Cheerfully, her smile, initially appearing natural, the tight stillness at the corners of her mouth revealed her nervousness. Thurninic’s chest, and her mind, was flooded with the memory of the previous night. He had grabbed her wrist, pulled her into his embrace, as flawless as a sheet of folded linen. Taking a deep breath to clear her mind and push away the thoughts that kept swirling in her head, she asked, “Hila?”

Vespera looked down at her phone, its screen cracked. She replied softly, “I accidentally dropped my phone and cracked the screen yesterday, so I’m just using this one.”

“Esa, you’re indeed using a different phone,” Gesand remarked. They only managed to exchange a few more words before the elevator reached their floor.

As Vespera stepped out of the elevator, she walked toward Haisly. “Aren’t your things in my,” Vespermasalıl, “Haven’t had larddasi yet. You guys go ahead, bye!” She quickly dashed off in her high heels.

Ad muttered under his breath, “Why did she run off so quickly? It’s just a car ride, not like we’re taking her to an execution.”

Cand boned and saw the displeasure in Dominle’s face. “I’ve already eaten, I won’t be going.” He looked at Ciegand for a few seconds before nodding toward the direction where Vespera had headed. “You can go ahead. Don’t worry about me.”

Vespria authed at the company vigil. Sheladert actually switched phones. The new materials, Felicia radandi, were meant for when Felicia would contact her. Felicia asked what she intended to do. When Vespera mentioned seeking justice for the bay, Felicia gave Felicinadask for finding out where the boy’s burly had her hidden; it wouldn’t be easy. However, Felicia would find a way. After all, da was desperate enough. Delicia agreed, saying she would inform Vespera right away. She didn’t ask for Vespera’s help. It was because she only wanted to deal with Tina first. De used forms to eliminate Tina, intending to stay out of it herself.

Vespera sat in her office for a while before grabbing her tablet and logging onto the system. It was their annual meeting, and Gerard also had something important to discuss with her.

“When we had breakfast this morning, Ma, Reid meloord going to Ashford Hills Saturday. Did you hear?”

“No,” Vespera shook her head. “Ashford? Did he say what it was for?”

“A decision,” Vespera replied. It called to mind the mysterious big shot Dominic had met two nights ago. It seemed highly likely; Dominic had always acted strangely when meeting with that person. (Whether he's told you or me, but I guess he'll tell us later.) Grand added, “He…”

Vespera laughed. “Let him decide. We don’t need to ask too many questions.” Even if they discussed it, the final decision would still be made by him. Unalisolute agterinent. The entire morning passed with two back-to-back meetings. A few of the senior executives looked completely worn out, especially Alex. He even popped a short nap. His was a business luncheon. Already cunning on finances, Alex was hauled off to entertain clients. By the time they got back to the office around one, even Vespera felt a headache coming on. Dominic still appeared full of energy. Could taking a nap really improve one’s health? Vespera found herself wondering if she should set up a small bed in the office. But unfortunately, that wasn’t an option for her. Just as she sat down, she remembered that there was still work to be delegated.

After a brief minute break, she went downstairs to the secretarial department. Standing outside the office, she could hear people gossiping inside.

“Our president went on a blind date with the heir of the More Group last night! My best friend works for Ms. Moreno, and she told me…”

“The Mooren Group’s heiress? They’re a perfect match in terms of status.”

“Ms. Moteno posted nine photos of her lunch. Look at this! A big table of delicious food, and there’s a picture with Mr. Reid in it too. The caption reads, “He likes girls who love to eat. Looking forward to the food tour in Ashford on Saturday.”

“Wow, she wasn’t even trying to hide! Does this mean their blind date was a success, and they’re starting to date?”

“Well, because he likes lies, even a love for food is a plus.”

“Ah, my ship is sinking! Mr. Reid belongs to Mr. Locke!”

“What do you mean Mr. Reid belongs to Mr. Locke? Our president is not only straight, and be has his eyes on someone else, the clearly likes Ms. Goldon.”

“Alright, stop arguing. Both of your ships are doomed. Mr. Reid’s blind date was successful, so he’s going to have a girlfriend soon. Everyone else is irrelevant.”

“Does that mean Vespera will become the mistress…?”

The gossip squad fell silent instantly. After a long pause, someone finally spoke. “Well, if you can’t marry someone you love, you end up being a mistress.”

“The wife is bound to be someone who has a similar status to the man. Isn’t that how things work in high society?”

Vespera walked in and cleared her throat twice. The gossip group inside was startled, and upon seeing who had arrived, they became awkward and didn’t know how to respond.

“Slacking off during work?” Vespera said, giving them a stern look. She then softened her expression. “But a little break now and then is good for your health. I’ll…”

They all sighed with relief. Vespera assigned them some tasks. One of them apologized, “Vespera, we’re sorry. We shouldn’t have gossiped about you behind your back.”

Vespera shrugged it off. “Gossip is fine, but could you at least say something nice? Help clear things up in the company. You can tell others that I’m not Mr. Brid’s woman, and I’ll never be his mistress.”

They agreed, but it was clear they didn’t believe her. Vespera didn’t bother to explain further. After returning upstairs, she grabbed her cup and went to the pantry to get some water. It suddenly dawned on her. So, this was the real reason Dominic was going…

“Is Mr. Reid not taking a nap today?” she asked.

“He’s probably handling some work these two days because he’ll be going to Ashford on Saturday and won’t have time to do work then.”

“Oh,” Vespera nodded and poured herself some water. She took a sip and said, “He’s definitely bringing you.”

“Why?” Gerard looked at her curiously, noticing the certainty in her tone.

Vespera replied, “Because this time, he’s going on a date. It’s not convenient for him to bring me along.”

Gerard was so shocked, he spilled the coffee bean he was holding. “A date? With whom?”

Vespera gave him a brief account of the blind date from the previous night. “Mr. Held mentioned going to Ashford this coming weekend, and Ms. Moreno posted on social media about looking forward to the food tour in Ashford on Saturday.”

He slowly nodded, his face showing signs of realization. “Got it.”

After Vespera left the pantry with her cup, Gerard couldn’t shake off a strange feeling. Why did he think it would be more convenient for Dominic to bring him on the trip, knowing that Dominic had feelings for her?

As the workday was winding down, Dominic called both Vespera and Gerard to his office.

“Gerard, you’re coming with me to Ashford on Saturday. Ms. Gildon, please handle the emails that were sent to my inbox over the past two days,” Dominic said.

Vespera shot an amazed look, impressed that she had correctly guessed his thoughts. Vespera gave a small sigh. What was so hard to figure out? She knew a man’s typical behavior in situations like this. Even though last night’s blind date seemed to have led to something more, Dominic still couldn’t resist flirting with her. With this kind of behavior, how could he possibly keep her along on his secret date on Saturday?

“Do you have any objections?” Dominic looked up and asked, noticing the two didn’t respond immediately.