Zoey only wanted to do her job well. Laurence’s change in mood seemed to have nothing to do with her either. He had always experienced mood swings. The man cleverly avoided the topic. As the saying went, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Laurence was no less competent than his father. In fact, his methods were even more meticulous and ruthless in comparison.“Please consider the City Investment project.”“Of course.”The City Investment project was clearly profitable, and many would want a piece of the pie. However, this golden opportunity was nothing to Laurence. He wasn’t as anxious as these people who wanted to make a fortune. Laurence’s calm and easygoing attitude was a big contrast to their distress. The situation now was different from two or three years ago. No one in the Scott Group could overrule Laurence’s decision. His word was law. The board of directors had almost been side-lined entirely by him. He may have a good reputation outside—he was known as someone who
Zoey initially wanted to muddle her way through. However, Laurence was extremely sharp. He wasn’t that easily fooled. She braced herself and walked forward, her ankle throbbing with pain. Laurence suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms, lifting her up. Once Zoey realized what was happening, she wanted to hide in a cave. So many eyes were on them. It seemed like an overreaction for him to carry her just because she twisted her ankle. Zoey really wanted to dig a hole and bury herself in it.People started to murmur, but Zoey managed to hear their whispers. Acting so high-profile was very unlikely of Laurence. Zoey buried her head in his chest to hide from the people around. She seriously wondered if Laurence had offended someone and was using her as a shield. To be honest, Laurence had quite a number of enemies. He had offended countless people, and there were more than enough people who wanted him dead. Zoey’s thoughts started to run wild, and she wondered if she would
Zoey wanted to muddle through the topic and answered, “It’s alright.”Sissy liked her and wanted to get closer to her. After graduating from university and marrying Ryan, she had never worked. Although she wanted to experience the working life, Ryan had always objected and said working was difficult. She had to wake up early every day—regardless of the weather or season—and put up with getting scolded even after working hard. His words started to sway her, and she became pregnant before she could make a decision. Ryan did not allow her to work, and although her husband usually seemed easygoing, he was quite stubborn. Thus, she envied Zoey’s freedom to work. Unlike her, she felt like a flower trapped inside a golden cage. Although she really loved Ryan, she still felt regretful sometimes.“Oh, didn’t you see the message I sent you that day?”“My phone broke,” Zoey said softly. “Was it something urgent?”Sissy smiled embarrassedly. “Not really. I’ve been quite free lately, and I
Laurence’s words were harsh as he coldly replied to her. However, he grabbed her wrist as soon as Zoey stood up. He was usually strong, and his fingers had a firm grip whilst her wrist was thin and frail. Zoey cried out in pain softly. Laurence thought she was faking it and ignored her. Zoey had a stubborn temper, and she did not want to get into an argument with him, so she held her tongue. In the eyes of others, they were at an impasse right now.“Miss Jenner, if I can’t carry you, at least I could give you a hand, right?” Laurence deliberately emphasized her name as if he were teasing her. Zoey could not push him away as there were others in the lounge. Sissy and Ryan might have suspicions if they got into a heated argument before them.She politely answered, “Thank you.”Sissy was quite worried about her but she did not dare to address her too intimately in front of Laurence, so she quietly asked, “Zoey, do you want to sit for a moment?”Laurence answered in her stead, “No.”
It did not feel good to be ignored. Laurence thought for a moment and advised, “She is carrying a child and is due to give birth in a few months. It’s best not to disturb her.”Zoey lowered her head without a word. Laurence did not even want her to get close to his family. She felt empty inside. His words could always easily cut her like a knife.Zoey tried to calm herself down. “Mr. Scott, I have my limits.”Laurence did not mean to hurt her, but he felt flustered when he saw her pale face. This year, her health had deteriorated, and the doctor had advised him to take good care of her. He swallowed hard—as if there were knives in his throat. “I’ll get you a glass of water.”Zoey licked her cherry-pink lips.“Okay, thanks.” Zoey recognized most of the people there used to work with Laurence, but they were all merely acquaintances. The only one Laurence was really close to was Yvette. She must’ve come with her new boyfriend. Yvette looked more like a porcelain doll than b
Yvette dawdled in the seat beside Zoey for some time. Before she could meet Laurence, she had been dragged away reluctantly by her boyfriend. Zoey glanced at her new boyfriend. He wasn’t bad looking, but he wasn’t particularly handsome either. He had nice features and a tall build that made Yvette look tiny next to him. After a few steps, she turned around and warned, “I’m reminding you because we’re previous acquaintances. The woman Laurence likes is not that simple. You should count your blessings.”Yvette had always thought she was a cunning woman. However, Sarah’s methods and ruthlessness were on another level.Zoey smiled. “Thank you, Miss Sullivan.”Yvette continued to mutter, “I see you’re much sharper than me. Get the money and a house, then leave.” ‘You will be upset for a long time if you gave your heart to Laurence. He will never reciprocate your affections, and his heart will never soften.’ Unexpectedly, it was now Yvette’s turn to advise her. …Laurence had someo
Zoey was no match for Amanda. It was obvious she was not deceptive from how she foolishly said she liked Yvette just now. People who grew up in wealthy families were more exposed to shady exchanges, so they were more cunning and deceptive than others. Amanda was no different. Laurence had no connections with her although their fathers were long-time friends. Amanda’s face turned pale, as if Laurence had exposed her ill intentions. She said firmly, “Mr. Scott, don’t everyone is as evil as you.”She did not have good intentions, but she had yet to implement her plans. Laurence raised an eyebrow and said scornfully, “Listen to yourself. What a joke.”Amanda was rendered speechless by him, and she did not know what to say.Zoey ignored their dispute, not wanting to be involved in whatever disagreement they had. As for Amanda, Zoey wasn’t her superior or colleague, so they barely crossed paths at work. With this thought, Zoey was able to drink her water peacefully. Laurence did not s
Zoey’s dream of buying lots of ice cream instantly went up in flames. “I’ll go by myself.”Laurence raised his eyebrows.“You should wait in the car.” He was still fair and asked, “What flavor would you like?”After some thought Zoey said, “I’d like either strawberry or cantaloupe. Cherry is also good. You should get me one of each.”Laurence suddenly pinched her chin and leaned down to kiss the corners of her mouth, as if he wanted to taste the sweet creamy strawberry flavor on her lips. “Don’t be too greedy.”Zoey pushed him away, her cheeks flushed, and she tried to calm her breathing. “Mr. Scott, you’re so stingy.”Laurence traced his fingers on her lips and chuckled. “I’m just not generous.”Zoey grabbed his wrist and insisted, “I’ll go with you.”Laurence was teasing her anyway and deliberately asked, “What? You’ll miss me?”Zoey ruined the atmosphere by deadpanning, “I’ll miss my ice cream.”She urged him to get out of the car. It was very cold outside, and Zoey