Chapter 14

Chapter 14 Mer Julian, what are you looking at?” Rita noticed his distraction and tugged at his sleeve. The trees obscured the view; Julian retracted his gaze.“Nothing.” He looked ahead, his thoughts heavy.

followed Evan. He stood by a tree, answering a call. From time to time he would glance back at me. I stopped, retreating to a gazebo nearby. Rubbing my temples, I felt utterly foolish.

waited until he hung up before approaching, awkward but trying to sound casual.“Guess your sharp eye saw right hrough me–

clearly not cut out to be your secretary. My bad for bothering you.”

Is that all you wanna say? To prove I was right?” He raised an eyebrow.

In his presence, I was completely defenseless, I offered a strained laugh. My job search was doomed anyway; I told him the truth.“I came here to fight for this opportunity. But between my terrible first impression and today’s circus act, it’s lear I’m not what you’re looking for. I just want to end this without burning bridges.”

His expression was cold and impassive. “You think those are my reasons for rejecting you?”

What else?”

You show up dressed like this for a secretary interview. If you get this job, people might think I hire for looks.” He eaned closer, his voice low.“Even if that were true... I’d have more discretion than to advertise it.”

ly cheeks flushed crimson, my ears burning. He was mocking my attempt to use my appearance to secure the position, and he found it contemptible.

felt too ashamed to stay, so I hastily bid farewell.“I understand. I’ll go now. Goodbye.” Without waiting for a reply, I quickly left.

Sloria and Mark returned, only to see Evan sit there alone. They were puzzled.

Where’s Olivia?”

She left.”

What?!” Gloria was surprised. She knew Olivia’s job search must have failed. Still, she said, “Mr. Jones, Olivia is credibly capable...”

van cut her off.“She doesn’t seem that way.”

loria immediately understood what he meant. She had thought every man would fall for beautiful women, but Evan as different.

Oh, I’m really sorry,” she quickly apologized.“It’s my fault. Olivia wasn’t dressed like that when she arrived. I wanted er to look more attractive... so I made her change.”

van didn’t know what to say.

ack home, I changed my clothes, sitting dejectedly at my vanity. Leaving the Shaw Corp, leaving Julian... had I come a loser?

nly when the self–pity fog lifted a little did I fish out my phone. It had been silenced since the interview. Countless issed calls flooded the screen–from Julian, from Gloria. Ignoring Julian’s, I called Gloria.“I’m really sorry. I wasn’t eling well, so I left early and forgot to tell you.”

Joria sighed. “I’m the one who should apologize.”

mart people didn’t need details.

Oh, it’s fine. I was just trying my luck. You’ve already helped me a lot; I appreciate it.”

Don’t mention it. I explained the outfit thing to Evan, but he said nothing. I got his number from Mr. Keller. Do you < Chapter 14 want to try again?”

I considered it for a few seconds, then gave up.“No, maybe Jones Group isn’t meant for me.”

Gloria said nothing more.

Hanging up, I lay in bed, feeling down and exhausted. Through a haze of sleep, I heard the door “Mmm...” I turned, my eyes fluttering open to see Julian standing by the bed, his face frosty. I didn’t want to talk to him, turning over and pulling the covers over my head.

“Are you home all day? Didn’t go out?” he asked tentatively.

I remained silent.

“I saw someone who looked like you at a golf club today.”

I opened my eyes sharply. He went there, too?

It was really ironic. I’d heard him and Rita have sex over the phone, yet he still had the audacity to ask if I’d left the house. I wanted to tell him that was me but the thought of him harassing Gloria made me hold my tongue.

He lifted a corner of the blanket, his gaze settling on my neck. Seeing no suspicious marks, his expression softened slightly. But he was still uneasy, insisting on an answer. “Did you go out today or not?”

“I didn’t. I spent the afternoon cleaning the yard. I’m going to sleep; stop bothering me.” I resented his closeness, pulling the covers back over my head. Seeing I wasn’t lying, Julian relented.

Night fell. Evan dined in his penthouse apartment. Gary served him, pouring his wine. He was Evan’s personal manager–driver, chef, housekeeper, occasionally assisting his assistant, Zach, with work.

“Any news from the headhunters?” Evan asked.

“Zach just sent a list of candidates; he wants you to review it.” Gary replied, then added, “Funny thing. Ms. Olivia Frost, the one I rear–ended, is on the list.”

Marw “Oh.” Evan put down his glass.“Get me my iPad.” His tone was casual, but Gary knew this was definite interest. Gary brought him his iPad. Evan opened the candidate list. He’d rejected several batches. He was looking for someone competent in management, with strong control, a good image, strong social skills, and the ability to handle various tasks–a top–notch Chief of Staff.

“Sir, Ms. Frost looks young, but her resume is quite impressive. She went from an employee to project manager in four years at the Shaw Corp. Its recent success is half due to her efforts. Many companies tried to poach her, but failed–because the Shaw Corp’s CEO, Julian Shaw, was her boyfriend. But rumors are that Shaw is going to marry Rita Crowe. Ms. Frost resigned from the Shaw Corp in a fit of anger. What a shame...”