Fortunately, I had the foresight to move the phone away from my ear.Even from about eight inches away, I could still hear Wendy yelling, "You sent me an ambiguous message, didn't answer my calls, and I thought something terrible had happened! If you had called back any later, I would have been at the police station!""I'm sorry, Wendy. It was noisy here and I didn't hear the phone. Just calm down, and I'll treat you to some afternoon tea.""Do you think a cup of tea can calm me down?" Wendy's tone softened. "Fine, one mocha and a fruit salad. Don't add anything else; I'm on a diet.""Got it!"Wendy was strict about her figure and very disciplined. Compared to her, I was much lazier. If it hadn't been for a series of unexpected events, I wouldn't have slimmed down so quickly after giving birth."So, what did your message mean?""It's a bit complicated. I'll explain later. I have something else to do now."Luke was still waiting nearby, so I couldn't keep talking to Wendy. After
Half an hour later, in room 1206 of the Westinal Hotel, Luke knocked on the door. Wendy appeared, wrapped in a towel, her slightly tousled hair giving her a softer look."Are you hurt?" I urgently asked, wondering which clueless man had dared to mess with Wendy. I hurried forward to check on her and gripped her arm.Wendy was about to say something to Luke but looked surprised when she saw me. "Honey, what are you doing here?""Something happens to you. How could I not be here?"The fact that Wendy contacted Luke first instead of me stung a bit."There's no one in Johnsonville who can harm me!" Wendy twirled around, showing off. "Aside from some torn clothes, I'm perfectly fine.""That's a relief!"My concern for Wendy's safety had blinded me to the situation. Now, seeing her safe, I glanced at the hotel room behind her. Hotel room, towel, Luke... Had I interrupted something? Just as the realization hit me, I felt a pang of regret."What are you thinking?" Wendy, who knew me we
"Mr. Walker, Mr. York's head is slightly swollen. Although it doesn't appear serious, it would be best to take him to the hospital for a thorough examination to ensure his safety."Luke responded, "Make the necessary arrangements.""Jen, did you hear that? Stephen is fine. Can we leave now?" Wendy asked."I'll give you a ride home," I told Wendy, and we departed from the hotel.As we reached the parking garage, I headed towards the driver's side. "I'll drive.""Did I hear you correctly? You just said you'll drive?" Wendy stopped, looking at me in disbelief."I've been practicing. I can drive now."The car was already unlocked. I sat in the driver's seat and motioned for Wendy, who was now in the passenger seat, to fasten her seatbelt."Wendy, is your fear of driving gone?""Mm-hmm.""Your fear disappeared quickly. That's a good thing," Wendy said, but her hand was already gripping the overhead handle, clearly still on edge.To help Wendy relax, I shared the story of going to
Wendy gave me a wink, brimming with anticipation.She was right. Mandy's actions were something Stephen would never let go unnoticed. Even if he couldn't have her arrested, she wouldn't have an easy time ahead."You really saved Stephen's life. He should properly thank you when he wakes up.""I don't need his thanks!" Wendy tightened the towel around her. "If it weren't for a client getting drunk and me helping him back to the hotel, I wouldn't have run into Mandy sneaking around, and none of this would've happened. I almost got caught up in it myself. I'm never meddling in others' business again.""It's all over now."The fear in Wendy's expression indicated that the situation must have been truly dire. I gently patted her shoulder to comfort her."I'm fine, just venting," Wendy said, leaning against the car door, eyes half-closed, clearly exhausted."Get some sleep. I'll wake you up when we get home.""It's almost midnight now. If you drop me off and drive back, it'll be the
Wendy listened to my words and, feeling both proud and sympathetic, let out a secret sigh of relief."I will do my best!""If you ever feel stressed out, let me know. We'll figure it out together!""After everything I've been through, I can handle these workplace challenges!" I said with determination."I know my dear Jen is the best!"Seeing that I was fine, Wendy got into her car. I watched her leave before entering the Greenfield Building.To become a true executive assistant, I had a lot to learn. In my spare time, I shadowed Bryan and Zac, absorbing as much knowledge as possible.Bryan and Zac appreciated my eagerness to learn and were willing to teach me. Their mentorship was invaluable.Two days later, scandalous photos of Mandy flooded the internet. There were rumors that Balanc Capital terminated their partnership with Mulligan to avoid risks, given Mulligan's current situation.Mulligan was already in turmoil due to Francis Muller, with the company's stock fluctuatin
The Muller family had arrived in Johnsonville, and Mandy's attempt to escape was too late!Upon arriving home and walking the dog, I noticed a figure standing in front of the mansion. From the silhouette, it appeared to be a young woman. She had a slender frame and carried a gray shoulder bag, occasionally glancing towards the mansion.Could it be Mandy again?It seemed that no matter where I went, she always managed to find me! Just as I was about to contact the property management to have her removed, the person noticed me and hesitantly called out, "Jen?""Penelope?"In the dim light, I didn't initially recognize her, but her voice was unmistakable."You remember me!" Penelope Middleton's chubby round face broke into a smile as she approached but stopped a couple of feet away."Of course, I remember you! You're my cousin!" Penelope seemed nervous, so I took her hand. "You could have called me before coming to Johnsonville. I would have picked you up.""I'm actually working i
Under the weight of his wounded pride, Uncle Paul left Johnsonville and cut off contact with my father for many years.After my parents passed away, Uncle Paul and Aunt Karen suddenly reappeared, showering me with concern and care. In the midst of my grief, their presence initially provided some comfort.However, everything changed when I received a call from Penelope.Penelope warned me to stay away from them, revealing their true motive: my parents' inheritance. Max, too, had his eyes on the inheritance, and once he realized their intentions, he quickly sent them packing.At the time, I was too consumed by grief to fully grasp how easily Max had rid us of such shameless individuals. I remained grateful to Penelope for giving me the heads-up, and we continued to stay in occasional contact.Penelope shared with me how Uncle Paul and Aunt Karen had treated her like a source of money. They forced her to drop out of school in middle school and work instead. Thankfully, her teachers a
"She told me to handle it myself," Penelope said, her face clouded with more worry."It's clear that she's making things difficult for you."Joey Parker, the editor-in-chief of First Media magazine, was quite well-known in Johnsonville. With years of experience and a good network, finding someone to interview should be simple for her."She said a journalist shouldn't fear challenges. There are so famous people in Johnsonville. If I try hard enough, I'll find a suitable interviewee. I've visited dozens of companies in the past few days, but I couldn't find a single business elite willing to be interviewed.""When I suggested quitting because I couldn't do the job well, the editor said she had checked my background and knew about my poor relationship with my parents. If I quit, she would notify my parents of my current address. Even if I left Johnsonville, she said she could find me.""Did you offend her somehow?" I asked. Uncle Paul and Aunt Karen were Penelope's nightmare. Joey us