Julissa hung up the phone and gestured for Serena to follow her.
As they walked toward the CEO’s office, Julissa felt a little uneasy.
The day before, at the engagement party, she had splashed a glass of wine all over Serena.
Although Serena had provoked her first and had even picked up a glass to throw at her, Julissa had acted first by grabbing the glass and returning the favor.
No matter the circumstances, she was the one who struck first.
And the one who strikes first is usually in the wrong.
Was Serena here today to settle yesterday’s score with Scott?
Julissa glanced sideways at Serena, only to see a smirk playing on her lips, her expression full of confidence—like a victor certain of her win.
Julissa was almost certain that Serena had come for her, not Scott.
She wasn’t afraid of her.
She just didn’t want to cause unnecessary trouble for Scott.
Lost in thought, she reali
After the board meeting, that veteran shareholder had even approached Scott to explain himself, hoping Scott wouldn’t misunderstand—he insisted that he remained loyal to the company.Meanwhile, Julissa, that clueless girl, had no idea that her straightforwardness had actually helped him.She had even apologized to him after the meeting, saying that she had spoken impulsively out of frustration on his behalf and promised that she would never speak out of turn again.If not for another assistant being present at the time, Scott would have really wanted to pull her into his arms…Back in the office, Scott cleared his throat, resting a fist against his lips, and said, “Then I’ll trouble Miss Hickman to make two cups of coffee. You can use the equipment in the break room.”“Understood, Mr. Nichols.”Julissa turned and walked off with an air of defiant pride, making Scott chuckle.He could cl
Just then, the electric kettle beeped three times—the water was boiling. It was time to make the coffee.Not being able to hear the rest of the conversation left a knot in Julissa’s heart.She wanted to keep eavesdropping, but their voices had gotten too quiet. All she could tell was that they were still chatting.Hah, they sure have a lot to talk about.To be fair, Serena was quite attractive—but she was also unbearably arrogant. Julissa had thought Scott wasn’t the type to be blinded by looks, that he could see beyond a pretty face. Turns out he’s just as shallow as the rest.Thinking this, she almost forgot about the coffee in her hands.According to Scott’s instructions, a pour-over coffee required two rounds of water after the blooming phase. But she had waited too long between the first and second pour. Would that affect the taste?Well, aside from that small hiccup, she had followed all his s
Julissa anxiously glanced at Scott, only to see him take a sip of his coffee, blow on it, and say, “What she said is actually correct. Brewing two cups of pour-over coffee at once requires some attention. If you don’t have experience, it’s easy to fail the first time.”Hearing him explain on her behalf, Julissa breathed a sigh of relief.At least, in front of others, Scott didn’t plan to reprimand her.She was about to slip away when she saw Scott take another sip of his coffee, his brow furrowing even tighter.Nervously, she asked, “Mr. Nichols, is it not good?”“Why don’t you try it yourself?”Scott pushed the cup toward her.Julissa quickly picked up the cup and took a sip, grimacing.It was so sour and awful—the coffee’s aroma hadn’t come out at all, and only the sourness stood out. Overall, it was weak and overly acidic.She felt so embarr
"Fine, if you're not interested in the project, then let's drop it. But your assistant publicly poured wine all over me—I need an explanation for that."Serena was not someone who could tolerate even a speck of injustice. She refused to accept any kind of humiliation.Originally, she had intended to use the contract matter as leverage to get Scott to fire Julissa.Since that plan failed, she couldn’t just leave empty-handed.She had to get an answer."Wait a moment."Scott picked up the landline phone and dialed the assistant’s office."Julissa, come to my office," he said coldly. He didn’t even wait for her response before hanging up.On the other end, Julissa listened to the beeping sound from the phone and suddenly felt uneasy.This is bad...Nervously, Julissa entered the office.Before she could say anything, Scott immediately asked, "I heard you poured a glass of champagne on S
After Serena left, Scott turned to Julissa and said, "You’re my assistant. Your job is to help me solve problems, not create them. Can’t you make my life a little easier?"Julissa huffed, "You don’t even know right from wrong. If you think I’m a bad assistant, then I think you’re a terrible boss with bad judgment! Just fire me!"She was so worked up that she didn’t notice the way Scott’s once-calm and controlled gaze darkened.As she turned to leave, Scott grabbed her wrist, pulled her back in front of him, and trapped her between his body and the desk."What are you doing?!"Ignoring her protests, he seized both of her hands and pinned them behind her back. His other hand pressed against the back of her head.Then, he kissed her.His lips were firm and forceful, nearly bruising hers.For a brief moment, Julissa was too stunned to react. But as soon as she snapped back to her senses, she started struggling fiercely.She lifted her foot and stomped hard on Scott’s instep.He frowned sl
"If I wasn’t wrong, then why did you apologize?" Julissa’s voice was much quieter now, her confidence faltering. She stood there, her eyes flickering with a mix of confusion and hurt.Scott sighed, exasperated. "I didn’t want you to keep getting harassed," he began, his voice heavy with a weariness that went beyond the moment. "With Serena’s personality, she’ll definitely try to retaliate against you. I won’t always be around to protect you."Julissa stared at him blankly, her mind racing to catch up with the implications of his words. So that’s why he had intervened, why he had apologized on her behalf. It wasn’t about admitting fault; it was about shielding her from further harm."Sorry, Mr. Nichols. I really didn’t expect you to—" she started, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the right words. She felt a pang of guilt for misunderstanding his intentions. Her heart ached with the thought that she might have hurt him, even if unintentionally."Julissa, do you think I co
Julissa tapped her forehead lightly, forcing herself to stop overthinking. Maybe Scott truly cared about her, but she wasn’t ready to accept anyone’s feelings so easily. Her failed relationship with Dr. Carter had been a painful lesson.Dr. Carter had been sincere, even proposing to her. In an attempt to move on from a past heartbreak, she had impulsively accepted his proposal. Eventually, she had the courage to break up with him, but not before causing him a great deal of pain. She had been reckless, irresponsible—she had played with someone else’s feelings.So until she truly figured out what she wanted, she wasn’t fit to be in a relationship. And she had a strong feeling that if she accepted Scott and later changed her mind, he wouldn’t let her off so easily. This man was cold, calculating, and ruthless when necessary. Running a massive corporation at such a young age was proof of his capability. If he ever wanted to retaliate against her, it would be as easy as flipping his hand.
