Chapter 63

Samuel said, "Try it."

Isabella returned to the present. Samuel held a piece of bamboo shoot to her lips. Her body tensed—the chopsticks he held had just been in his mouth. Should she? Almost as if compelled, she opened her mouth. Head lowered, she chewed slowly, thoughtfully.

Samuel's eyes twinkled. He offered another bite, but Isabella shook her head, refusing. "I can eat by myself," she said firmly. This was a marriage of convenience; there was no need for such intimacy. She preferred using chopsticks herself rather than being fed.

Samuel raised an eyebrow but remained silent. He knew Isabella's calm exterior masked shyness.

Isabella relaxed. As they ate, they chatted softly. The atmosphere became warm, almost pleasant.

At the Reception Desk

In the Howerton Group lobby, Wendy paced anxiously. She didn't know how Perry would react upon his return. Despite refusing to apologize, Perry's words unsettled her. Who was that woman?

The elevator doors opened. Everyone turned as Perry emerged. Many lingered, eager to see the resolution.

With a grim expression, Perry approached Wendy. "Resign and leave," he said coldly.

Wendy's face fell. "What?" she exclaimed. Was this a joke? Getting this job at Howerton Group had taken ages; Perry was just an assistant! Had he lost his mind?

Even the onlookers were shocked. Who was that woman? Even a shareholder's daughter was being fired.

Wendy gritted her teeth. "Perry," she said coldly, "it was her fault. She didn't have an appointment."

She thought, I followed protocol!

Perry laughed coldly. "I've reviewed the security footage. Do you still think it's about following the rules?" He mused that if not for her jealousy, none of this would have happened. This time, however, Wendy had crossed a line—in front of Mrs. Howerton, no less. He'd previously overlooked other women with ulterior motives, but this was different.

"I won't say it again," Perry warned. "Resign."

Seeing his seriousness, Wendy panicked. Stepping forward, she glared arrogantly. "How dare you fire me? Do you know who I am?" He must not realize I'm a major shareholder's daughter, she thought.

Perry remained unmoved. "Mistakes have consequences; you're no exception. I'm firing you for your attitude. You accused someone of seduction without proof." She still hasn't realized her mistake, he thought with a sigh. If Wendy weren't a shareholder's daughter, security would have already removed her. He was only being patient out of respect for her father, but his patience was wearing thin.

Wendy snapped. He knows, and he's still doing this?

She glared at Perry, her voice shaking with rage. "She was seducing him! How could I be wrong?"

The onlookers exchanged glances. They had witnessed everything and saw Wendy's insecurities. Their whispers reached Wendy, darkening her face further.

Perry hadn't expected such unreasonableness. He snorted coldly. "Does she need to seduce anyone? Miss Sanchez, stop jumping to conclusions. She's not someone you can afford to offend. Leave now; any more words will only embarrass you further."

Their curiosity piqued, the onlookers whispered, Not even Wendy could offend this woman? Who is she? Thank goodness we didn't side with Wendy earlier, they thought.

Wendy pointed a trembling finger at Perry. "You'll regret this!"

Perry watched her leave, feeling conflicted. Wendy, daughter of Robin Sanchez, aligned with Mr. Howerton's uncle, who's been scheming for power. Was firing her a good move?

He overheard colleagues whispering: "Wendy's the daughter of a major shareholder! It took effort to get her a receptionist job, and now she's fired!" "Will her father go to the CEO? He's very protective." "Robin holds significant shares. If he causes trouble..."

Perry's face darkened. "Shouldn't you all be working instead of gossiping?" They scattered.

Isabella finally set down her chopsticks. Thankfully, she had packed enough food; otherwise, with Samuel's constant feeding, she wouldn't have gotten any herself. Samuel frowned slightly. She eats like a bird, he thought.

"Have some more," he suggested gently but firmly.

Isabella shook her head. "I'm full," she said. She didn't usually eat much.

A loud knock jarred them. Bang! Bang!

Isabella frowned. "Who would knock so rudely?"

Samuel's expression darkened. "Come in," he said icily.

The door swung open, and a man with a beer belly and a furious face marched in, followed by Wendy.

Isabella raised an eyebrow. Of course, it's her.

Samuel's eyes gleamed coldly. "Mr. Sanchez," he said, "it seems the older you get, the less class you have."

A shiver ran through Robin. Despite his age, he still feared this young man, but he couldn't back down.

Robin glared at Samuel. "Your assistant has done something outrageous. Who lacks manners here?"

Isabella's mind raced. No wonder the receptionist was so bold—she had backup, she realized.

Robin stepped forward, glancing at Isabella with contempt. "Mr. Howerton, just because she's good-looking, you'll defend her blindly? That's unlike you!"