Belle explained, "I'm a newcomer, and it's my first day at work. That's why I don't have an ID card."The two receptionists didn't seem to believe her.After all, the company would immediately issue an ID card once someone joined. They would receive it before they started work.Someone would inform the front desk in advance if there were any special circumstances. However, no one had given them any prior notice today. As such, they didn't believe in Belle's words.One of the receptionists was called Henrietta Adler. She was pretty but a spiteful person.Being a native of Maltford, Henrietta held a sense of superiority. Among the front desk staff, she was known for causing office politics. She was also a snob who loved to scrutinize people.Henrietta asked, "Miss, may I ask which department you're from?"Belle was caught off guard by the question. Grayson didn't tell her the specific department yesterday. "I'm not sure which department. I will only know when I get inside."Upon
Belle was shocked. "You're sending me away before even checking in with Human Resources? Are you sure?"Henrietta glanced at Belle condescendingly and proceeded to ignore her.Belle was upset. She was right on the money that offices and corporate hellholes were not compatible with her. She would rather just return to her cozy little rental house.Belle frowned as she pulled out her phone to call Sam for help. However, she paused the phone call as she came to a realization.She finally caught on to the irony of the situation. She had never wanted to work in the office. And yet, she was actively looking for solutions after being denied proper entry by the receptionist. Belle latched onto the silver lining that she had an alibi for her absence if Grayson were to question her whereabouts.Her mood improved drastically as she put away her phone and left the premises.Henrietta began gossiping with her coworkers as she stared at Belle leaving."I've seen my fair share of suitres
Sam pressed on, "Where have you been then, Ms. Walters?"Belle nonchalantly replied while on the way to her rental house. "I had actually gone to the office, but I left.""You left?" Sam thought Belle had left work early, so he reminded her of office protocol. "Ms. Walters, I'm sorry, but our lunch break starts at 11:30 am."Belle replied, "I went to the office but was denied entry. You should ask Grayson about the details."Grayson's patience finally wore thin as he drew the phone closer to him. His tone betrayed hints of anger as he tried to restrain the volume."Ask me? What about? The company isn't some playground that you can come and go as you please! I'm warning you right now. Get back here and go to work!" He hung up the phone right after finishing his words in a rage.He returned the phone to Sam and said, "Your only job today is to wait for Belle to come back to the office and lecture her on the company's rules and regulations!"Sam swallowed once out of fear. "Mr. P
Sam began to panic. He wanted to complain that Grayson was asking him impossible questions. But Sam, of course, would not dare voice his thoughts directly. He sheepishly answered, "Perhaps … Perhaps it was from Mr. Page Senior.""She really thinks she can get away with everything as long as Grandpa is on her side. Call her again! Tell her to get her ass back here!"Sam once again retrieved his phone to make the call. Belle spoke as soon as she picked up the call. "Sam? Just tell me everything at once instead of calling me multiple times. I'm kinda busy here."Sam looked at Grayson before whispering, "Ms. Walters, you should hurry back to the company.""What's wrong? Did anything happen over there?""Not really, but … Mr. Page is—""Grayson? What's up with him? Has he finally keeled over?"Sam took a while to reply, "Mr. Page isn't in a good mood."Belle was annoyed. "What does that have to do with me, though? You can tell me about it when he collapses on the floor or someth
Anger disrupted Grayson's breathing."I've waited for you in the office the entire day! And I did nothing while I was waiting!"Grayson felt that Belle had treated him unfairly.Belle, however, didn't feel that she did. Instead of soothing him, she simply retorted, "That has nothing to do with me! It's not that I've even asked you to wait for my arrival. "How many times do I have to tell you that I've already gone to the office and was sent away by your employees?"You never coordinated with your receptionists and made arrangements in advance. So stop blaming me when you're the one at fault!""You—""Say whatever you like. It's not my problem that you got angry about this. I did nothing wrong at all." Belle then headed upstairs after interrupting Grayson.At the last moment, she added, "I've no idea how someone like you became a CEO of all things. "I expected a CEO to possess qualities quite the opposite of narrow-mindedness and quick temper, unlike what I've witnessed in yo
The next day, Belle was abruptly awakened by a loud ringing.Irritated, she pulled the blanket over her head, attempting to ignore it and go back to sleep, but the noise persisted.She reluctantly poked her head out from under the covers, stretching her arm to reach the alarm, which was just out of her grasp.She gave up and simply pulled the blanket over her head and continued to sleep.But the relentless alarm showed no signs of stopping. Frustrated, she wriggled and turned on the sofa, trying to find a comfortable position while the alarm continued to disrupt her sleep.Unable to endure it any longer, Belle angrily sat up on the sofa with her disheveled hair.To her surprise, she saw a certain someone when she opened her eyes.Grayson had been awake for quite some time. He had finished his morning jog, taken a shower, and changed into fresh clothes.He was standing near the stairs as he stared at her.He was heading downstairs after showering, but he paused his steps after
Grayson steadied himself and closed his eyes to regain composure. It took him a while before he felt stable again. He realized that the toll of his insomnia was finally catching up to his body.He went downstairs and summoned Sam from the living room. "Has Dr. Lena contacted you yet?"Sam grew apprehensive and shook his head."No, sir. Is your body holding up well? Why don't I reach out to her and inquire about her situation? Perhaps we can request for a temporary relief for now."Sam was deeply concerned that the sleepless nights had begun to impact Grayson's health significantly.Grayson thought for a moment before saying, "It's better if I call her myself."He pulled out his phone to search for Lena in his contacts and placed that call.Lena was still asleep and immediately woke up when her phone started ringing. She became even more alert upon realizing the call was from Grayson.She sat up on her bed and took a moment to calm down before she picked up the call. "Hello?""
Grayson put away his phone and sighed.He had hoped to see Lena for his treatment. He felt relieved after confirming that she would arrive within the next few days.He saw Lena as a good doctor who would treat his insomnia and nothing more.Sam remained at the side and finally spoke up after Grayson finished his call. "Mr. Page, what did Dr. Cahill say? Are you allowed to take some medication for temporary relief?"Grayson replied, "There's no need. She will be arriving at Maltford in a few days.""Has she not stated the exact date and time?" Sam asked impatiently."You can't be too hasty when asking for help." Grayson leaned against the sofa and massaged his temples. Ten minutes later, Belle came downstairs wearing her shirt and pencil skirt for work.Grayson's eyes narrowed in excitement the moment he saw her.Belle had a well-proportioned figure that wasn't very noticeable in her usual loose and casual clothes. However, in her current slim-fitting attire, she stood out pro