Ten minutes later, all the employees in the planning department were gathered in the meeting room. Manager Hayley was seated at the front of the room. She looked professional and fashionable as always.When the room quieted down, Manager Hayley smiled at Monique and said politely, “Monique, congratulations on your promotion.”At that, everyone turned to look at Monique.Unaccustomed to the attention, Monique nervously gripped the edge of her top and said, “Thank you.”She was aware that her promotion was undeserving.“Is there anything you would like to say?” the manager asked.Monique’s eyes widened in surprise. She did not know what to say.She gingerly stood up. Her cheeks were already red as she blinked a few times. “Everyone in the office are really helpful. The proposal I wrote was guided by Amelia, so thank you.”Manager Hayley said nothing as she watched Monique.No one knew what was going on but they watched in silence. There was a twinkle of mischief in the eyes of A
Manager Hayley spoke in an icy tone, “You said the same thing when I first interviewed you but I heard you’ve been absent and leaving early during your first week of work. Do you think that’s working hard?” The Chairman Moore that she knew appreciated punctuality. However, that was before meeting Monique.Monique bit her lip and stayed silent.She did have her reasons but what the manager said was true. She lowered her head and apologized, “I’m sorry. I had some urgent matters that day. I’ll strive to be better.”Her sincerity placated Manager Hayley’s anger. She said, “I won’t look into your promotion but you should know the real reason behind it. Despite that, I hope you understand the planning department emphasizes on merit, not personal connections.”Monique kept her eyes on the floor and pursed her lips.Manager Hayley was right and she knew it.In an unhurried voice, the manager said, “Many in the department are unhappy with this development. I believe you wouldn’t want peo
Yvonne was busy in the office. She wanted to slack off but the orders kept coming.When everything settled down, she took her mug and headed for the water dispenser. She was so thirsty.She went to the washroom on her way back to her desk. While she was in the stall, she heard voices talking outside.“Did you see the huge bouquet that came for the chairman’s driver?”“It was so romantic. I’m jealous. I’d faint if the chairman looked at me.”“No way he’d look at you if you’re so easy. He not only gave her flowers, she was even promoted.”“So soon? Didn’t she just join a few days ago?”“Exactly! And I heard her attendance was horrible for her first week of work. If not for the chairman’s orders…”Yvonne waited until the women left the washroom before exiting the stall.Was this the reason she was getting odd looks by her coworkers?Highly likely.That wild child was promoted yet Yvonne was stuck doing menial tasks.Yvonne thought of sending Henry the photo she took but hesita
Yvonne’s uproar clearly soured Monique’s mood.She collected her thoughts at the stairway before going back to the office.She could feel the stares of her coworkers but she remained calm.Once she was back at her desk, she started her work.The company hosted many dinner parties in a year. She found information on the previous events as she was browsing through the company’s internal server.Time passed without Monique noticing. Her phone suddenly rang.“Hello, Monique speaking.”The reply came some moment later, “It’s me.”It was a masculine voice on the phone.Henry…Why was he calling at this time?Monique felt a warmth in her chest as a smile tugged at her lips. ‘Did he miss me?’The thought of Henry’s handsome face made her heart beat faster.“Bring me a cup of coffee,” Henry said in a husky tone.Monique uttered a sound of affirmation.Henry smiled as he hung up the phone.Monique stood from her seat and went to get the cup of coffee. She delivered the coffee to He
Henry was so caught up with work that he did not notice that Monique was still there after dropping off the coffee.“Welcome,” he replied distractedly. It was just a mere flower bouquet. If she liked it, Henry could arrange for one every day.Monique stood awkwardly wringing her hands.Was that all?That was his response?A mere “welcome” without any follow up?Henry continued reading the documents in silence.At that point, Monique retreated from the office.She was embarrassed. What did she hope he would say?That he missed her?What happened to the shy Monique?She wondered why Henry called her to deliver his coffee.Did the 23rd floor not have coffee?She returned to the planning department frustrated as questions plagued her mind.When she walked into the office, she felt stares coming from her coworkers.At lunchtime, everyone left for lunch except for Monique.She glanced at her phone, wondering if Henry had his lunch. She remembered that he only took a small bit
Perhaps Henry fell for Monique.Was Henry trying to expose his identity by sending flowers to Monique in public? Was he acknowledging that Monique was his girlfriend?It was not their first time having a meal together. However, this would be Monique's first time inviting Henry for a meal. Henry was very delighted as his lips curled while he put on a beautiful smile and said, "Then, come upstairs for a meal."Henry beamed at the contract that Mandy delivered after he hung up the call. He went through the terms and conditions in it and placed it back on the table.Monique buried her face in her hands as it went red.She tidied up her clothes and was ready to head out.Initially, Amelia went to the restaurant. Then she came back to the office after she realized that she left her handphone and purse in the office. Upon reaching the office, she happened to hear Monique calling Henry 'dearie'. Seeing Monique's bashful expression nearly made Amelia throw up.'It's hard to imagine that
Monique arrived on the 23rd floor and it seemed that Mandy left for lunch as she made her way into the chairman's office.The chairman's towering silhouette was seen sitting on the office chair. He earnestly glanced through the documents on the desk.Monique's heart started racing when she saw Henry's handsome face. She lifted her head and took a gleam at Henry as she was feeling bashful. She then called out, "Dearie."Monique got used to calling Henry 'dearie'. It started coming naturally to her.She called out to him in a loving tone.Henry lifted his gaze and saw Monique's pretty face and glittering eyes. It was as though they were embellished with stars."Mm." Henry faintly answered. He got up and headed straight to the fancy dining table. He did not even ask Monique why she was late.Monique trailed Henry to the dining table and said, "I'm sorry, just now…"Monique's speech was cut short when she saw Henry staring at her chest.Monique's white shirt was drenched. Her silk
Henry smirked as he revealed a sneaky smile and said, "I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to resist myself if you keep seducing me like that."Henry's deep and sexy voice gave off a prestigious aura.Monique quickly walked away as she was terrified that Henry might not be able to control himself.Monique made her way to the dressing room. Monique felt that time passed in a blink of an eye. She could still vividly recall the first time she entered the dressing room. There were tons of clothes that had price tags showing its pricey cost. Monique remembered picking one without a price tag which she thought would just be an ordinary shirt. However, it turned out to cost $500.She even remembered being forced to kiss after she exited the dressing room.She thought Henry was a pervert.Henry could be very gentle at times. However, he can also be ruthless and perverted sometimes. He was very gentle earlier when he expressed his concern toward Monique.Monique touched her face and her lips.