Scott sat in his chair, proud and unmoved, alone against the room.Then, his gaze swept across the room like a blade. His commanding presence silenced everyone.With an air of finality, he declared, "There is no need to discuss Julissa any further. This topic ends here."Scott left the meeting room and cast a glance at Julissa but said nothing.The other shareholders also exited one after another.Most of them looked indifferent, but the elderly shareholder who had been arguing fiercely—Mr. Bishop—furrowed his brows tightly and let out a cold snort when he passed by her.Once everyone was gone, Julissa approached Scott.He sat behind his desk, flipping through documents, looking completely unbothered by the tense discussion that had just taken place.After a while, he looked up at her. “Do you need something?”She first reported the emails she had organized and his schedule for the day.Scott gave a few instructions, then returned to his paperwork.She knew it was time to leave.But a
Scott nodded after hearing what she said.Julissa waited for him to follow up, but he didn’t say anything more.She had no choice but to guide the conversation herself.“You don’t know who she is?”“There are so many people who like me. How could I possibly guess?”Julissa wiped an imaginary bead of sweat from her forehead—whatever, she couldn’t be bothered to argue with the narcissistic CEO. After all, if anyone had the right to be cocky, it was him.“She said her name was Mandheling.”Scott froze for a second, then looked at her.“Isn’t that a type of coffee bean?”“Ah, right…”Julissa scratched her head, thinking for a moment.“It was Heather! Yes, that’s the name!”She hadn’t really bothered to remember, because the way that woman had looked down her nose at her had left a bad taste in her mouth.And people who rubbed Julissa the wrong way—well, she didn’t waste the brain space on them.Scott nodded slightly after hearing the name.Julissa raised an eyebrow—so he did know this “Ma
“God of Food?” Scott chuckled. “That actually suits you.”“It’s not that kind of god…” Julissa waved her hand. “It’s a term from the Chinese zodiac and five elements thing—never mind, I can’t explain it well. Just go with the vibe.”Scott clearly wasn’t interested in diving into astrology. He simply gazed at her up close.“So, you’re not marrying into their family anymore, and you’re still eating their eggs. Is that appropriate?”Julissa suddenly recalled her mom’s earlier warning—sure enough, moms do know best. Her mom had predicted that Scott would be feeling a little off about it.So Julissa explained seriously:“My mom already returned the favor. She gave Mrs. Zamora some wild veggies and seafood, so the eggs are totally fair game. Besides, Mrs. Zamora is like a real aunt to me—she’s watched me grow up. Even if I’m not going to be her daughter-in-law, that relationship won’t change.”After that, she tugged on Scott’s sleeve pitifully.“Don’t overthink it, okay?”Scott stared at he
Scott seemed perfectly normal—but underneath that calm surface, something was clearly off.Like how he deliberately looked away after their brief eye contact. Or how he wore a faint smile, but there wasn’t even a hint of warmth in his eyes.It was obvious he didn’t want to talk about it right now, so Julissa swallowed her unease and headed to the dining room.Soon after, Scott returned as well, freshly washed up. They had breakfast together, then changed into work attire and got ready to leave for the office.Just as they were about to head out, Mrs. Hickman called Julissa back.From the look on her face, she clearly wanted to speak to her alone. So Julissa told Scott to go down first and start the car—she’d be right behind him.Once he was gone, her mom asked, “Does Scott know about you and Liam?”“He knows… a bit.”Back when she and Liam had just broken up, she met Mr. Nichols. He had even comforted her during that time.Although thinking back now, it was likely that Scott alread
Julissa spit out the toothpaste foam and immediately walked out of the bathroom.Liam was standing at the entranceway and turned to look at her. Surprise and joy flickered in his eyes.“Julissa, you’re home.”“Mm, just for the night,” she mumbled, her words unclear due to the toothpaste in her mouth. Her gaze quickly shifted toward Scott’s bedroom door.Scott appeared soon after, dressed casually.When Liam saw him, his eyes were filled with shock—and a flicker of pain. The smile that was just starting to form vanished instantly.Scott’s expression was neutral. He gave Liam a small nod, then turned to greet Mrs. Hickman politely:“Good morning, Auntie.”Mrs. Hickman smiled and nodded back, “I’ve made breakfast. You and Julissa can eat before you go.”“Okay,” Scott said, then turned to Julissa.“Done with the bathroom?”Julissa blinked in confusion and shook her head. “Almost.”“I’ll dish out breakfast then,” he said.As he passed by the entrance, he casually asked Liam,“Have you eate
