed to be a wall between them. As if there were a barrier between them.

"No way; I have to respect you. You are the uncle of my ex-fiancée." Caroline suppressed her voice at the end of the sentence. Her facial expression changed instantly. It seemed like she still couldn't forget what happened last night.

How could Caroline forget that quickly? She had been in a relationship with Jake for three years, then decided to get married. However, when their promised engagement date came, her position was replaced by another woman just because she was now poor. Not only did she start from ground zero, but she also started from the minus line in the form of a mountain of debt incurred by her parents. She even had to house her parents in the small apartment she rented because their house had been seized by the bank.

"Are you okay?" Jared asked reassuringly after seeing Caroline's facial expression, which was filled with sadness, anger, and resentment.

"I'm fine." Caroline tried to reassure me. They continued to walk towards the office cafeteria on the ground floor.

The office cafeteria looked very crowded this time. More crowded than usual. Because rumors were circulating among the employees that breakfast and lunch had been covered by the company, Usually they choose to eat out, looking for nearby eateries because they are bored with office food. However, not this time. They prefer to eat at the office cafeteria, thinking that it's free.

"Sir, your table is here!" Donny directed Jared and Caroline to the table being guarded by Thalius.

"I'll get the food first. Would you like me to get it for you?" Caroline looked at Jared with a smile.

"Yes, please." Jared replied briefly.

Caroline quickly stepped into the queue at the front. While Jared sat waiting in a chair.

"I didn't expect the employees to like the food in the office canteen." Jared commented on Thalius. Because he thought the cafeteria would be quiet this afternoon. So, he could enjoy lunch with Caroline.

"It's not usually this crowded. I heard a rumor that lunch will be free starting today." Thalius informed. "I don't know which fool spread such a rumor. The company has nothing to lose by giving free meals to its employees. They've been given generous salaries, health insurance, children's education insurance, and even insurance for old age. It would be foolish of them to ask for more."

"I spread that rumor." Jared said with an annoyed look on his face.

Thalius immediately paled when he heard Jared's answer. "Well, that's a good plan, sir. I misspoke; it's a very good plan. Brilliant, brilliant idea; you're really good at it." The man showered him with compliments.

"You don't have to overdo it." Jared said as he reached into his pocket. "Here's my credit card; you take care of everything to make Caroline believe that lunch is free here. Don't let her know that I paid for her meal. Tell the cafeteria manager that I will pay for Caroline's meals for the next month. I'll pay her back next month."

"Yes, sir." Thalius accepted the card.

"Donny, you take care of the rest. All employees must pay for their own meals without Caroline knowing." Jared gave the order.

"Yes, sir." The man answered swiftly, then hurried off to carry out the order.