Chapter 1001

Chapter 1001 Toby’s Careful Thoughts

Charles fell silent after hearing the answers from the assistants and secretaries. What was it that he didn’t get it this time?

After being hidden in the lounge by Sonia, the person watching him in the lounge was actually Daphne.

It was no surprise that Sonia wanted to keep him from opening the lounge door so that he would not see Daphne.

“President Lane? President Lane?” The assistants in the office could not help but call Charles twice out of curiosity when they saw him standing at the door with his head slightly lowered.

“What’s the matter?” His eyes flickered briefly before returning to normal.

“Oh, nothing at all. It’s just that we noticed you suddenly lost your focus and we’re concerned that something is up with you,” the assistants said while shaking their heads.

“It’s all right. Continue with your work. I’m not going to bother you,” Charles said as he rubbed his brows.

Then, he exited the room, shut the door, and leaned against the wall of the assistant secretary’s office. Deep in thought, he raised his head slightly to look at the corridor ceiling.

He finally understood why Daphne hid in Sonia’s lounge and refused to come out. It was all because he had stated that he did not want to see her again. Due to his words, Daphne probably hid when she heard him approaching. Huh, she really did remember my words and stood by them.

Charles had an incomprehensible expression, indicating that he was feeling uneasy. By right, he should be happy and satisfied that Daphne had reacted in that manner. Instead of being pleased, he was rather irritated and bothered when she avoided him.

He became enraged the more he thought about it, so he abruptly opened the door to the assistant secretary’s office once again.

The ajar door disturbed the secretaries and assistants inside, who were focused on their work, and several of them stared at the man.

“President Lane… Do you need something?” an assistant asked cautiously while blinking at a glum Charles.

“Does Daphne have anything going on these days?” Charles asked with a muffled voice while squeezing his palms. For instance, did she mention me? Did she ask about my whereabouts?

However, his face darkened at the thought. What the hell? Why should I care if Daphne has mentioned me? Am I crazy?

Just as he was about to dismiss his question to save them from answering, the secretaries and assistants were prompt to reply to him. “Is there anything wrong with her?”

The previous respondent touched her chin and thought for a moment before nodding. “Yes.”

“Really?” Charles asked, surprised.

“Yes. Daphne has been frequently dazed recently. She is always sick and requests leave from time to time,” the assistant confirmed.

“She’s sick? What happened to her?” He frowned.

“Well, I’m not sure about this. We asked her, but she didn’t say much,” the assistant responded as she shook her head.

After not receiving the desired answer, he hummed slightly and exited the room, closing the door behind him.

The secretaries and assistants in the office exchanged glances after the door was shut; their eyes were filled with doubt and confusion. They all thought Charles was odd and no one could figure out what he was thinking.

After closing the door, he leaned against the wall with his head lowered slightly while he thought about something.

He was thinking about what the assistant had just said, that Daphne was frequently dazed and was also always absent due to an illness.

Regarding her well-being, he actually did know a thing or two.

When his mother returned from a physical examination in the hospital, she told him that she had met Daphne, who was also in the hospital.

However, it was said that Daphne had some issues with her cervical spine, but no other major illnesses.

Is it necessary to take a three to five days’ leave due to a cervical spine problem? Will this divert her attention from work?

Daphne had known Charles for quite some time. Being the one most familiar with her, he knew that she was a powerful woman. She once had a nearly 104 degree fever but refused to give up her work.

As a result, a person like her could not possibly become depressed simply because of a minor cervical spine issue. There had to be other reasons that he did not know of.

Terminal illness? No way.

Charles’ face tensed as he considered this possibility and his heart sank for a moment; it felt like his heart was yanked to the pit of his stomach, leaving him breathless.

Just as he was thinking about it, the door to the office next to him clicked open, derailing his train of thoughts.

Sonia emerged with her bag on her shoulders. She noticed the uneasy looking Charles, so she inquired, “What’s the matter, Charles?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I just thought of something. Well, it’s not important. Let’s go, shall we?” he spoke hoarsely as he raised his head and forced a smile.

She nodded in agreement when she noticed he did not want to explain further. “Alright, let’s go.” They walked together to the elevator, then entered the car and drove to the hotpot restaurant.

However, Charles did not possess the lively and carefree character he usually had in Sonia’s office as he remained silent, serious, and preoccupied throughout the car ride.

Driving, Sonia gaped a few times in an attempt to ask him what was wrong, but every time she saw his solemn expression, she eventually remained quiet. As a result, the mood in the car was rather depressed and heavy.

Toby, on the other hand, had arrived at Connor’s hotel. He was not in a hurry to get out of the car; instead, he was sitting in his car, holding his phone and talking on the phone.

After hearing about the news that Sonia and Charles had left Paradigm Co., he hummed with a frown and hung up the phone.

When Tom overheard the conversation, he could not help but turn his head. “Are you upset, President Fuller, because Miss Reed is having lunch with Mr. Lane?”

Toby kept his phone and looked at Tom. “Charles is here to help Little Leaf, so it’s perfectly normal for her to have a meal with him. If I’m jealous over trivial matters like this, I’ll appear selfish.”

“You’re right, President Fuller,” Tom replied with a chuckle.

However, Toby snorted before asking, “Please check the location where they’re having lunch.”

“For what, President Fuller? You said you aren’t jealous, didn’t you? So why do you care where they eat?” Tom’s brow furrowed.

Is he shameless? He squinted at Toby as he thought about it with his eyes clearly mocking.

Toby pursed his thin lips and answered quietly, “I’m not jealous, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care where they go. I’m only concerned about Little Leaf’s well-being.”

When Tom heard Toby’s words, he sighed and rolled his eyes.

He’s unbelievable! He’s obviously jealous. Why is he being so pompous?

Obviously, Tom obviously did not dare to rebuke him, so he just nodded and smiled. “Alright, President Fuller. I’ll have someone look into it,” he assured.

“After inquiring, please pay for their meal and then notify Charles that I have paid. Make sure he knows that I was the one who bought him lunch,” Toby said with a noble hum as he raised his chin.