That night, Annabelle received her first practice capital. The amount was roughly the same as what she had saved up before marrying Kendrick.After both of them had showered, although Annabelle was tired, she was full of enthusiasm. She didn’t want to go to sleep; instead, she eagerly wanted to hear how the evil capitalist made money from money.Seeing her so enthusiastic, Kendrick suggested, "Let's go to your study in the suite. I'll explain the basics to you."Annabelle quickly blocked the door to her suite. "Let's go to your room!"Kendrick raised an eyebrow. "Your room is off-limits?""It’s a little messy, I haven’t cleaned it yet. Let’s go to your room."As she spoke, Annabelle grabbed his hand and led him toward his suite.Kendrick was puzzled. When had her room ever been messy? She seemed like she was hiding something—was it related to the gift she was planning to give him?She didn’t say anything, and Kendrick didn’t press her on it. If she didn’t want him to see it, he would
The next morning, at the Nichols Group.Scott had intended to ask Julissa about the previous day’s shopping trip with Annabelle as soon as he saw her at work. However, when he passed Linda’s desk, he was informed that Julissa had gone to the dance school in the morning to finalize her resignation and wouldn’t be back until the afternoon."When she arrives, send her straight to my office.""Understood, Mr. Nichols."Linda watched as Scott walked toward the president’s office, silently thinking to herself. It only took a short while for Mr. Nichols to miss Miss Hickman so much after not seeing her. It seemed like the Nichols Group was soon going to have a new First Lady!In the afternoon, when Julissa arrived at the office, Linda immediately urged her to head to the president’s office. "Mr. Nichols has been looking for you all morning. Go see him quickly."Julissa was a bit puzzled. What could be so urgent that Mr. Nichols wanted to see her?She knocked on the office door. Inside, Scott
Scott’s brow twitched. Did this woman never check her appearance in the mirror before leaving the house?Annoyance stirred in his chest, and he quickly diverted his gaze, no longer looking at her.As Julissa continued to write, she began wondering whether Scott intended to buy Annabelle a gift. Could it be...?When she finished, she looked at Scott with a frown, then handed him the paper.He took it without looking at her, his mind clearly elsewhere. He glanced at the paper for a moment before simply saying, "That's all, you can go now."Julissa noticed how intently he had been watching her write and draw. It seemed that Scott was truly invested in Annabelle’s well-being. Reflecting on how he treated Annabelle during their previous encounters, it was clear that he cared for her deeply, and with a great deal of attention to detail.But was that really appropriate? After all, didn’t he and Kendrick share a close brotherly bond?Julissa quietly walked to the door but then firmly turned b
Linda couldn’t help but think to herself. Scott had an executive meeting soon, which would likely last until 8 PM. So, Julissa’s date couldn’t possibly be with him. Could it be that she already had a boyfriend?Linda decided to clarify. “Is Miss Julissa going out with her boyfriend?”The word “boyfriend” made Julissa momentarily pause. That’s right, Zane was her boyfriend now.“Uh… we just met through a blind date and are still getting to know each other.”“Oh~ So, it’s not quite official yet, then.”Julissa recalled that she had already promised Dr. Carter that they would pick out furniture for their new home together. She should probably admit to others that he was her boyfriend. After all, not admitting it seemed like the kind of thing a heartless person would do.So she added, “No, I think we will get married.”She nodded to herself, as if emphasizing this fact not to Linda, but more for her own reassurance.Linda was stunned. So, Scott had absolutely no chance?Julissa finished h
"Finished with your call?" Scott asked.Julissa stood at attention. "Yes, Mr. Nichols.""Come in, the meeting is starting.""Oh, okay..."Julissa quickly followed Scott into the meeting room and realized that all the senior management were already present, sitting up straight in their seats.For a moment, she felt out of place, thinking, Why does it feel like I, this little assistant, am somehow an indispensable part of this meeting?In fact, throughout the meeting, she just sat in the observation area, listening to terms she had never heard before, walking around in her own thoughts.This was a high-level meeting, discussing important company decisions.She wondered, was this considered eavesdropping on confidential business matters? Then, she turned her attention to Scott speaking. Wow, this was how he was when working—so serious...He was also very strict with his subordinates. One of the executives had used an ambiguous term, and that was not acceptable.Scott demanded logic, brev
Julissa smiled and nodded at him. "Mr. Nichols, you're leaving too?"As superiors and subordinates, the dynamic was still a bit awkward, but Julissa was trying hard to adjust.Scott gave her a nod in return, carrying himself like a true leader. "How are you getting home?""I’ll take a taxi," Julissa smiled and replied.Scott glanced at her, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes."I’m heading in the same direction. Let me give you a ride.""Ah? No, no, it's really fine. A taxi is very convenient for me."As she spoke, her eyes were fixed on the elevator display, watching the numbers descend. She really didn’t want the big CEO to take her home.Besides, there was something about his presence in the confined space of the elevator that made her feel a strange, suffocating tension.She couldn't help but take a deep breath, and suddenly, she caught the faint scent of aftershave from Mr. Nichols.It smelled so nice... so familiar...Where had she smelled it before?Wasn’t it that time i
