Throughout the afternoon, Emily's mood was somber, reflecting on the challenges of being a professional woman. She found dividing her attention between work and appeasing her boyfriend annoying. Sometimes, she thought, being just a casual fling was simpler than being a girlfriend.
"What's wrong? You seem upset," the stunning woman inquired, leaning close to Emily.
Frustrated, Emily retorted, "Why do you keep watching me?"
The woman smiled slyly, "I've been around the entire three dining area floors. Many beautiful women are in the company, but you're the only one who could be my rival. But since you have a boyfriend, I'm relieved."
Emily, puzzled, looked at her questioningly.
The woman leaned in and whispered, "I didn't join Bucapital for the job. I came here to find a man."
Emily didn't need her to specify; it was obvious she meant Murray. Life was hard enou
Cornelius' calm voice on the phone, "That prodigal son of the Harrison family is here too, and he's currently plying Stacey with drinks.""I got it," Murray replied curtly before hanging up.Emily, having overheard the conversation, suggested, "Maybe you should go check on them. Don't want anything untoward happening."Murray gently grazed her delicate face with his stubbled chin. "You really want me to go?""You've all known each other for years. Even as friends, you should see if everything's alright."With a soft chuckle, Murray kissed her on the lips and stood up. "I'll go take a look."Emily hummed in response, watching him leave and hearing the door close. Resting her head on the table, she continued scribbling notes. Moments later, in a fit of frustration, she slammed her pen down. "Damn it, he just runs off at the first call, faster than a rabbit."
"Mr. Gibson, may I have the pleasure of your company for a drink?"Humphrey selected a bottle of 1990 Château Lamy's Grand Cru from the liquor cabinet. The waiter approached, taking the bottle to prepare it for decanting.Murray offered a faint smile and glanced at his wristwatch. "I'm afraid I'm otherwise engaged today.""Oh, come off it. Humphrey has even shared drinks with the president. How can he not be good enough for you?" Francis chimed in.Though Francis came from a wealthy family, he was tightly controlled by them and wasn't extravagantly rich. Since Humphrey's return, he had become Francis's cash machine, supplying him with an endless stream of beauties for amusement. He couldn't bear to see Humphrey unhappy, pretending not to notice.Murray shot him a cold glance and said nothing, stepping forward to pull Stacey away. "Let's go home."Stacey
Murray relaxed his hand from around her waist, lying back with a look of perplexity softening his sharp features as the warm, orange light bathed his face."You don't want to be my girlfriend, preferring to remain secret lovers?" His thin lips parted, his Adam's apple bobbing with each word spoken.Emily, eyes downcast, moved closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist with a mix of vulnerability and timidity. "Being in a relationship is so hard."Murray captured her hand, bringing it to his lips, gently kissing each of her delicate fingers, listening as she continued."If we were like before, I wouldn't mind what you do or who you see because I knew my place. But now, I overthink everything.""Just now, when you went after Stacey, I felt hurt. Seeing you ready to fight over her, my heart felt like it was being deep-fried, fragile, and breaking at the slightest touch."
After work, Emily stepped out of the skyscraper, not wanting to return to the villa. She walked slowly along the sidewalk, the city lights just beginning to twinkle. The streets bustled with traffic, and the colorful lights on the overpass lit up like a rainbow arching over the city.The CBD, every inch of it worth its weight in gold, seemed like two different worlds by day and night. The aroma of various street foods wafted from the carts lining the road, stirring up a voracious appetite in passersby."The hustle and bustle of life, it truly soothes the soul," Emily thought, looking up and taking a deep breath. Then, she pulled out her phone and ordered a takeaway for two, hoping to share it with Donna.However, Donna was out at a dinner party.It seemed every time Emily called Donna. Lately, she has been at some social events. Emily couldn't help but wonder what kind of entertainment company Donna
Emily donned a sleek, all-black ensemble, complete with a baseball cap, and just before stepping out, she clipped a pen to her waist.In the car, her thoughts were in turmoil. She hardly knew Humphrey, but it was clear that he was not someone to be trifled with.Yet, Elton had insisted on keeping the Cromwells in the dark. Contacting the police would blow their cover, so she pondered texting Murray for help but ultimately decided against it, not wanting to drag him into this messy affair.Parking on the Road, she didn't head straight for the back streets. A glance around revealed two traffic officers at the street corner, offering a slight reassurance.She then fished a tiny pepper spray from her pocket, holding it tightly in her palm, before venturing into the dark alley. Fortunately, it was short, and she emerged quickly.Outside, she spotted a tall, lean young man leaning agai
As he spoke, Humphrey paused briefly, his gaze unabashedly sweeping over Emily."Out of the two, one must stay with me today. As for who stays, you decide."He leaned back into the sofa, seemingly amused by his own game. Resting his chin on the back of his hand, he chuckled lightly.Emily looked at Elton, seeing him clench his teeth, his eyes bloodshot with anger.Clinging to Humphrey's leg, Odelia complained, "I'm your girlfriend; how can you say such things in front of me?""Girlfriend?" Humphrey laughed so hard his shoulders shook. He wrapped an arm around her, his voice soft but his eyes chillingly cold, "I have many pets, but certainly no girlfriend."Odelia turned pale, incredulous, "You see me as your pet?"Humphrey laughed again, "You're not even a pet, to be precise, a toy.""No, that's not true. You've
As Elton left with Odelia, he avoided Emily's gaze. However, Emily stopped him with a smile, "You should go to the hospital first."Elton looked up, meeting her smiling face. She spoke with concern, but her eyes lacked their usual sparkling brightness. Suddenly, his steps felt unbearably heavy, as if they were laden with lead."Are you coming or not?" Odelia impatiently tugged at his sleeve.Regaining his composure, Elton sighed, hunched over, and slowly shuffled out."If you want to cry, just let it out," Humphrey, lounging on the sofa, his arm supporting his head, said to Emily with an amused smile.Emily sensed a change in the atmosphere after the two left. Humphrey's demeanor shifted from malicious mockery to a gentle familiarity, unintentionally lowering her guard.Standing for so long, her legs had become numb. Emily moved to sit on the sofa opposite Humphrey, her tone calm, "Why should I cry?"Humphrey, lips curled in a meaning
Caught under the intense gaze of such a handsome man, Donna couldn't bring herself to look up, her face flushing like pomegranate seeds.Emily, noticing Humphrey's look, immediately understood his intentions. She swiftly pulled Donna behind her, speaking firmly, "I'm warning you, don't even think about it."With a puzzled expression, Donna thought to herself, 'The boss is interested in me? Is this really happening?'She discreetly poked Emily's waist, internally pleading, 'Please don't stop the boss from showing interest in me.'Emily, misunderstanding Donna's gesture as fear of offending Humphrey, reassuringly patted her shoulder, "Don't worry, I'm here. He won't dare do anything to you."Humphrey raised an eyebrow and leaned forward to get a better look at Donna. As someone experienced in reading women, he was well aware of what they desired and confident in his allure.Humphrey snapped his fingers at Donna, tilting his chin suggestively,