11.NOT FOR FREE 1

Emma cleared her throat, watching the shop assistant pack up the items. She glanced at Jerry’s back and noticed he had taken off his suit jacket.

As if sensing her gaze, he turned to face her, and she quickly looked back at the assistant. When she risked a glance at Jerry again, she saw he had unbuttoned the top two buttons of his white dress shirt, revealing smooth skin and a hint of an inked tattoo.

*No wonder I kissed him,* Emma thought. She immediately blushed, frantically trying to shove the thought out of her mind.

She had been wondering how she’d managed to kiss his neck while he was wearing a full suit, and now she knew.

Trying to bridge the awkward silence, she said, "Um, boss, I’m sure your fiancée will be very pleased to receive these gifts."

She was trying to soothe his temper.

She’d learned that the best way to handle an angry person was with a little flattery. She couldn't lie—she was terrified. She had no idea what was going through his head; instead of his usual glare, his face was completely blank, and it gave her the creeps.

Jerry frowned, and Emma breathed a sigh of relief when he finally reacted. "And who told you these were for my fiancée?"

"Well, isn't she the only woman in your life , and you spent a fortune on all this," she reasoned.

"Mhm, true..." Jerry drawled thoughtfully, then continued, "Aren't you a woman?"

"Sure... I am," Emma replied, giving him an awkward look.

What kind of a question was that?

"And aren't you in my life?" Jerry asked, tilting his head to the side. He chuckled softly as he watched her confused expression.

The shop assistant dropped a leather bag, her eyes widening in shock.

She couldn't believe the cold-hearted CEO was actually chuckling. She felt an ugly glare snap toward her—actually, it was two. One from her boss, and the other from the CEO. She knew she was done for.

Her boss, Mrs. Donald, had strictly warned the staff never to anger this man. Everyone had been in a state of panic since he walked in, and Mrs. Donald had maintained a stiff, practiced smile the entire time, desperate to satisfy him.

"Don't ever drop my things on the floor again. Be careful," he warned.

He turned his cold gaze toward Mrs. Donald. "I didn't know you started employing such careless workers. She just mishandled my goods."

Mrs. Donald smiled anxiously, bowing repeatedly. "I’m so sorry for the inconvenience, Mr. Jerry. We will make sure it never happens again."

"You’d better, unless you don't want me shopping here anymore," Jerry threatened . before turning his attention back to his manager, who was currently glaring at him.

Emma wanted to smack him.

It was just clothes, not glass; why was he making such a fuss? And what did he mean by saying she was "in his life"? When had they agreed to that?

It wasn't like it would be the end of the world if he stopped shopping here, she thought—though that wasn't exactly true.

It would certainly be the end of this shop’s business, especially if he left a bad review. People would do anything for a man like him... it was a pity they hadn't met him in real life.

Emma remembered her favorite actress once claiming she was on a "diet" after a vacation, even though she was already thin enough to be snapped like a twig. Emma had followed the advice, hating every second of the month she spent eating nothing but fruits and vegetables.

God, the things people did for celebrities.

"Um, sir, not for long," she said, holding his gaze.

Jerry tilted his head, smiling. "Is that so, huh?" He nodded, then his face dropped back into a serious, blank mask. "Anyway, these are for you."

"Eh... "

"I mean, what do you mean?" Emma asked, her mouth forming an 'O.'

He must be joking right . but her boss never holes at least with that face.

She stared at the shopping bags and then back at his stern face. *Doesn't he ever actually smile?* she wondered, shoving the thought away.

"Don't make me repeat myself. The clothes and shoes are for you. I don't want you dressing like that in the office tomorrow. You’ll be following me on business trips, and I won't have you looking like that." He pointed a finger at her current outfit .

Jerry looked up and caught Emma’s wide, delighted smile. For a split second, his heart skipped a beat. He frowned, his hand moving unconsciously to his neck, right where her soft lips had been a few minutes ago.

Emma couldn't help the small smile that spread across her face ,all along she was thinking it for his fiance or probably someone else , but he was shopping for her . No wonder he kept using her size for reference.

she still wondered why he would do that instead of asking she said excitedly

"Thank you, boss, thank you so—"

"I don't need your thanks, Miss Jones."

"Oh, okay then. I promise I’ll work hard to help the company. I’ll work diligently, that I promise!" Emma clenched her fists, staring up at the ceiling with intense determination.

Jerry cleared his throat, pulling her attention back to him.

"And whose company are you planning to destroy? It’s certainly not mine, Miss Jones."

Seeing she was about to protest, he hushed her.

"Let me finish. I don't need empty declarations. You have a lot to learn, and if you make any mistakes, I’ll be deducting the damages from your salary until you’re left with a penny."

Emma gasped, clutching her chest.

This man.....

she thought shaking her head but didn't say anything knowing better than to argue with him .

She consoled herself by looking at the bags; at least the man had a tiny bit of good in him, not knowing what he was already planning with this