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Chapter 57
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Not Your Second Choice Chapter 58
Since Micah already found out her secret, Casey saw no reason to hide it from their mother. She decided to lay everything out."So, someone helped her, and the video ended up in her hands?" Casey's mother's tone carried the weight of contemplation."Exactly! You have no idea, Mom. That Half-past Five Bar is something else. I tried to pay for the video, but they told me they'd only hand it over to the police! Now someone else got their hands on it and cleared her name." Casey's frustration flared up again as she recounted the events."Deidre must have seduced someone of power!"Casey's mother mulled this over. "Fine. Leave this matter alone. I'll handle it myself."She would never allow Deidre, someone she had never approved of, to have any connection with the Landon family. Not even a whisper of association.That was precisely what Casey had been waiting for. A grin spread across her face as she beamed. "Thanks, Mom! I knew you'd always have my back."Back in her room, Casey gla
Not Your Second Choice Chapter 59
When Deidre hesitated momentarily, Benedict had already circled around the desk, heading straight toward her."Mr. O'Reily?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.Benedict, tall and upright like a perfectly straight pole, strode over with long, purposeful steps. In no time, he was standing before her.At 5 foot 3, Deidre had to tilt her head slightly to meet the gaze of this man who stood well over 6 feet. Her smiling face betrayed a flicker of surprise as she looked up at him.The man before her was dressed impeccably, his suit without a single crease. Even the top button of his shirt was fastened, giving him an air of restraint. He exuded an aura of stern composure, a man who seldom smiled or indulged in unnecessary words.Benedict lowered his gaze to Deidre. "Your résumé is exceptional. You could easily serve as the president of one of the O'Reily Group's subsidiary companies. I'm curious—what terms did the old man offer to make you settle for the role of an assistant?"
Not Your Second Choice Chapter 60
"The agenda for today's meeting is simple," Benedict began without preamble. "Most of you are familiar with me, so there's no need for introductions. Instead, I'd like to introduce someone else."From the moment they walked into the conference room, Larry had followed closely behind Benedict. Observing this, Deidre hesitated for a moment, then decided to follow suit, stepping into place behind Larry.When Benedict spoke those words, Deidre's eyelids twitched instinctively.As expected, the man's calm, resonant voice filled the room. "This is Deidre Winsley, my new assistant. You may get acquainted with her."His words were like a single drop of water falling into an oil pan, calm on the surface but igniting a wave of chaos beneath. Shock rippled through the room, leaving no one untouched.The young president, practically a prince in his stature, had called a meeting just to introduce his assistant?All eyes turned to Deidre.Among the senior executives present, the thought on ev
Not Your Second Choice Chapter 61
Deidre offered a faint smile to the senior executives, her gaze briefly catching Linda's before moving on. Without another word, she followed Benedict out of the meeting room.The eyes of the gathered executives lingered on Deidre's retreating figure. Her calm and composed demeanor stood out, and they couldn't help but replay the memory of her youthful face—a face that clearly belonged to someone still in her twenties.This assistant to the CEO… she couldn't be much older than the interns the company had just hired.Several furrowed brows appeared among the group.Could someone this young truly handle the responsibilities of the CEO's assistant?After all, Veilner Corp didn't have a vice president. Whoever held the position of the CEO's assistant effectively wielded a significant portion of a vice president's authority.A few meaningful glances drifted toward Linda, the assistant to the former CEO.She kept her head down, ignoring the weight of their gazes, cutting herself off f
Not Your Second Choice Chapter 62
Deidre recognized the voice—it was Daisy.She recalled the cheerful, pleasant face she'd seen not long ago, along with the respectful and sincere smile.Deidre had a favorable impression of the intern and couldn't help but smile faintly. "Come in."Daisy pushed the door open and stepped inside. She stopped in front of Deidre's desk without sitting down and said with a serious tone, "I look forward to working with you. Please guide me well from now on!"Deidre's smile deepened, her eyes softening with amusement. "No need to be so formal. I'm new at Veilner Corp myself. I heard you spent more than six months at the headquarters. Tell me, what's your impression of the O'Reily Group?""Sure!"Daisy's face lit up with a bright smile."Then have a seat. Let's chat."Without hesitation, Daisy pulled out a chair and sat across from Deidre, separated by the desk."About the O'Reily Group…"It became clear quickly that Daisy was not only talkative but also quick-witted. She started wit
Not Your Second Choice Chapter 63
