Chapter 49

Claude said indifferently, "This is the CEO's office. You can't enter without permission. Get out now!"

Shirley ignored him and walked in. She saw Jonathan seated behind his desk and smiled. "Mr. Bennett, do you remember me? We met at Mrs. Bennett's birthday party."

Even Shirley cringed at her own question. She hadn't spoken to Jonathan since starting in the secretarial department a month and a half ago, and he likely didn't know she was an assistant secretary. She decided to approach him personally; this was a private matter.

"Shirley?" Jonathan said indifferently.

Claude approached, ready to eject Shirley. Hearing Jonathan speak, he paused, asking, "Mr. Bennett?"

Jonathan, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, sat in his sleek leather chair. His sharp features exuded an aloof handsomeness; his pale fingers elegantly gripped the pen as he signed documents.

Shirley was mesmerized. Her heart pounded. The deep, magnetic timbre of his voice when he'd spoken her name sent a shiver through her. Most thrillingly, he remembered her name despite their brief, wordless encounter.

He must have noticed me and inquired about me privately! Shirley thought excitedly. This assumption was fueled by Jonathan's next words: "Claude, you can leave us," he ordered, dismissing Claude without reprimanding Shirley.

Once Claude left, Jonathan looked at Shirley. "Ms. Jones, what can I do for you?"

Shirley, momentarily lightheaded, regained her composure. "Mr. Bennett, I work in the secretarial department. I apologize for disturbing you, but I have a personal matter."

Jonathan waited calmly.

Swallowing her nerves, Shirley produced an invitation from her bag. Walking to him, she said, "Tomorrow is my birthday. My parents are hosting a party at Cloudtop Restaurant, and I'd like to invite you."

Extremely nervous, fearing rejection, she added hastily, "We were honored to be invited to Mrs. Bennett's birthday. Consider this my return invitation."

Jonathan calmly put away the invitation. "Okay, I'll attend."

Shirley was stunned. She wondered if he'd noticed her before, perhaps even fallen for her at first sight. Blushing, she was about to speak when Jonathan's cold voice interrupted, "Ms. Jones, you may leave if there's nothing else."

The sudden chill deflated her excitement, but she left the CEO's office with a heart full of glee, excitedly telling everyone Jonathan would attend her party, even extending invitations throughout the secretarial department.

Others were surprised. Everyone knew Shirley was the daughter of the Jones family and suspected her motives for joining the company rather than working for her family's business. Few had high hopes for her. The Jones family, while prominent in Roncity, was far from the Bennetts'; Jonathan's future wife was expected to be a high-society socialite. Shirley's personality didn't project refinement. However, Jonathan's acceptance of her invitation prompted immediate flattery; some women even called her "Mrs. Bennett."

Shirley was ecstatic, dreaming of becoming Jonathan's wife.

That night, Cynthia received a gift from Shirley: a simple white dress—a vintage Chanel piece worth over $6,000. A note read: "[Mom picked this dress for you. Be sure to wear it. Don't disappoint her kindness.]"

Cynthia smirked; Shirley's intentions were clear. She feared being overshadowed at the birthday party.

The next evening, Cynthia wore the dress to the 87th-floor banquet hall of Cloudtop Restaurant. The restaurant's upper floors were banquet halls; the top floor, rarely open, was reserved for dignitaries. Shirley's party, on the 87th floor, was still an elite event, costing seven figures to rent.

It was Shirley and Cynthia's 23rd birthday. The Jones family spared no expense, inviting Roncity's elite.