Chapter 31
Abigail had assumed that Sebastian wore sunglasses and a mask to prevent the virus. But now it seemed...
"Order whatever you like. We’ll go to the company after lunch," Sebastian said casually, passing her a menu before focusing on it himself.
Seated across from him, Abigail considered asking about the content of her job, but thinking that he hadn’t even mentioned it to Timothy, she figured it must be a confidential assignment.
After ordering her food, she set her phone aside, intending to ask him about the work. Yet just as she opened her mouth, her phone rang.
Abigail noticed that Sebastian glanced at her phone screen. The caller ID displayed: Stephen.
Abigail didn’t want to answer the call. Her phone was an old model with poor audio quality, and with Sebastian sitting directly across from her, he could easily overhear the conversation.
But she thought that she still hadn’t met her grandfather, and if she ignored Stephen’s call, he’d find other ways to make her life miserable.
“Please excuse me,” she said, picking up the phone and standing as if to leave the table.
Jackson interjected, “You can take it here. No need to worry about Mr. Robinson. He’s not interested in your personal matters.”
The way Abigail seemed intent on stepping away annoyed Jackson, and he scoffed inwardly, “Does she think Mr. Robinson is someone interested in gossip? And who takes a call and sneaks off in front of their boss?”
Abigail had no choice but to press the answer button.
Before she could say anything, Stephen’s voice exploded through the receiver. “Where the hell have you been? We can never find you at home. Dan’s depression flared up because of you. Get your ass back here right now.”
His rage echoed loudly from the phone. Abigail was used to being spoken to like this, but with Sebastian watching, she still felt a twinge of embarrassment.
Abigail tried to hold back her anger and replied, “I’m on a business trip. If her depression is acting up, she should take her medication. Even if I’m at home, I can’t cure her immediately.”
“A business trip? Who do you think you are? You probably ran off because you realized you were too cruel with your words this morning, huh? Listen, you’re coming home to apologize to Dani, or don’t bother coming back at all. And forget about seeing Grandpa.”
Stephen was always good at finding her weak spots and using them like knives.
Abigail’s grip on the phone tightened a bit. Her breathing grew heavier, but she didn’t even realize it. She retorted, “Stephen, you’ve already broken your word once. Don’t keep pushing me. My patience has limits. And again, I’m on a business trip.”
It frustrated her that she was having to argue over this nonsense in front of her boss. She hated the feeling–like Stephen’s voice was clamping around her throat again, dragging her back into that suffocating space.
“Even here, in a different city, I still can’t escape him,” she thought bitterly.
Jackson noticed the firm set of Sebastian’s jaw and instantly regretted telling Abigail to answer the call at the table. He thought, "Maybe personal calls really should be kept away from work after all.”
Abigail hung up the phone. Seeing that Sebastian’s mood had soured, she apologized, “I’m sorry, Mr. Robinson.”
“It’s fine,” Sebastian said, his voice as neutral as ever.
After they finished their meal, Abigail headed to the restroom. Jackson used the same excuse to follow her, and he scoffed, “During work hours, I expect you to use a work phone. Don’t mix private affairs with your job.”
Abigail thought his suggestion made sense. After all, Halden Group wasn’t a small-time operation. Big companies had their policies, and it was on employees to uphold them.
Abigail replied, “You’re right. Once I get my first paycheck, I’ll buy another phone.”
Stephen’s constant, disruptive calls frustrated Abigail, and she felt like Jackson’s suggestion wasn’t unreasonable.
“No,” Jackson said flatly. “After we’re back from HQ today, you gotta get one. Don’t let your family drama reach Mr. Robinson again.”
He flung the words at her and walked off without waiting for a response.
It was only then that Abigail realized Jackson was deliberately making things hard for her. She looked at him and said calmly, “I don’t have money for a new phone.”
Jackson turned back sharply, meeting her cool gaze. His brows drew together as he shot back, “Are you making excuses?”
“Nope, I’m just telling the truth,” Abigail replied. After that, she walked into the women’s room, leaving him behind.
After getting out of the hotel, they went straight to the headquarters. Sebastian headed upstairs immediately upon arrival, leaving Abigail in Jackson’s charge.
Jackson brought Abigail to the Research and Development Department and called over the department manager, Dutton Brunson.
Jackson said, “She’s here with Mr. Robinson to help sort out the issues you guys left hanging. She’s a real expert. Ask her anything if you’re stuck.”
“Oh, and Mr. Robinson thinks highly of her. He covers all her expenses on this trip. You’d do well to treat a talent like her properly.”
After that, Jackson left Abigail there and left.
Dutton gave Abigail a once-over and said, “Since Mr. Robinson sent you here, why don’t you tell us how you plan to handle our current issues?”
Abigail didn’t even know what the project was, let alone how to fix anything.
Keeping her tone respectful, she asked, “No one informed me of my task before I arrived. Would you mind filling me in?”
Dutton’s gaze flicked over her outfit again–from head to toe. He thought with growing suspicion, “Chanel all over and paid for by Mr. Robinson? What kind of employee gets treated like that by their boss?”
His expression cooled, and the edge in his voice sharpened. “Get yourself a seat over there. I wouldn’t dare put you to work.”