"Alright, Linda, please come in," Deidre said calmly.Linda stepped past Daisy without even a glance, her high heels clicking against the floor as she walked gracefully into the office. Daisy stared at Linda's back, her brows knitting tightly before finally gathering up the files in her arms and leaving the office."Oh, and you—close the door behind you," Linda called out dismissively, her tone laced with condescension.Daisy's hands twitched around the files she was holding, and though her face betrayed nothing, she couldn't help the displeasure simmering within. Pressing her lips into a thin line, she wordlessly shut the door, her mood slightly soured.Linda hadn't noticed Deidre's eyes growing colder as she spoke. Satisfied with the closed door, Linda turned her attention back to Deidre and sauntered towards the desk. Her gaze flicked briefly to the nameplate that declared "CEO's Executive Assistant" and a hint of jealousy flashed across her eyes, though she quickly suppress
Not Your Second Choice Chapter 64
Upon receiving the desired response, Linda's smile deepened. "When do you think you'll have time, Deidre? I'd like to arrange the meeting accordingly."Deidre folded her hands lightly on the desk, her smile calm and composed, her gaze gentle as it rested on Linda. "Since we need Damon's assistance, it's only natural we adapt to his schedule. It wouldn't make sense to have him coordinate around us."That was precisely the answer Linda had hoped for. She was thrilled, though inwardly she scoffed at Deidre. What a fool—walking straight into a trap and even offering to accommodate. Clearly, Deidre didn't deserve the position of the CEO's assistant.Only Linda was truly fit for that role."No wonder Mr. O'Reily went out of his way to introduce you to all the senior executives. I don't think anyone could be more suitable for the position than you," Linda said, her words sugary yet hollow.While saying what she herself didn't believe, she rose from the chair with a practiced smile. "Well
Not Your Second Choice Chapter 65
The screen of Deidre's phone lit up, displaying a message notification. A chat window popped up—it was a message from Sandy.Unlocking her phone, Deidre read the text.Sandy: [Class reunion tonight, let's go together.]Although Deidre and Sandy had met while studying abroad, Salve City was known for attracting many returnees. A class reunion here didn't strike her as unusual.Still, back in her first two years of overseas study, Deidre had been quiet and reserved, burying herself in her studies. She hadn't considered herself particularly close to her classmates. After a moment of hesitation, she typed a reply: [I'll skip it. I wouldn't want to ruin the fun for everyone.]Most of her classmates had studied finance or accounting, and those still in Salve City were likely well-acquainted with the local elite. Considering her recent return and the buzz surrounding her on social media, Deidre was certain they were aware of it. Attending such a gathering might only invite unnecessary co
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Not Your Second Choice Chapter 100
"YOU!"Daisy watched the atmosphere between the two shift. As she saw Micah stand up, she put on a look of feigned concern and hurried over. After all, the president of the Landon Group had just been knocked down by the assistant of a competitor—certainly not a dignified event."Deidre, I finally found you! Mr. O'Reily called me earlier, said he had something urgent to discuss with you, but couldn't reach you."Daisy had only made up an excuse. When it came to Micah, using Benedict's name was the most legitimate tactic.Unexpectedly, as she spoke, Deidre's phone rang.Daisy's eyelids twitched and she instinctively looked over.And there it was...Caller ID: It really was Mr. O'Reily.Daisy turned speechless. She could probably win the lottery today, with this luck!With Daisy present, Micah knew he couldn't continue the conversation with Deidre.In fact, even without Daisy, the discussion wouldn't have gone anywhere.Micah's handsome face regained its calm demeanor. The prev
Not Your Second Choice Chapter 99
"I'm not drunk," Micah said.Deidre didn't reply. His face was serious, but his eyes—behind those frameless glasses—held a slight haze, as if they were blurring into a soft kind of fog.After spending two years with him, Deidre knew very well that Micah was, in fact, drunk. A sober person couldn't possibly argue with someone who was so clearly intoxicated, especially not over something so trivial as whether or not they were drunk.She glanced at the door to her room, which Micah was blocking, then turned away.On a luxurious yacht like this, it was ridiculous for all the rooms to be occupied. She could easily switch rooms. Even if they were all taken, she could squeeze in with Daisy for one night.In any case, Deidre had no intention of wasting another word on Micah."Don't go!"Micah, seeing her intention, stepped forward. His arm reached out and grabbed her wrist."Are you going to find Cameron?"With a forceful pull, he turned her back toward him, his hands gripping her s
Not Your Second Choice Chapter 98
Deidre paused for a moment, quickly tapped the send button on her phone, then shut off the screen and set it aside. She smiled at Daisy, signaling for her to sit beside her. "I know, I owe you one for helping me out with Mr. O'Reily on the dance floor."Daisy, still looking a bit shaken, leaned in close to Deidre's ear and whispered, "God knows, just dancing with Mr. O'Reily was enough to make my scalp tingle in shock. And then he had that cold, deathly stare... I mean, he's handsome, but I guess they don't call him 'The Godfather' for nothing. After just a short dance, I was practically shoved away."Deidre, ever considerate, gently patted Daisy's back to reassure her. "Once this seven-day yacht trip is over, I'll treat you to a big meal.""Not that I'm just looking to freeload off your dinner, Deidre!" Daisy laughed. "I mean, getting to dance with a handsome guy—can't complain."Daisy, a post-2000s girl, had the natural optimism and straightforwardness typical of her generation.
