Kevin stood up abruptly, his expression looking cold. "Figure it out yourself," he said curtly to Blake, who was momentarily lost in thought.As he moved toward the door, Blake, overcome by an inexplicable surge of joy, laughed heartily and hugged him from behind. Her sudden embrace and cheerful declaration caught Kevin off guard."I knew you came to make up! Let's forget about yesterday and start over. Since you've given me all that money, consider yourself my boyfriend again!" Blake exclaimed.Carefree and appeased, Blake was cheered up, especially with Kevin coming to find her.He turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "Are you sure you won't regret this?" he asked, his tone hinting at something deeper.Blake, oblivious to the underlying meaning, grinned, "Regret? Why would I? Besides, we can deal with any problems if they come up. Since you have that much money, you must have a villa in the capital, right?"Kevin just nodded, his cold expression warming slightly as he
Blake suddenly became angry. She looked into Kevin's eyes and demanded, "What do you mean I lack basic decency? Kevin, look at me. Do you actually have feelings for me, or is this all just an act?"Kevin remained silent, but his eyes betrayed him. Blake's heart plummeted with the realization.She had a bittersweet smile on her face. She sank onto the bed, resignation in her posture. She said, "I should've known. Someone like you with someone like me... it was never going to work, was it? Was there an ulterior motive from the start?"Shakily, she asked, "What do you want from me, Kevin? I know you don't really care, but I have feelings too. I don't toy with people's feelings like you do."Tears brimmed in Blake's eyes as she stared at the unresponsive Kevin. His usual decisiveness now appeared cold and indifferent.'Even if Kevin was using me, couldn't he at least pretend? Just saying 'I like you' would've been enough. But he didn't even do that... Maybe he really likes Ms. Parker.
'I'm late for work.' Kevin thought.Kevin's lateness was unusual for his flawless record at Jardin Corporation. His punctuality was legendary, making this deviation stand out.At the office, Blake's red, swollen eyes did not escape Janice's attention. She handed Blake a comforting cup of coffee and asked, "Blake, are you okay? Did something happen with Liam?"Blake brushed it off, "Just a late night with sad movies. I should go see Ms. Samford now."However, Blake's meeting with Cecilia was not about work. Cecilia, usually the epitome of corporate professionalism, was dressed casually today. Blake could not help but notice a change in her demeanor.The conversation took an unexpected turn as Cecilia inquired directly, "Are you dating Kevin?"Taken aback, Blake struggled to find words, "Ms. Samford..."Cecilia sat at her desk, clicking through her work email, and said, "Kevin sent me a work-related email this morning. Did you know about that?"Blake thought, 'Kevin emailing Ceci
Confused, Blake opened her work email. A notification about permanent positions caught her attention. Only three staff members were mentioned, one each from the Creative Design and Marketing Departments and Blake.Blake blinked in disbelief. She thought, 'My name is on the list!'In the background, the secretary's office buzzed with chatter."It's okay, Susan. There's always next month," one voice soothed."Exactly! It's those with connections who get ahead. Us regular folks just can't compete," another added bitterly."I can't believe how shameless some people can be."Blake tried to ignore them, but their words were too loud, too pointed.The group was consoling Susan, painting her as a victim.Frustrated, Blake slammed her desk and stood, "Enough! If you have something to say about me, say it to my face. I'm not putting up with this!"Tears streaked Susan's face as she turned to Blake, slapping her across the face.Susan said angrily, "You don't deserve this, Blake. You're
Zach normally detached himself from day-to-day staff issues at Jardin Corporation and dealt only with major company decisions.He felt that if minor problems required his intervention, it was a sign the company needed an overhaul. He paid high salaries for efficiency, not for employees to create drama.To Zach, incompetence had no place in Jardin Corporation.When Kevin arrived at the secretary's office, he was greeted by a scene of chaos. Blake, usually composed, was now in a fight with Susan, who was visibly battered.Kevin asked in disbelief, "Blake, are you acting out because I wasn't here?"He pulled Blake away, noticing the bloodied and bruised state of her neck.Blake shot back, "Yes, I am. What are you going to do? Fire me?"Kevin's expression darkened, chilling Blake to the core. She had never seen him this serious. Her bravado faltered, replaced by a sense of guilt.As Susan was hoisted up, Kevin, visibly frustrated, declared, "Take her to the hospital. I'll cover all
Kevin looked at Madelyn intently, his eyes holding back his thoughts. He stood up, staying quiet. He never really thought of Madelyn as Mrs. Jardin.Kevin was just following Zach's orders, even though he did not really want to. In a different time, Kevin could have been Zach's devoted general, unwavering in war.Perceptive to Kevin's feelings, Madelyn addressed him, "Mr. Harrison, your look says it all. I know you disapprove of me. I overheard part of your conversation. You and Zach are using women as pawns for your ambitions. Isn't that akin to exploitation?"Her voice chilled as she continued, "Whether or not you have genuine feelings for Blake, I advise you to keep your distance. It's not about suitability; it's about worthiness. You don't measure up to someone like Liam.""Don't repeat Zach's mistakes," she warned, sounding protective, almost maternal.Before leaving his office, she added, "I'll discuss Blake's situation with Zach. After all, he listens to everything I say now
Madelyn smiled as she spoke, "Blake, don't become a pawn in their power games. You're a kind soul. Perhaps it's best for you to leave Jardin Corporation. If Kevin makes it difficult, I'll speak with Zach. And between Kevin and Liam, Liam is your better choice."Blake, still grappling with the complexities of office politics, listened intently. Madelyn's insight into the power dynamics at play, particularly the unfolding rivalry between Zach and Cecilia, highlighted the precarious position Blake found herself in. Departure seemed like a prudent option.Madelyn left after tending to Blake's injuries and advising her to take care. As Madelyn entered a waiting Bentley, Blake sat there and tried to digest Madelyn's advice.In the car, Zach placed a blanket over Madelyn's legs, his concern evident. He commented, "You care for everyone, yet you often neglect me."Madelyn, unfazed, replied, "You have plenty who'd dote on you at a moment's notice."Zach drew her close and said, "Isn't bein
Blake sprinted to the upstairs conference room and noticed Kevin was not in his office. Her haste stirred curiosity in the department, but no one dared to ask. Blake's closeness to Madelyn kept them at bay.The office was alive with gossip. Some said Madelyn had scolded Kevin in the secretary's office. Others whispered about Zach's plan to fire his longtime assistant. The wildest rumor was Blake pressuring Kevin to marry her.Blake went to the ninety-ninth floor and saw Kevin coming out of Zach's office, holding some documents. He ignored her as he passed.'He's ignoring me!' Blake fumed internally.Blake impulsively seized Kevin's tie, drawing surprised stares from nearby colleagues. Kevin had underestimated Blake's boldness at work.In a dim corridor, the motion-sensor lights flickered on, then off. The emergency sign cast a faint green glow. Blake looked into Kevin's eyes as she held his necktie.Kevin's voice shattered the quiet, "Do you even know what you're doing?"Blake's