Chapter 700

Rose, Alexander’s secretary, grew impatient while waiting. Her boss remained calm, but she couldn’t help asking, “Mr. Russell, should I call Lily and ask about her location?”

Locating an employee’s phone number should be easy for the company. Rose was prepared to take the initiative if her boss was hesitant to contact Lily.

Alexander calmly replied, “No need. Go outside and deal with things first. She’ll be here soon.”

He’d already made his point; there was no need for her to rush. While her superior remained calm, Rose felt anxious, despite her subordinate position.

Rose bit her lip, turned, and left.

Alexander finally took out his phone, his eyes darkening. He remembered their earlier conversation: she’d claimed she needed time to gather “evidence,” acknowledging potential lateness but assuring him she would arrive eventually and provide a satisfactory explanation to the press and the company. He trusted her; if he hadn't heard from her, it was because she wasn’t ready. Urging her was pointless.

Time passed, and at 6:55 p.m., just five minutes before the scheduled time, his phone rang.

“Hello?” he answered immediately.

“Alex, I’m stuck in traffic. We’re rushing, but we might be late. Could you ask someone to stall? I’m so sorry!” Lily apologized.

She’d allowed ample travel time but hadn’t accounted for evening rush hour. The time was approaching 7:00 p.m., and she was going to be late.

“Don’t worry. Don’t rush. Take your time. Where’s the traffic jam? Do you want me to pick you up?” he asked softly.

“No need,” Lily quickly replied. “If you came, we’d both be stuck. Just wait, and I’ll be there soon. Don’t worry. I’m with Liv.” Alexander was relieved to hear she wasn’t alone. He relaxed, saying, “Okay. The company staff will handle things here. Take your time and call if you need anything.”

Lily felt relieved after the call, though she still needed to explain her lateness to avoid causing further anxiety.

“Wow…” Olivia said, eyes wide. “What’s wrong with you?”

Lily moved away, fearing contagion from Olivia’s apparent foolishness.

“Mr. Russell is so gentle! I never imagined!” She recalled past rumors and her own prejudiced views of Mr. Russell. The contrast with his kind voice on the phone was stark.

Was that really Mr. Russell, the president of La Beauté Group, the man who could shake Brown City with a stomp, whose voice was so gentle and thoughtful it could melt a heart? He’d even said, “Don’t worry, don’t rush, take your time. Do you want me to pick you up?”

Oh no. It’s so enviable! Lily, speechless, said, “This isn’t your first time meeting him, is it?”

“It’s not my first time, but I don’t know him well! Besides, his gentleness is only for you. It’s not like…” Olivia stopped abruptly, realizing what she’d said.