Not Your Second Choice Chapter 97
"I can tell, Bobby, that your company is sincere in wanting to collaborate with us on this project. Otherwise, we wouldn't be having this conversation."Benedict's deep voice broke the silence, pulling the conversation back to the matter at hand. "Bobby, you know, of course, that the Dobinsky project is intended for our technology city. Now, as for the five percent price increase you proposed, I will say this clearly: Such a concession agreement is not something we can sign."Upon hearing this, Bobby's heart sank, though he maintained his composure on the surface. "Benedict, wouldn't you reconsider? After all, the returns from the technology city once it's completed will be substantial."In business negotiations, attention to detail is key, especially when it comes to reading the room. Both Benedict and Deidre had picked up on the subtle shift in Bobby's demeanor. The calm confidence he had initially shown was now replaced by a quiet sense of urgency.Once the defensive line begi
Not Your Second Choice Chapter 96
Benedict swirled the wine glass in his hand, his gaze not meeting Bobby's. His voice was cool. "I can tell, Bobby, there's more to your words than what you're letting on.""Benedict, as expected of you," Bobby's smile deepened. "You must know, when the Dobinsky project first went to bid, Veilner Corp didn't make the cut. The Landon Group took the lead. Now, as we approach the second round of bidding, although your company's proposal is the best, it's a bit tricky for us."In business, there are ways to say things. Sometimes, the true meaning lies not in the direct words, but in the subtle layers beneath them. Bobby's words were clear enough. He was asking if Veilner could increase its offer, especially in terms of the price.Deidre's eyes glinted as she glanced at Benedict.His fingers tapped softly on the armrest of the sofa, his expression unchanged, but the faintest sound of his knuckles brushing against the wood seemed to fill the air. His voice remained calm and measured. "T
Not Your Second Choice Chapter 95
The tempo slowed and finally returned to silence as the dance came to an end. The men and women in the ballroom nodded to each other in mutual respect.Benedict, with a cold and composed expression on his handsome face, stepped out of the dance floor without a word.Deidre raised an eyebrow and was about to follow him when she heard Micah's voice from behind. "Do you hate me?"She turned back to see Micah looking at her with a deep gaze. The question struck her as absurd. "Mr. Landon, you have quite the short memory. Who was it that looked at me with disdain at the wedding, dropped me without a word, and walked away without a second glance? And now you're asking me this?"Some things, Deidre thought, if left untouched, would fade away with time. She was certain that given enough time, everything, even the most painful memories, would eventually be forgotten. Yet, there were always people who took great pleasure in reminding her of the moments she wished to forget.Especially when
Not Your Second Choice Chapter 94
Deidre smiled wryly to herself. The music lifted in tempo once again, forcing her, though unwilling, to raise her hand and follow the rhythm in a solitary spin.As she twirled, her eyes quickly flicked toward Cameron.Cameron was waiting for the beat, planning to reclaim his partner.Micah maintained his gentle, composed smile, but there was a chill in his eyes. He hadn't missed the subtle exchange of glances between Deidre and Cameron. No, he had been watching closely, noting exactly where Deidre's gaze had lingered.She was flirting with him again, right in front of him.So she wanted to switch back?A sliver of coldness flashed in Micah's eyes.He knew very well—he didn't want her to switch back.As Cameron neared them, preparing to take Deidre away, Micah intentionally took a misstep, stepping into Cameron's path.Both Deidre and Cameron understood immediately what this meant.Deidre's smile remained, her tone gentle, but her eyes burned with a cold gleam.She couldn't w
Not Your Second Choice Chapter 93
The waltz gradually shifted from its gentle rhythm to an upbeat tempo, unveiling its inherent charm and complexity.Micah's gaze didn't linger on Natalie. He maintained perfect synchronization with her steps, seamlessly adapting to the beat, while his eyes discreetly swept toward Deidre again. Around them, most dancers had begun showcasing their partners, spinning them gracefully across the floor.Matching the tempo, Micah maneuvered with subtle precision, guiding Natalie closer to Deidre and Cameron without breaking stride.Deidre, no fool, couldn't possibly miss Micah's frequent glances in her direction. She smirked inwardly, instantly grasping his intent. He was moving their way.The music surged, and following Cameron's lead, Deidre executed an elegant pirouette. Her red evening gown, delicate as butterfly wings, flared into cascading waves of crimson, drawing all eyes to her. Her movement was mesmerizing, a perfect harmony of grace and poise.Cameron's face held its usual g
Not Your Second Choice Chapter 92
"Ah…" Natalie gasped softly as her hand was enveloped by Micah's warm, steady grasp. Her cheeks flushed, her heartbeat quickening like a drumroll, as she followed him into the dance floor.Within the crowd, Deidre stood out effortlessly in a custom-made crimson gown. Her movements flowed seamlessly with the rhythm, rising and falling with the melody, her figure spinning gracefully like a fiery phoenix in flight. Opposite her, Cameron, equally striking with his sharp features and composed demeanor, lifted his long, elegant hand to guide Deidre through a perfect turn. A gentle, unguarded smile lingered in his eyes."I remember back in school dances, you always attended with Sandy," Cameron remarked, his deep voice carrying an air of teasing admiration. "But I don't recall ever seeing you dance. Seems like you've been keeping this talent hidden all along."A faint smile curved Deidre's lips. "If you keep looking at me with such a gentle expression, I'm afraid I might misstep." She fi
