Chapter 19 A Half-Day Off

Alexia subconsciously sat up straighter as she looked up, seeing Chaim standing at the door wearing a silver and grey suit, followed by Assistant Chiao.

“What were you saying about a dress?” Chaim asked again.

Putting down the phone, Alexia stood up. “It’s the welcome party tonight. I just learned about the dress code and I don’t have an appropriate dress.”

“Is there such a thing as not having an appropriate dress?” Chaim mused, twisting his head around to glance at his assistant.

Assistant Chiao pushed his glasses up his nose, “Yes, the vice-president informed everyone to wear full dresses because you have invited many high-profile people in the industry.”

“I know that,” Chaim answered indifferently before walking toward his office.

Alexia received a formulaic smile from Assistant Chiao, then watched as he quickly followed Chaim.

Alexia didn’t know what to make of Chaim’s behavior as she closed the door to her office.

Unable to make sense of any of it, Alexia shook her head to clear it and went back to sorting out the documents.

Thankfully there weren’t many documents, she just needed to sort them and scan them into the computer.

After finishing her work, Alexia brewed a strong cup of coffee and idly browsed web pages. Then, she thought of something and solemnly put her coffee down before typing.

She clicked on the first link: the side effects of bone marrow donation.

The heart rate calmed as she read that the bone marrow donation wasn’t likely fatal, but that was before she read the potential side effects.

“…thirty percent of people are at risk of senility, reduced bone marrow production, and elevated white blood cells leading to leukemia…”

Reading this, Alexia’s hands trembled uncontrollably and her face paled in fear. She hadn’t expected the side effects to be so severe, and she wasn’t to accept any one of them. No one knew whether she’d be one of the thirty percent. What should she do?

Alexia bit her nails as her mind raced.

Chills wracked her body, as she walked into a giant freezer, and the anxiety almost completely consumed her.

Finally, around noon, Alexia started to get her anxiety under control when another secretary came by her office with a pile of documents to take to Chaim’s office.

Alexia patted her cheeks to bring the color back to them and took a deep breath. Then, she picked up the documents and headed across the hall.

Assistant Chiao was leaving as Alexia approached and he looked at her in surprise before collecting himself.

“Secretary White, I was just about to look for you.”

His greeting made Alexia feel a tad uncomfortable. “Is there something you need from me, Assistant Chiao?”

“Mr. Lancaster said you don’t have to work this afternoon.”

“I don’t have to work?” Alexia’s eyes grew large as the anxiety returned and the pitch of her voice rose an octave. “Is he firing me?”

Assistant Chiao’s had to stifle a laugh before he smiled. “No, Mr. Lancaster has merely given you the rest of the day off. He worries you wouldn’t have the energy to attend the welcome party tonight otherwise.”

“Oh, that’s all.” Alexia breathed a sigh of relief and rubbed her neck awkwardly.

Assistant Chiao noticed the documents on her another hand. “Are these for Mr. Lancaster?”

“Yes.” Alexia nodded.

“Give them to me, I’ll take them in for you.”

“Oh, thank you, Assistant Chiao.”

Assistant Chiao placed them on Chaim’s desk after going back to the office.

“Did you tell her?”

Assistant Chiao nodded.

Chaim rubbed his eyes wearily. “Please, order a dress suitable for Alexia later.”

“Is there anything else besides the dress?” Assistant Chiao asked after a moment.

Chaim stroked his chin, pondering for a moment. “Also order her some high heels. As for jewelry… I remember the necklace of a swan-pendant had arrived. You picked it up this afternoon, correct?”

Assistant Chiao looked at him in surprise. “Yes, but isn’t that a gift you prepared for Ms. Evelyn?”

“Just order another one.” Chaim waved his hand carelessly.

Eve couldn’t play the white swan on stage now, or perhaps ever. If she saw the necklace, it would inevitably upset her. Chaim might as well give it to Alexia.

“I understand.”

Naturally, Assistant Chiao had no problem with it. He pushed up his glasses and went out to complete his tasks.

*****

Later that afternoon, Chaim was finishing his paperwork and was about to leave to visit the hospital.

Until Assistant Chiao rushed in, sweating and carrying a pile of gift boxes. “Mr. Lancaster!”

“What’s going on?” Chaim looked at him.

Assistant Chiao placed the gift boxes on the sofa. “Ms. White wasn’t in the villa.”

“She wasn’t?” Chaim frowned.

“No, Aunt Song said Ms. White went shopping.”

“Shopping?” Chaim’s expression darkened.

He gave her half a day off to rest and, as a result, she went shopping.

Chaim took out his phone to call Alexia.

The call was quickly answered, and Alexia’s surprised voice came through. “Mr. Lancaster?”

“Where are you?” Chaim asked coldly.