Inside her handbag were items like lip balm, tissues, and a small mirror—things tossed in without much thought. Looking at the disorganized contents, Scott couldn’t help but sigh. Was she really up for this assistant job?The job required order, attention to detail, and precision, yet she seemed to be the opposite—carefree, messy, and not concerned with the little things. He felt a twinge of concern about the challenges he might face while working with her in the future.But then again, it might be okay. She seemed so eager for money—maybe using salary deductions as a threat could correct many of her small habits.I wonder what her family situation is like?The thought darkened Scott’s expression.She’d only just met that doctor, and now she was already inviting him home? Would they be eating and drinking together—what if they got drunk and ended up... with that man?He glanced again at her handbag, which contained a small notepad and a pen clipped to the cover.Without a change in hi
Soon after Julissa arrived home, Zane showed up.She opened the door for him, handing him a pair of men's slippers to change into.Zane entered the living room and looked around at her somewhat messy little place. He smiled and said, "You don't seem to be someone who enjoys doing housework, do you?"Julissa scratched her head awkwardly. "My study is very tidy!""Oh? Can I take a look?" Zane teased.Julissa quickly stopped him. "Uh... can you help me out here? I need to wash a lot of vegetables."There weren't actually that many vegetables to wash, but her study was definitely not suitable for showing off. It contained not only legitimate books but also some less-than-legitimate ones. If he saw her collection of adult novels and comics, it would be too embarrassing.Zane bit his lip and gave up on the idea of exploring her study, following her into the kitchen instead.He had always been a firm believer in not getting married and had never been in a serious relationship. When his boss
Kendrick unfolded the crumpled painting draft and took a look. It was an unfinished painting that seemed to be intended to depict a sea, a very familiar scene.Annabelle sat up, hugged her knees, and looked depressed."I originally wanted to give it to you as a gift, but I messed it up."Kendrick remembered that when they were in Shadelake, he gave Annabelle a necklace and a jewelry box. At that time, Annabelle said she would give him a gift in return, but he needed to wait a while.Some time ago, she went to the calligraphy and painting market and bought some things. He didn't ask in detail. Now, looking at the picture frame piled up by the wall and the paintings in the room, Kendrick understood.Annabelle was going to paint a picture for him with her own hands. She probably didn't want him to enter this room last night because she was afraid that he would see it in advance.However, it seemed that none of the painting drafts visible in the room was intact."Is it still not finished?
Julissa felt so embarrassed she wanted to die. She cleared her throat and said, "Umm... I actually don't usually read those things. I just bought it out of curiosity. I usually read these books over here."Julissa smiled awkwardly and pointed at the row of classic novels on the shelf, covered in dust.Scott put the book back and came over to her. He took the panties from her hand and raised an eyebrow."Why did you buy such a large size? Do I look that fat to you?""Oh no, I don't have any experience. I thought... I didn't know..."Scott understood and suddenly smiled. As he left the study, he said, "Food and sex are basic human instincts. It's natural, Assistant Hickman. There's no need to hide it. I understand.""..." Julissa rubbed her forehead and said in a dry voice, "Thanks, Mr. Nichols.""You're welcome."What kind of conversation was this? Julissa was embarrassed to the point of madness.Regardless, Scott went back to his room, and Julissa, after a moment of disarray in the st
Although there was a door blocking the view, she could only see half of his chest exposed, and the other half of his body was hidden behind the door. But her door was made of frosted glass.With frosted glass, you can't see anything from a distance, but when you're close... it's very clear, and you can see everything.Julissa swallowed nervously and tried her best not to look, even retracting her peripheral vision. She asked calmly, "What's the matter, Mr. Nichols?""Could these things have been used by your ex-boyfriend?""Don't worry. He never stayed the night here."Scott nodded. "That's good. I don't like sharing these items that come into close contact with the skin with others."Julissa also nodded with a smile, thinking to herself, if he doesn't like sharing items in close contact with the skin, then why is the CEO going to sleep in my bed?"Do you have anything else, Mr. Nichols?""Not for now. If I do, I'll call you."The bathroom door closed again, and Julissa let out a sigh
