Lillian lapsed into silence.Across from her, Serena's heart thumped with nervous anticipation, though she maintained a façade of composure. She was uncertain whether her words would intimidate Lillian. Her understanding of Lillian was limited, but if there was one thing she knew for certain, it was Lillian's pride.So Serena gambled on this approach.As Lillian remained mute, Serena's palms grew sweaty under the table. She forced a smile, "What's wrong, you don't agree?"Lillian glanced at her, her tone light, "You seem rather anxious?""I'm not anxious, I'm just..."Cut off by Lillian's sharp retort, Serena nearly revealed her true state. Hurriedly, she backpedaled, "Take your time to think."Serena wished Lillian would make a quick decision as she had previously claimed. Wouldn't that be wonderful? But Lillian was deep in thought.In truth, signing the agreement meant little to her; even without it, she intended to fulfill all but the first clause—leaving the country for five years

"What, what?" Serena could hardly believe her ears. This wasn't the outcome she had envisioned. She had hoped her lovingly prepared lunch would impress Oliver, showcasing her bandaged fingers, and in turn, he would be deeply moved and concerned for her. It was supposed to be an opportunity to spend intimate time alone in his office, not... this. Serena, refusing to concede, managed an awkward smile. "Oliver, what urgent matter do you have? If it won’t take long, I could wait for you in your office." "Sorry, Serena, I will be out for a while. You should head back first." "I..." The assistant had already approached Serena. "Miss Serena, if you please." Serena’s heart sank, her lips tightening as she bit back her frustration, turning to Oliver with eyes brimming with tears. Would this display of vulnerability make any difference to him? However, Oliver didn’t even see her reddened eyes. By the time his assistant approached, he had already strode away, his urgency unmistakable. Left

"Are you idling away your time, or has delivering meals become part of your job? If you desire a change—"Oliver bit back the rest of his sentence as he caught the critical words from his assistant: Secretary Shen."What did you just say? Secretary Shen?"The assistant nodded dumbfoundedly, "Yes, that's what the delivery person mentioned."Right on cue, Oliver’s phone chimed with a message from Lillian."I heard from Granny you haven't had lunch, so I ordered some food for you. The restaurant said it's been delivered. Did you get it?"The anger clouding Oliver's face dissipated somewhat upon reading the message, though his tone remained gruff, "Playing the good Samaritan after avoiding me like the plague?"He shot his assistant a look."Bring it in.""Okay."The assistant carried the bag to the desk, placing it beside Serena’s lunch, which now seemed like an eyesore.After a moment's thought, the assistant broached, "Mr. Qin, about the lunch Miss Serena made. You said I could have it?

Finally, under Lillian's composed gaze, Yolanda sat back down, though inside she seethed, biting her lip in fury. "Lillian, did you not hear their words? It’s outrageous, I want to tear their mouths apart."Lillian inquired methodically, "And then what? Start a commotion over a few remarks, and have everyone say that not only was I relegated to the cafeteria, but I also got into a brawl over some pointed jabs?"Yolanda's delicate brow furrowed. "That’s not what I meant, Lillian.""I'm well aware that's not what you intended. But do you really think confronting them would make a difference? No matter how you respond, you can't control what others say."Yolanda bit her lip harder. "I can’t just stand by while they slander you like this!"Her indignation on Lillian's behalf was touching. Lillian hadn't expected her usually timid assistant to show such obstinate loyalty.With a sigh, Lillian conceded, "Actually, it's not all slander."Yolanda's eyes widened in disbelief. "What are you say

Nolan lingered for quite a while in Lillian's office before taking his leave. As fate would have it, his exit coincided with Oliver and Serena’s approach. The sight of him tightened Oliver's gaze instantaneously, a chilly aura enveloping his demeanor.Accompanying Oliver, Serena instantly picked up on the tension. With a contemplative look towards Nolan, who was just leaving Lillian’s office, she mused aloud, “Mr. Jiang seems to be on rather good terms with Lillian. Weren’t they out dining together just the other day?”Oliver’s brow furrowed, his lips pressed into a thin line, answering her with silence. But Serena, feigning ignorance of his mood, carried on, “When I think about it, he's quite considerate towards Lillian. After the Shen family’s downfall, everyone avoided her, yet he joined the company alongside her and still keeps in touch. I used to hear rumors about her father grooming Mr. Jiang as a prospective son-in-law—I thought they were just jokes.”Serena paused there, choos