Chapter 184

Chapter 184 “The CEO had a matchmaking dinner with the White Group’s heiress last night! My best friend works under Miss White–she told me everything!”

“The White Group? Sounds like a strategic alliance.”

“And check Miss White’s lunch grid post–full spread with the CEO in the frame. Caption says: He mentioned preferring women with good appetites. Looking forward to Saturday’s food tour in New York.“”

“Wow, it’s too obvious! So the match. worked? They’re dating now?”

“Yeah. Guess a good appetite is suddenly a virtue when billionaires flirt.”

“Ugh, my ship sank! The CEO belongs with Mr. Louis!”

“Since when? Are you crazy? Mr. Jones is obviously into Olivia!”

“Enough. Nobody wins. All your delusions. crash today, okay? Once Mr. Jones has a legitimate girlfriend, every other fantasy turns... inappropriate.”

“So Olivia becomes the mistress then.”

The gossip group fell silent.

Someone finally muttered, “What else can you be if you’re loved but not marriageable? Dynasties need politically viable wives.

That’s how it works.”

I stepped into the office and cleared my throat sharply.

The group jolted. Their panic sharpened when they recognized me. I could tell they all felt embarrassed.

“Charging the company for your fanfiction hour?” I tapped my watch, then let my tone thaw.“Though five minutes of delusion might boost productivity. I’ll let it slide this time.”

They breathed a sigh of relief. I told them to get back to work Someone apologized to me. “Olivia, I’m really sorry, we shouldn’t have gossiped about you behind your back.”

I didn’t mind. “Well, gossip’s inevitable, but can you guys please at least circulate something honorable? For example, clarify that I’m neither Mr. Jones’s woman nor future mistress.”

They nodded compliance. Their eyes betrayed lingering delusions.

I didn’t bother explaining.

I climbed back upstairs, mug in hand. The truth about Evan’s New York trip crystallized as I filled my water bottle-

Walking into the break room, I saw Zach grinding beans.

“Mr. Jones isn’t napping today?”

“Yeah, that’s kind of rare. Maybe he’s clearing deadlines before Saturday’s outing.”

“Oh.” I nodded. Getting my water, I took a sip Someone apologized to me.“Olivia, I’m really sorry, we shouldn’t have gossiped about you behind your back.”

I didn’t mind.“Well, gossip’s inevitable, but can you guys please at least circulate something honorable? For example, clarify that I’m neither Mr. Jones’s woman nor future mistress.”

They nodded compliance. Their eyes betrayed lingering delusions.

I didn’t bother explaining.

I climbed back upstairs, mug in hand. The truth about Evan’s New York trip crystallized as I filled my water bottle-

Walking into the break room, I saw Zach grinding beans.

“Mr. Jones isn’t napping today?”

“Yeah, that’s kind of rare. Maybe he’s clearing deadlines before Saturday’s outing.”

“Oh.” I nodded. Getting my water, I took a sip and commented, “This time, I bet you’ll be accompanying him.”

“Why?”

My certainty made Zach glance up from the coffee machine.

“Because this is gonna be a date. My presence would complicate things.”

Beans scattered across the counter. Zach looked a bit shocked.“What? A date? With who?”

“Miss Helen.”

I summarized last night’s matchmaking details. “He mentioned going to New York this Saturday. Miss White’s lunch post referenced Saturday’s food tour. Connect the dots.”

Zach’s slow nod resembled chess grandmaster spotting checkmate.“I see.”

Only when Olivia exited did his coffee–stained logic catch up: Why would Mr. Jones prefer me as chaperone for a date?

Unless... Olivia’s aware of his... inclinations?

Near the end of the workday, Evan called both me and Zach into his office.

“Zach, you’ll go with me to New York on Saturday. Olivia, please deal with the emails sent to my inbox these two days.” Evan instructed.

I knew I was right!

Zach shot me a how did you hack his brain stare. It was like I could predict the future.

I answered with a slight lift of my shoulder. It’s not that hard. It’s more like Elementary deduction. Men’s emotional ploys always follow the same algorithm.

He’d executed textbook post–matchmaking maneuvers last night–flawless courtship of White Group’s asset, yet still found time to flirt with me. Of course he’d hide me during Saturday’s official courtship phase.

“Do you have any objections?”

Evan’s pen hovered over the contract when neither of us responded immediately. His gaze lifted like frost crystallizing on glass.