Julissa quickly pressed a hand against Scott’s chest—trying it on in front of him? That’d be like wrapping herself up with a bow and offering herself straight into the lion’s den!“You go back to your room right now. I’ll let you know after I try it on,” she said firmly.“What if I just turn around and face the other way?” Mr. Nichols offered half-heartedly.Julissa glared playfully. “As if I’d believe you wouldn’t sneak a peek. Go! If my parents find out, we’re both dead.”Only then did Scott reluctantly get off the bed and allow himself to be pushed out the door.After he left, Julissa closed the door and quietly changed into the lingerie he’d gifted her.It fit… perfectly.Seriously?Scott’s judgment is this accurate?Her cheeks grew warm again.No matter what, she really loved these gifts. And thank goodness she hadn’t discovered the surprise earlier in front of her parents. That would've been so awkward.But then again… if she had found it earlier, Scott probably would’ve come up
Julissa didn’t ask too much and decided to check what else was hidden in the box first.Underneath the perfume box, there was a small paper pouch. She squeezed it—it was soft, like fabric.A scarf? Julissa thought, but quickly dismissed the idea.Scarves are one-size-fits-all, and Scott had said he wasn’t sure about the size—so it couldn’t be something like a scarf or handkerchief.Clothing, then?But what kind of clothing fits into such a tiny pouch?Julissa already had a vague suspicion. She glanced at Scott and saw, under the soft glow of the nightlight, his face was cast in a layer of shadow… filled with teasing ambiguity.His eyes, too, were unmistakably laced with desire.Her heart started beating faster, her cheeks warming. She bit her lip and opened the pouch, pulling out the contents.It was a black lace lingerie set.Her face instantly flushed red-hot.“Scott, you—how could you…”How could he give her something so intimate?But deep down… Julissa liked it.Compared to food o
Julissa thought about it—after all, he had bought the dessert for her—so, although reluctant, the stingy little Julissa grudgingly handed another piece to Scott.But as she picked it up, she noticed something odd.There was something else hidden under the oil paper lining the box.The bottom of the box clearly wasn’t flat. It looked like there was a small box and some soft items tucked underneath.Julissa looked at Scott in surprise—only to see him watching her with a smile.She immediately realized it—there was something fishy about this dessert box he gave her.Carefully, she lifted the remaining pastries, wrapped them in a clean napkin, and set them aside on the nightstand. Then, she removed the layer of stiff greaseproof paper beneath them.Sure enough, underneath was a small, palm-sized box tied with a ribbon—obviously the real gift Mr. Nichols had prepared for her.Julissa instantly took out the box and excitedly untied the bow, gently opening the lid.Inside was a bottle of per
Scott turned around, his eyes dark and intense, and asked in a low voice,“Are you sure?”There was a teasing, ambiguous note hidden in his tone.Julissa blinked and tried to cover up her true thoughts with a clumsy excuse:“It’s just… I haven’t seen you in a few days. I wanted to talk to you…”“You’re not worried your parents might find out?”“It’s fine… the door’s shut. They won’t hear anything…” she mumbled.Scott then pulled her directly into his arms, lifted her chin, and asked with a smirk,“So, what is it Julissa wants to talk about?”At that moment, even if she did have something important to say, Julissa had completely forgotten it.“Uh…”Before she could finish, Scott already leaned in and kissed her.At first, she was tense, worried that they’d wake up her parents—but soon enough, all those thoughts faded away.By the time the kiss ended, she realized they were now both lying on her tiny bed.Julissa stared at the man in front of her.In the dim light, his eyes seemed even
“I was not thinking anything like that!”Julissa hurriedly denied it, then reached up to touch her face.Whoa—hot as a little furnace.She grew even more flustered and muttered, “Anyway, you go ahead and shower. If there’s a problem…”But then she thought, even if something did go wrong while he was in there, it’s not like he could call her in for help. So she added quickly,“If there’s a problem… you’ll just have to deal with it yourself. I’m leaving now.”And with that, Julissa practically fled the bathroom.Scott couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of her flushed face.She always acted so bold and easygoing, sometimes even daring to tease him first—but now, she was completely shy and flustered.At the end of the day, she was still a kid at heart.Meanwhile, Julissa had returned to her bedroom.Lying on her bed, she couldn’t help but wonder—this wasn’t the first time they’d stayed under the same roof, so why was she acting so shy just because he was visiting her home?Though “shy”