Chapter 5

Klay was no match for Arthur’s commanding presence. He shot up straight and sheepishly bowed before excusing himself.

Arthur slammed the door shut before backing toward Anise. The first thing he saw was the bouquet she held.

“So, he has a crush on you and confessed?”

Anise met his gaze but did not provide an answer.

In the face of her silence, Arthur snatched the bouquet of roses from her and tossed it out the window.

Although Anise had rejected Klay’s confessions, it was not her intention to hurt his feelings like this.

She removed the IV drip strapped to her so she could go collect the roses. Before she could proceed, Arthur grabbed her wrist and pinned her to the hospital bed.

He glared intently at her with a glacial look in his eyes.

“What do you think you’re doing? What’s the point of picking up a spoiled bouquet? Are you telling me you’re into him?”

Anise pushed him away and spoke in an indifferent tone, “Mr. Renault, you're just my boss. It is not in your place to decide who I can get involved with.”

Arthur's expression was becoming increasingly grim. His grip around Anise’s wrist tightened, leaving marks.

“That may be true, but don’t you forget that office romances are not allowed in the company. If you’re going to date him, I’ll have him fired first thing tomorrow morning!”

Anise was aware that he was a man who did not issue blank threats. Because she did not want to undermine Klay, she answered frankly.

“I don’t have feelings for him and don’t intend to date him.”

Arthur’s expression softened slightly upon hearing this. Then, he suddenly released his grip and revealed the real reason for his visit.

“Clarice was the one who edited those pictures you saw during the annual party. I don’t blame her for being upset after she found out about what happened. We’re going to wait until the entire thing blows over, then I’ll promote you to head of the secretarial department and double your salary.

“Just keep your head down and focus on your work. Clarice has promised me this is the last time something like this will happen and that she won’t antagonize you anymore, so don’t hold any of this against her.”

Though the terms of his offer were tempting, Anise was unaffected.

She took a deep breath and braced herself to tell him about her resignation.

Just as she was about to speak, Clarice called.

“Arthur, I’m planning to go to the beach for a few days. Will you come with me?”

Arthur entertained her offer in a pleasant tone and seemed to have forgotten about Anise entirely as he turned to leave.

He was in such a hurry that he barely heard what Anise told him.

“I don't need a promotion. I already submitted my resignation letter.”

Anise lowered her eyes as the door shut.

Never mind. He would find out eventually.

Arthur spent the following period with Clarice and was nowhere to be seen. Meanwhile, Anise returned to work as usual.

As for Klay, he was transferred to another branch in his hometown the following day. Anise did not even get to see him one last time.

Although there were still people casting her the occasional strange look, nobody brought up the events at the annual party.

After the entire thing seemed to have blown over, Anise went to HR to ask if she could expedite her resignation.

HR appeared troubled by the request, “Miss Buccaneer, if you want to expedite your resignation, you’re going to need the direct approval of Mr. Renault.”

Anise nodded and proceeded to prepare an application for early resignation.

Just as she was about to go to Arthur for the signature, the man himself called her.

She was given an address and was instructed to head there immediately.

Soon, she found herself inside a private room in a club. Arthur, his friends, and Clarice were in the middle of a drinking game and seemed to be in high spirits.

Upon noticing her, Arthur gestured at the glasses on the table.

“Clarice has lost a few rounds and has to drink these as punishment, but she’s on her period today. Drink them for her, I’ll pay you ten thousand a glass.”

Anise was aware Arthur had a bout of excessive drinking a while ago that ruined his liver, so he could not handle another drop of alcohol.

Otherwise, he would have gladly drunk them for Clarice.

She glanced at the dozen or so glasses of whiskey on the table before stating faintly, “Mr. Renault, it’s already past working hours, and I have the right to refuse this task. If you do insist that I do it, I don’t need the money. All I ask for is a signature.”

Arthur frowned, “A signature? What for?”

Anise produced the application form and handed it to him.

Just as he was about to go through the form, Clarice took his hand and began to flirt with him.

“Arthur, I lost again. Hurry up and make her drink.”

Arthur obliged tenderly and proceeded to skim through the document.

After scribbling his signature, he tossed the pen back to Anise.

“There. Now drink.”