Lahat ng Kabanata ng Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable: Kabanata 771 - Kabanata 780

Hugo gave a brief nod of acknowledgment, then asked, "What would you like to drink, Diana?""Coffee," Diana replied."Sure." He walked to the office door, pulled it open, and looked toward the secretary seated at a nearby desk. "Wanda, make Diana a latte. Less sugar, more milk, and not too hot."Wanda Greene looked up at him in surprise before quickly lowering her head again. "Right away, Mr. Kingston."Her reaction was understandable. Even Diana found it a little strange. She had not expected Hugo to know her preferences in such detail.Still, she did not read too much into it. "You have a good memory.""Not really." Hugo smiled faintly. "I just happened to remember."Diana said nothing. She lowered her gaze and flipped through the contract they had just signed. Silence settled between them for a few moments.Soon, someone knocked on the office door."Come in."The door opened, and Wanda entered carrying a cup of coffee. It was one of the Jillson Group's standard white mugs,

Summer's grip tightened around the insulated pot, her knuckles turning white.Hugo looked away from her, picked up the landline on his desk, and dialed the HR extension. "Process Wanda Green's termination. As soon as possible." His voice remained calm, but it carried an authority that left no room for argument.The person on the other end hesitated for a moment before quickly agreeing.After hanging up, Hugo turned his gaze back to Summer.She went rigid. She had never expected Hugo to fire the woman outright after hearing only a few words."Hugo, you... You've got it wrong. Your secretary has nothing to do with me. I really did just happen to run into Miss Hutton..."Hugo listened with complete indifference, as though the matter had nothing to do with him. "If you have nothing to do with each other, then firing her has even less to do with you."His response left Summer speechless. She stood frozen, unable to move forward or retreat, her face alternating between flushed red a

Raymond let out a soft "Oh" and asked nothing more.The group went inside, where Agatha had already instructed the staff to set out tea, pastries, and fresh fruit, filling the parlor with warmth.Florence and Agatha sat together discussing Sydney's upcoming delivery, covering everything from the hospital arrangements and postpartum nanny to her recovery. They left no detail overlooked.Raymond sat nearby and chimed in from time to time until Florence shot back, "What would you know? You've never given birth."He wisely fell silent after that, though his gaze kept drifting toward the staircase.Sydney noticed but said nothing. She took a sip of water and spoke as though the thought had just occurred to her. "Tiffany said she'd come down later to check whether the crib I bought was assembled correctly. She's more meticulous about those things than I am."Raymond picked up his cup and took a sip, his tone casual. "I'll give her a hand, then.""You?" James shot him a sidelong glance

By the time Raymond reached the backyard, Tiffany was already crouched beside Yoyo, reaching out to pet him as he lay sprawled on the ground with his tongue hanging out.Yoyo's tail wagged furiously as he repeatedly nudged his head against her palm.Raymond raised an eyebrow. "He's pretty attached to you."Tiffany didn't turn around. She simply kept stroking Yoyo's head and replied lightly, "Yes. He's a lot easier to get along with than certain people. At least, you never have to guess what's going on in his head."The remark was clearly aimed at someone, but Raymond refused to take the bait. He walked over at an unhurried pace and stopped beside her, his gaze settling on the delicate lines of her profile.Yoyo suddenly got to his feet, circled Raymond twice, and brushed his tail against the cuffs of Raymond's trousers as though checking his scent. Then he turned and settled back down beside Tiffany.Tiffany raised an eyebrow. "He's pretty attached to you too.""Of course he is.

By the time dinner ended, night had fully fallen.Florence walked toward the courtyard gate with James supporting her arm. She turned back again and again to remind Sydney, "It's cold. Don't come out to see us off. Go back inside before you catch a chill. I'll come again in a couple of days. Rest well for now and stop worrying about all those little things."Sydney stood in the doorway with a smile, watching everyone get into the cars one by one.Raymond came out last. As he passed Tiffany, he paused, glanced at her, and gave a slight nod before bending to get into his own car.The taillights slowly receded into the night.Tiffany stood in the courtyard with her coat collar pulled tighter around her neck, her eyes fixed on the spot where the taillights had disappeared. Only after a long moment did she finally look away.Sydney slipped an arm through hers, and together they returned to the parlor.Agatha told them to turn in early before heading to her room first.Sydney could t