Chapter 7, Awkwardness

"If you don't want to talk about it, we can leave it for now, but at least give me your contact information."

Releasing her, Sharon Keynes ruffled her hair a couple of times, his eyes filled with infinite affection. As his gaze swept over the bun at the back of her head and her attire, he frowned slightly but said nothing.

Shen Bei nodded, not daring to meet his eyes. This man seemed to always be so understanding.

But, was this man perhaps being a bit too much in their relationship?

*Ring...* His phone rang.

He picked up, saying, "Dad, I can't make it... Fine, do as you wish."

After hanging up, the coldness on his face softened when he turned to look at Shen Bei. "Give me your new phone number."

Without waiting for her response, he took the phone from her hand, dialed his own number, and only returned it to her after hearing it ring.

"Do you want to sit for a while?" Seeing that Sharon Keynes didn't seem to be leaving, Shen Bei gestured for him to sit beside her. He was tall and striking, standing out quite a bit in the hall.

However, as she touched the chair, she felt a chill, and then a warm surge came from below.

"Oh..." She covered her mouth, biting her lip and frowning. Without even looking, she knew her period had started, and her pants were probably stained.

Since giving birth to Gordon MacArthur, her previous menstrual cramps had disappeared. Her periods usually came without much notice. Recently, because of Gordon MacArthur, she had been distracted, so...

"What's wrong?" Seeing her expression change, Sharon Keynes stood up and crouched in front of her, asking with some concern.

Shen Bei looked past Sharon Keynes, frowning, and whispered, "I, my period started, and... it seems my pants are dirty."

This was the first time she had ever mentioned this to a man, especially in such a situation. Her face flushed red.

Sharon Keynes was only momentarily stunned. He coughed deliberately, then leaned in and said softly, "Wait here, I'll be right back."

Before she could react, he ran towards the door...

Watching his retreating figure, Shen Bei felt a momentary daze. She touched her cheek, remembering how many people had liked and pursued her in school due to her beauty. But since she had changed her appearance, Sharon Keynes was the first man to show such kindness, and he was exceptionally handsome.

She swallowed, feeling a mix of emotions.

Suddenly, the murmurs in the hall ceased, replaced by an unusual silence, followed by the sound of uneven footsteps.

A group of men in suits emerged, and then a man in a brown suit appeared. He had sharp eyebrows, deep-set eyes, and a tall, slender build—truly a perfect man!

Feeling his gaze sweep towards her, Shen Bei quickly lowered her head, waiting for him to approach.

"It's your housekeeper!" Lisa Hamlet also noticed Shen Bei.

"Go see what she's doing here."

Lisa Hamlet avoided the crowd's gaze, stepping back and approaching Shen Bei from the side.

Shen Bei nodded at him, taking out some medicine from her backpack and handing it to him. "the servant said this is for the young master."

After that, she ignored Lisa Hamlet, keeping her head down.

As Channing MacArthur passed by, she could feel him looking at her, but she didn't want to acknowledge him. His dismissive attitude last night still bothered her.

But...

"Aren't you leaving yet?" Surprisingly, he spoke.

Shen Bei frowned, then answered truthfully, "I... I'm waiting for someone."

Checking the time on her phone, she added, "Xiaoxi is sleeping, I'll go back soon."

"Who gave you permission to use work hours for personal matters?" Channing MacArthur turned around, stepping closer and standing in front of her.

Seeing her avoid his gaze, he felt a bit angry. He used his folder to lift her chin, forcing her to look at him.

His unusual action caused a collective gasp from the onlookers.

For the usually cold Channing MacArthur to act this way, who was this woman? And why did she seem so ordinary?

The nearest female employee reminded Shen Bei, "Stand up! What kind of behavior is this in front of Mr. MacArthur?"

Shen Bei felt her blood rush to her head. Stand up? If she could, wouldn't she already have done so?

Seeing her unresponsive, more people began to gossip. Who was Channing MacArthur? Even high-ranking officials showed deference to him. This woman, who looked like just another employee, dared to be so bold.

Channing MacArthur didn't speak, just stared at her, as if trying to see through her.

Shen Bei swatted away his folder, annoyed by his actions. She was just an employee at his home; why did he act like an emperor?

And he was overly self-centered. If it weren't for Gordon MacArthur, she would never have worked for him.

With these thoughts, she looked away, ignoring them.

She knew her attitude would anger Channing MacArthur, but apart from Gordon MacArthur, she had no other attachments. So, she wasn't afraid. Besides, how could she explain herself in front of so many people?

Her evident disdain and impatience made Channing MacArthur doubt his own eyes.

"Charlotte..." It was Sharon Keynes's voice.

Shen Bei had never thought anyone's voice could sound so beautiful. At this moment, it was like a heavenly melody. She quickly turned, her face lighting up with a smile.

Sharon Keynes approached, a black-and-white checked shirt draped over his left arm and a black paper bag in his right hand.

"Sharon Keynes!" She looked up at him, only managing to call his name, but she felt a wave of relief.

"Here, put this shirt on." Sharon Keynes draped the shirt over her shoulders, then leaned in and whispered, "You can get up now. I'll take you to the restroom."

His breath was warm against her ear, and the blush that had just faded returned.

This scene was extremely irritating to Channing MacArthur.

Shen Bei didn't dare to look at the others. She got up, holding onto Sharon Keynes's arm, and, after a moment, turned to nod at Channing MacArthur without a word, then walked in the opposite direction.

She tugged at the shirt, finding it reached her knees, and relaxed a bit.

Watching the woman walk away, Channing MacArthur was furious. He had never been treated with such disregard, especially in front of so many people.

His face turned ashen, and his grip on the folder tightened, turning his knuckles white.