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
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?
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
Scott looked down at her, eyes gleaming with a smile. He did look like a man who had gotten what he wanted—but more than that, he looked fulfilled, as if life itself had reached a perfect state.“Are you hungry?” he asked.Julissa had just had some intense ‘exercise’ and didn’t have much appetite. She shook her head.“Tired?” he asked again.“A little.”Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright like a mischievous fairy who’d just stolen a magical elixir—Scott couldn’t take his eyes off her. The desire in his gaze deepened.He flipped over, hovering above his little fairy. “Then… how about one more round?”…They started on the couch and ended in the bedroom.After this round, Julissa was completely wiped out, lying boneless on the bed. She no longer looked like a fairy who stole elixirs—more like someone who’d had her spirit energy drained.“Really tired?” asked a certain CEO with exaggerated concern.Julissa gave him a weak, death-glare.The man scratched his head and chuckled sheepis
Seeing the bright, playful light in her eyes, Scott instantly understood her answer. A slow smile spread across his face, and he didn't bother to banter anymore. With a swift, fluid motion, he lifted her into his arms, cradling her close to his body. The warmth of his touch sent shivers down her spine, and she felt a mix of excitement and nervousness wash over her.He kissed her deeply. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the intensity of their connection. The bedroom suddenly felt too far away, so they stopped in the living room, where the sofa beckoned with its wide, soft cushions.As Scott gently laid her down on the sofa, Julissa felt a surge of panic. That one time in the past—her memory was too fuzzy. She could barely recall anything. This felt much more like her first time.And when Scott took off his shirt, revealing his healthy tan skin and well-defined muscles, Julissa realized—it was really happening. She was unbelievably nervous. Her mind raced with a t
Julissa's heart raced as she met Scott's gaze. She knew exactly what he was asking, and the weight of his question pressed down on her. In the past, she would have replied without hesitation: Of course not! But now, the balance in her heart had already tipped. She knew how much she liked Scott. She also knew she longed for a deeper, more intimate connection with him. The thought of being closer to him, of sharing that level of intimacy, was both thrilling and terrifying.However, there was a promise she couldn't ignore. She had made a blood oath to her mom! She’d sworn that if she ever slept with Scott before marriage, she would lose her sense of taste and never enjoy food again. The memory of that promise was a heavy burden, and the fear of losing something so fundamental to her daily life was daunting. If that really came true, what joy would be left in the rest of her life?Scott looked at her, a bit anxious. His eyes searched hers, seeking an answer. “Why that expression? Are you
Julissa was on the verge of tears. She wanted to get up but, considering the state she was in, she felt too embarrassed. She forced out two words: “I’m fine.”Scott held her by the shoulders, helped her up from the ground, and pulled her into his arms.Because she was wearing so little, she shivered from the cold. Scott held her even tighter.Julissa buried her flushed face into his chest, feeling the chill of his body but also catching the fresh, masculine scent from his embrace.“Why did you suddenly show up…” she asked quietly.Scott gently ran his hand down her smooth back. “I’ve been following you the whole way. You didn’t notice?”Julissa looked up at him. “If you were following me, didn’t you see how heavy that jar I was carrying was? Why didn’t you help me?”Her little complaint sounded more like she was being coquettish.Scott replied, “It was something your mom gave you. Of course, you had to carry it yourself.”Julissa shot him a look, smiling.So petty—still jealous?“I di
