She recalled that she had too much to drink yesterday and had dragged Joe to her apartment and chatted all night. She then fell asleep until her alarm rang her up for work.Summer usually does not remember what she said or did if she drank, but this morning, she remembered every detail of her conversation with Gale, her discussion with Shawn, and what happened with Joe. It was all etched vividly in her memory."Mr. Winter," Peach greeted.Joe nodded, then looked at Summer. "Feeling okay?""What's wrong? I'm fine," Summer replied."No dizziness or headache now? Were you not about to explode last night? You should have taken a day off today. Why are you here earlier than me?" Joe asked."You're the boss. I'm an employee. How can we compare? I have to work," Summer replied."I'll allow you to take a day off. Paid leave," Joe said."Tch."Normally, when Joe said something like this, she would just go along with it. Could not miss an opportunity for a day off, right? However, Summe
"Oh, no, you're the big boss, the major shareholder. How could I possibly manage you?" Joe quickly said, "Please, go ahead. Do you need me to arrange a driver for you?""No need."Gale refused him coldly."Over time, couples must turn into copies of each other. Gale's even picked up a bit of Shawn's cold ruthlessness. Tsk tsk, she used to be such a gentle and quiet woman!" Joe mused to himself.Peach replied, "Mr. Wood has also picked up some of Gale's gentleness. Before, he always had a grim face, but lately, he's been smiling more.""You're smooth."Peach stuck out his tongue.Gale walked out of the Wood Group.She headed straight for the cafe across the street. Ivy was waiting for her there.While in the restroom, Gale received a call from Ivy. Ivy invited her to the cafe to talk. Gale knew what it was about without even having to think.Alright, Gale agreed.After hearing Shawn's version of the story, she wanted to hear what Ivy had to say.Was it that she had misjudged
Gale hesitated for a moment, then asked, "That's it? Just for this?" Her question left Ivy momentarily stunned. After a few seconds, Ivy tentatively inquired, "I do not have anything else. Gale, do you have something else on your mind?"Gale withdrew her gaze, lowering her eyes, her mind filled with doubts. Ivy's reaction seemed like she did not know about the stack of photos. As one of the involved parties, how could she not know? Did Shawn not tell her? Or did the photos not reach her? What was going on?The atmosphere fell into silence and quietness all of a sudden. Gale did not know how to speak. She wanted to ask Ivy why she was wearing Shawn's jacket. Why was she falling into Shawn's arms? It made her seem like an aggressive wife confronting the mistress.This was not the person Gale wanted to be. She absolutely would not allow herself to become that pitiful woman. If one day, Shawn really cheated on her, she would just leave without looking back, divorcing in a dignified ma
Upon hearing this, Gale vaguely understood what happened. She asked Ivy, "You mean everyone at the dinner party was trying to set you up with Shawn?""I was seated next to him. The agency instructed me to wear a tight-fitting dress, which revealed my waist and shoulders. They even had me propose a toast during the dinner," Ivy replied."What about the contract?""Mr. Wood brought it up. He said that they have chosen me to represent the brand and that the endorsement would be a lifelong contract. He requested that my agency's contract be transferred to Wood Group as well," Ivy answered.Gale could not help but admire silently in her heart. Shawn had done it well; the approach was brilliant. She thought Shawn would discuss the penalty fee, lower the amount, or propose a mutual benefit exchange, promising the agency would receive a substantial project, far outweighing Ivy's penalty.Unexpectedly, he did not spend a single penny, only using his status and fame to force the agency
Ivy gazed at her with a steely look."No woman could stay calm in such a situation. Gale, Mr. Wood was just too charismatic. Even I, a woman with principles and boundaries, found myself having thoughts I shouldn't have.""Mr. Wood is the epitome of the perfect man by all feminine standards. Any woman who has been around him would inevitably feel a flutter in her heart. I thought I would be the exception, but I guess I overestimated myself."Gale listened quietly.Ivy chuckled self-deprecatingly. "I didn't sleep a wink that night. I tossed and turned, thinking that even though I knew Mr. Wood was a married man, I still wanted to be close to him and have him. It's truly shameless.""I managed to suppress that thought. When Mr. Wood left, I regained my composure. However, I still feel ashamed of myself for having such thoughts.""I'm sorry, Gale. I shouldn't have said these things, but after much consideration, I felt I needed to tell you. I would like to avoid unnecessary misunders
"Fortunately, last night's dinner was somewhat spontaneous. If paparazzi had gotten wind of my schedule beforehand and camped out in some corner of the hotel, catching Shawn and me alone, who knows what more they would have fabricated," Ivy said.Gale suddenly looked up at her. "You're saying there were no paparazzi last night?""Yes, my agency and I are very experienced in avoiding paparazzi. According to the original schedule, I was supposed to attend an interview with a fashion magazine, but I postponed it at the last minute to join Mr. Wood's dinner. So, they should have been staking out at the magazine's office."If that were true, then where did those paparazzi who took the photos last night come from?"How many people knew about your change of plans?" Gale asked."Only the driver and my assistant," Ivy replied.That was strange.Where did the paparazzi come from then?The photos were definitely taken and sent to the PR department.She saw it with her own eyes.Accordin
Ivy's eyes were filled with envy. When would she meet her destined one?Back at the Wood Group, Gale's mood noticeably improved. It was all just a misunderstanding. Whatever transpired between Shawn and Ivy was innocent; it was just exploited by someone with ulterior motives. But who could it be? Were they targeting Shawn or Ivy? It seemed more likely aimed at Shawn, since Ivy had not even received the photos. Threaten Shawn? Who would dare, and for what reason?As she was lost in thought, the elevator doors opened. Gale was about to step in when suddenly she felt a firm grip around her waist, pulling her away from the elevator toward another private one nearby.Once the door closed, shutting out all outside noise and sight, Gale looked up to see who it was and could not help but stomp her foot in frustration. "Shawn! You scared the life out of me!" She had thought it was some villain attempting to abduct her and was about to scream."Where have you been? I've been searching everyw
Without hesitating, Shawn hugged her."What... What are you thinking? How could that be? I wouldn't just leave home for such a trivial matter. Besides, even if I were willing to leave you, I couldn't bear to leave my children..." Gale murmured."I'm just afraid, Gale."Although Shawn's logical side knew that she would not just leave like that, he was still overthinking and overly nervous.He could not control his spiraling thoughts. Because he was too afraid, he prepared for the worst.Seeing Shawn revealing his vulnerability before her, Gale softened instantly."I just went across the street to buy a cup of coffee. I sat there, finished it, and then came back. My phone was in my bag. I didn't check," Gale said.She did not tell him that she met Ivy.Ivy probably did not want Shawn to know about her sudden stir of emotions for Shawn either.It was the girl code to keep it among girls."After the photo incident, Joe and Heather also said you were in a bad mood. Gale, I'm very