Charles turned around and met Matthew's cold gaze. He felt Matthew silently threatening, "I'll silence you if you don't comply!"

Forcing himself to remain calm, Charles swallowed hard, flashed a smile at Valerie, and shook her hand. "Miss Warren, nice to meet you, too."

Valerie found Matthew's superior quite easygoing. "You also work for the Noria Group? May I know your name?"

Charles felt uncertain. "Yes, um I work at the Noria Group. My name is" He glanced toward Matthew. Mr. Grant, say something! Don't blame me if you expose yourself!

Luckily, Matthew intervened. "He's Mr. Charles Hudson, one of our company leaders."

Valerie, noting Matthew's luxurious attire, realized his boss was a Noria Group leader. The Noria Group was the top conglomerate in Kranson City, a leading group nationwide. Its executives earned incomes Valerie could never hope to match, no matter how hard she worked. She understood why Charles had a private driver.

This made Valerie instantly more polite. "Mr. Hudson, are you feeling a bit hot? You're sweating profusely. I happen to have some paper towels."

"No, no, no," Charles stammered, feeling far hotter than just warm; he was on the verge of a panic attack.

"But" Valerie was puzzled.

Matthew intervened. "Don't worry. Mr. Hudson has an urgent meeting and we're already late. Right, Mr. Hudson?"

Matthew's gaze met Charles', offering immediate relief. "Ah, yes, yes. The meeting's about to start. I must go."

Charles practically fled, as if pursued by a terrifying specter.

As soon as Charles left, Matthew gestured. "I'll take you home." He explained that this was Noria Group property; revealing his identity could cause problems. He also sensed Valerie was distressed, still shaken from her earlier confrontation with Isabel.

Valerie shook her head. "No, I have to go back to the office."

"You look pale. You should go home and rest," Matthew insisted.

Valerie was surprised by his concern. Despite his cold demeanor, he showed unexpected care. However, she shook her head again. "My shift ends in two hours; absenteeism means a pay deduction. Two hours is manageable; losing pay is too much"

Money, money, money! She only cares about money. Even though she's upset, she's still worried about her money. She really is a mercenary woman. Matthew thought, feeling irritated. "If you get sick, you won't work tomorrow or the next day. Which will cost you more?"

Valerie finally conceded. "Then I'll take a leave."

Matthew relaxed. "I'll take you home."

Valerie was surprised. "But aren't you working? Mr. Hudson might need you after his meeting."

"It's fine. The meeting will run very late," Matthew replied.

"But"

Matthew cut her off. "Mr. Hudson is very easygoing. He won't mind."

Charles wouldn't dare mind.

"Come on," Matthew said, leading her toward the parking lot.

Valerie obediently followed, inwardly wondering, How can he be so forceful even when he's caring?

Valerie felt unwell. Dealing with Isabel had been mentally exhausting. She worked hard for money, but she wasn't cut out for such scheming. Her pregnancy made her drowsy and easily tired. She needed to carefully plan her future. As she drifted off, Matthew led her to a Land Rover. She froze.