Scott agreed so easily that Julissa couldn’t help but feel a wave of disappointment.But there was nothing she could say, so she sulkily repeated,“Then go ahead and move back home.”For the rest of the workday, Julissa remained in a listless, melancholic state.When it was finally time to leave, she clocked out as usual and headed to the elevator with Mr. Nichols.She pressed the button for the first floor.Scott, meanwhile, pressed B2—the underground parking level.Julissa really wanted to cancel her floor selection and go with him, but she held herself back.When the elevator reached the first floor, she turned to look at Scott.“Then… I’ll get going first…”The CEO smiled and said,“See you tomorrow, Miss Hickman.”She gave him another glance, puffed out her cheeks, then walked out of the elevator with her head down.Since her apartment was close to the office, she could just walk home.Clutching a jar of salted eggs in her arms, Julissa trudged down the sidewalk. The jar felt rid
Julissa suddenly heard her name mentioned and instantly sat up straight.Please, please, let Mr. Nichols not say I was eavesdropping… That would be so embarrassing…Thankfully, Scott wasn’t that blunt.“Julissa’s busy downstairs,” he replied.“Did you need something from her?”“Not really,” Yvette said. “I came to see her a while ago and said some inappropriate things. I feel really sorry about it. I was hoping to apologize in person, but since she’s busy, could you please pass along my apology?”“Sure, I’ll let her know.”Hearing this, Julissa finally felt a sense of relief.She understood Senior Yvette better now. And she understood Scott even more.All her worries had been unnecessary—Scott had clearly known exactly what he was doing all along.As for Senior Yvette’s feelings toward him, they were just a projection of her longing for happiness after a failed marriage—nothing more.Thankfully, she had figured it out in the end.Julissa stopped listening to the rest of the conversati
“It’s alright, I’m not busy right now,” Scott said.“Come sit over here.”Julissa kept her ears trained on the sounds outside.She could tell that Senior Yvette and Scott had moved over to the sofa area and sat down.Then she heard Senior Yvette speak first:“This is the key to your family house. Julian gave it to me before. He’s not in Elfhedge right now, so I’ll return it to you.”“You’ve decided to go back to Tokyo?”“Yeah. My parents have forgiven me, but after all these years apart, living together again feels… awkward—for all of us. I can already imagine, pretty soon they’ll start trying to set me up with someone again. But I just want some peace and quiet for now, so I’ve decided to go back to Tokyo. I’m used to life there anyway.”Scott paused for a couple of seconds.“As long as you’re sure.”Yvette continued:“Oh, and… you helped me hire a lawyer, paid for my treatments—it was a lot. I went through all the expenses and put the total in this card. The PIN is the last six digi
After hanging up the phone, Scott turned to Julissa and said,“Don’t leave yet. Yvette is here. Go wait in the lounge for a bit.”Julissa paused for a moment.Letting her stay in the lounge… wasn't that basically asking her to listen in on their conversation?“If I’m in there, I’ll hear everything you say. Is that okay?”Scott walked up to her and gave her cheek a gentle pinch.“It’s because I don’t want you overthinking things that I’m letting you stay and listen.”Julissa rubbed her cheek, muttering lightly,“Well, you’re the one letting me hear it—don’t blame me for eavesdropping later.”“Mm, I’m letting you,” Scott nodded with a soft smile, looking at her like she was a little kid.Julissa didn’t care about that look.Honestly, she did feel a bit uneasy about how close Senior Yvette and Scott seemed. So if she could listen to their conversation, why not?With light steps, she walked into the lounge and gently closed the door behind her, leaving it slightly ajar.Ever since Yvette
Scott chuckled helplessly. “The perfumer remembers the formula. If you like it, I’ll have her make a few more bottles for you to keep. You can have as much as you want in the future.”Only then did Julissa relax.She had thought it was a one-of-a-kind custom blend, something Scott had specially commissioned—a limited edition, gone once used up.“You should’ve said that earlier, Mr. Nichols. I was worried I’d run out.”Scott smiled faintly, reaching up to pinch her soft earlobe. His voice dropped low: “And the clothes—did you wear them?”Julissa’s cheeks flushed. She gave a sly grin: “Not telling you.”Scott’s lips curled slightly. This little woman had gotten bolder and bolder. Did she really not realize how dangerous she always was around him?“Then I’ll see for myself.” As he spoke, his arm tightened slightly.Julissa found herself pressed against him, and what really made her heart race was that his hand had already landed on the second button of her blouse.His fingers toyed