Unable to tell the truth, I hesitated before speaking, "The person you like is going to be my future boss's wife. It's closely tied to my career, so how could I not be concerned?""Put that way, it certainly deserves attention," Luke replied, a hint of amusement in his eyes.He guided me out of the elevator toward the parking area.Worried about being recognized, I covered my face with my hands.Luke gently held the back of my head, pressing my face against his chest. Suddenly, his faint, cool scent enveloped me.I could clearly feel the firmness of his chest through his shirt, the result of years of working out. It felt like a rush of hormones for a moment.My romantic history was simple; I had never been intimate with anyone other than Max. My face uncontrollably flushed with heat.I pushed against his chest, saying, "Luke, let go.""This way you'll be better covered.""..." Was he serious?!Judging by Luke's attitude towards Joey and his current actions, he was the epitome
"I shouldn't accept rewards without merit. Mr. Walker has already given me plenty. How about this... I'll get an estimate from a repair shop tomorrow and transfer you the amount they quote.""Do as you say."Little did I know that Luke had already spoken to the repair shops I approached. Their estimates were far below the actual cost!...The next day, after dropping off my Samoyed at Luke's for Marianne to look after, I happily drove to work in my newly revamped car.My good mood greatly improved my work efficiency.At lunchtime, on my way to the cafeteria, I received a call from Joey."I'm at the Starbucks in Greenfield Building. Come over."Her commanding tone made me uncomfortable. "I'm busy. If you have something to say, you can tell me over the phone."Joey and I weren't close enough to have a coffee together."Penelope is still in Johnsonville. Your uncle and aunt are on their way here. If you don't want them to find Penelope so quickly, I suggest you come over!""Ms.
Luke was a well-known eligible bachelor in Johnsonville. He had maintained a low profile for years, and any journalist who managed to interview him would gain significant recognition in their circle.Recently, First Media's magazine sales had been declining. Interviewing Luke could quickly boost their sales and raise the magazine's profile.Before the interview, First Media had already hinted at it, and many people were eagerly anticipating the magazine's release.The sudden cancellation of the publication must have made First Media the laughingstock of the industry.Joey approaching me was a desperate move."Don't play dumb with me!" Joey's tone was harsh. "You're Lu's assistant, and we have a history. If it wasn't you, who else could it be?""I had no idea I had such influence to make Mr. Walker stop a magazine's publication," I said. The magazine's cancellation had somewhat satisfied my grudge. "Ms. Parker, at this point, you should be asking Mr. Walker why he changed his mind
Jon had sustained multiple soft tissue injuries at the bar and also suffered a mild concussion. The doctors advised him to remain in the hospital for observation.Because of Penelope's involvement in Jon's injuries, she decided to stay in Johnsonville until he recovered. Based on my calculations, he should be ready for discharge soon."I'll inform you once I've made the necessary arrangements," Penelope stated."If anything happens, please call me immediately!" I urged.I wanted to meet Penelope before she left Johnsonville, but she declined, saying we would meet again when we had the opportunity.Not knowing when I would see her next left me feeling somewhat sad.After ending the call, I went to the cafeteria to quickly grab a bite to eat. On my way back to the executive office, I ran into Luke.I wanted to ask him about the magazine's publication, but felt it wasn't my place to interfere in his affairs with his crush. I swallowed my words."Did you have something to tell me?"
Some gossip is worth indulging in, and some isn't. Luke's approach to pursuing women was that of a domineering CEO, too proud to lower his head. I decided to leave rather than stick around for the drama - it wouldn't be good if his anger spilled over onto me.After considering the pros and cons, I entered the elevator.Uncle Paul and Aunt Karen had already left for Johnsonville. If they couldn't locate Penelope, they would likely come after me.When I arrived home, I specifically spoke to the property management, showing them photos of my uncle and aunt, and instructing them not to allow them into the community. If they saw them, they were to contact me. I was on high alert.To my surprise, my uncle and aunt went straight to First Media to wait for Joey.While I was running errands, I happened to pass by the magazine office and saw Joey dealing impatiently with my uncle and aunt.I parked in a hidden spot and watched their argument unfold from my car."You called us to Johnsonvi
Joey was shocked. "How can a young graduate with a monthly salary of just a few thousand save so much in just a few years?"Even if Penelope didn't spend any money, it would be impossible for her to save that much!My uncle and aunt were treating Penelope like a source of money."It doesn't matter if she hasn't saved two hundred thousand. Once we find her, we'll bring her home for an arranged marriage. The bride price will be an additional income. We have ways to make her come up with two hundred thousand.""Is Penelope really your biological daughter?" Joey began to doubt whether calling my uncle and aunt to Johnsonville was the right decision."Daughters are not profitable assets. Once she's married, she'll have nothing to do with us. We can only get as much as we can before she marries. Either you compensate us for her, or tell us her address."My uncle's shameless words made Wendy curse several times. "Is your uncle genetically mutated? What about Penelope? Tell her to run! L
It was lunchtime, and the area around First Media's office was bustling with activity. Some passersby stopped to take photos with their phones, and snippets of conversation could be heard all around."How could she treat her parents like that? She's heartless!""She's the editor-in-chief of First Media. With such a cold-hearted boss, how can they produce any good content?""She just became editor-in-chief and already disowns her own parents. If her career advances further, will she look down on everyone?""You don't know anything. They're not my parents!" Joey tried to explain."Sweetie, don't worry. We'll leave right now. We won't embarrass you anymore," Paul said, helping Karen up from the ground, and they hurriedly left."Her parents are so considerate, how can she be so cold-blooded!""Her parents look like such decent folk. How did they raise such an ungrateful child?""Having a daughter like that, it's like they wasted all those years!"After Paul and Karen left, the onl
"Parents cannot be chosen, it is simply fate! Why should I feel guilty?" Joey's eyes flickered with unease."If you're not guilty, then why haven't you given them Penelope's address?""Because..." Joey gripped the steering wheel. "She has already left Johnsonville. I do not know where she has gone.""I knew you were not that kind-hearted."Didn't she claim that her vast network could find Penelope in any city?I wanted to throw some sarcastic remarks her way, but upon seeing her start the car, I simply said, "From what I know about them, if they cannot find Penelope, they will pester you non-stop. Your days will not be easy.""They will bother you too, their blood relative! Let us see how you handle it!""Just take care of yourself. My affairs are none of your concern."The car started moving slowly. I took a step back, standing straight. "If their harassment becomes too much and you cannot handle it, you can come to me.""You want me to beg you for a solution? After all the t