She glanced at the person in the living room. The CEO was holding a teacup, sipping gracefully, and observing her living room. He frowned at times, twitched the corners of his mouth at other times, and then showed a rather amused expression.Was he making fun of her home being like a pigsty, or was he making fun of her home being like a pigsty?Julissa had seen all these expressions on her mother's face before.Every time her mother came to her place, she would help clean the house while wearing that speechless expression.After washing the dishes and drying her hands, Julissa walked out of the kitchen. Looking at the clock on the wall, she said to the person in the living room, "Mr. Nichols, it's getting late, isn't it?"Scott also looked at his watch. "Well, it's already so late.""Yeah!" So, aren't you leaving yet?Scott looked at Julissa. "By the way, Assistant Hickman, I have something I'd like to ask you for help with."The address of "Assistant Hickman" made Julissa stand up st
Julissa added the Nicholsn Ramyeon to the pot, thinking to herself, *The CEO comes to someone's home as a guest, and he's being so domineering?*As the noodles were nearly cooked, she placed the cheese on the noodles. Once the cheese hit the heat, it softened and enveloped the noodles with a rich, creamy texture. Julissa’s eyes lit up. She took a bite eagerly, and just as she was about to dive in, Scott handed her his bowl."Can you serve me?""??"Looks like the CEO is really good at delegating.Fine, I’ll serve it! Here you go, just eat quickly and leave, my dear CEO.Julissa was furious in her mind but dared not show it. All she did was mutter quietly inside, handing the bowl over to Scott while trying to smile obsequiously, "Take your time eating, it's still hot."This was the power of a 100,000 monthly salary.Scott glanced at her, raised the corner of his mouth, and picked up the noodles to try. He raised an eyebrow, surprised. He hadn’t expected something as ordinary as instant
"Zane, aren't you eating?""I just got a call from the hospital. One of my patients is in trouble, and their wound has reopened. I have to go right away."He was already at the door, and from his anxious expression, it seemed like it was serious."Be careful on the road.""Yeah, you go ahead and continue eating. I really wanted to spend more time with you tonight."Julissa quickly reassured him, saying it was fine, and they could eat together next time.Scott walked them to the door and said to Zane, "Take care, Doctor Carter."Julissa furrowed her brows and looked at the person beside her. Why did it feel like he was the one in charge of the house?And leaving her alone with Scott, what was that about? Didn’t Zane have any suspicions?Lost in thought, Zane turned to Julissa and said, "Julissa, can you help me swipe the elevator card?""Oh, sure."Julissa took the card and stepped outside.When the elevator arrived, she swiped the card for Zane, but he pressed the button to hold the d
Julissa’s apartment, a small two-bedroom, one-living-room layout, was decorated... probably intended to be cozy, but in reality, it was messy and disorganized. Scott felt like he had never entered such a chaotic home.Julissa glanced at him. His discerning eyes and furrowed brows made him look just like the dormitory manager checking for cleanliness when she was in school.She felt nervous, and now, looking at her own little space, she could see everything that was wrong with it.There were delivery boxes piled at the door, still unopened, and clothes that needed washing were scattered on the couch.Oh no, there’s even a piece of underwear!Quickly, she hurried over to pick it up and quietly put it in the laundry basket on the balcony.If she hadn’t tidied up, Scott wouldn’t have noticed. But now that she had, he certainly saw it.It seemed like he really liked black lingerie. She had worn a black one the other night, but it didn’t look like the same one.After taking off his coat and
Julissa hummed in surprise. "It might be the landlord; they said they'd bring me a potted plant a few days ago. Can you take the wine off the stove? It should be warm by now.""Sure." Zane swallowed the rest of his words and headed to the kitchen, deciding to speak later.Julissa went to open the door.When she opened it, she was surprised to see Scott standing there. He was dressed in a black wool coat, standing tall in front of her, his gaze heavy and intent.Although he hadn’t said a word yet, Julissa could already feel her heart racing. She pressed her hand against her chest, silently reminding herself that although it felt like a god had suddenly descended on her humble abode, she shouldn’t let her inner fan girl take over!"Mr. Nichols, is there something you need?" she asked.Scott pulled a pen from his coat pocket. "Your pen was left in my car."Julissa looked at the pen, tilted her head, and reached out to take it. Could it have fallen out when she got out of the car earlier?
Soon after Julissa arrived home, Zane showed up.She opened the door for him, handing him a pair of men's slippers to change into.Zane entered the living room and looked around at her somewhat messy little place. He smiled and said, "You don't seem to be someone who enjoys doing housework, do you?"Julissa scratched her head awkwardly. "My study is very tidy!""Oh? Can I take a look?" Zane teased.Julissa quickly stopped him. "Uh... can you help me out here? I need to wash a lot of vegetables."There weren't actually that many vegetables to wash, but her study was definitely not suitable for showing off. It contained not only legitimate books but also some less-than-legitimate ones. If he saw her collection of adult novels and comics, it would be too embarrassing.Zane bit his lip and gave up on the idea of exploring her study, following her into the kitchen instead.He had always been a firm believer in not getting married and had never been in a serious relationship. When his boss