Chapter 616: The Romance on Your Face

Hannah returned to work the following day, while Oscar went to City Hall. Upon entering her office, she was surprised to find Rose there. Only then did she recall Rose's presence during her kidnapping by Tan. Hannah had endured much lately; she'd once feared Jimmy would silence Rose to conceal the night's events. Yet, here Rose was, still her secretary. Hannah calmed herself and sat down, deeply grateful to Oscar for saving Rose's life.

"Ms. Hannah, would you like milk or coffee?" Rose asked, her demeanor unchanged. She made no mention of Tan or her ordeal.

"Milk," Hannah replied quietly.

"Yes, ma'am," Rose responded respectfully, then left. She returned with milk and coffee; Hannah frowned, noticing Rose had given the coffee to Jimmy. Jimmy seemed shocked. Hannah's curiosity piqued.

"I made it myself. Try it," Rose said, offering the coffee to Jimmy.

"...Er... I don't drink coffee. I only drink water," Jimmy replied.

"Didn't you drink it at my house that day?" Rose countered.

Hannah was astonished. Something must have transpired between them during her absence. Jimmy, noticing Hannah's gaze, blushed and told Rose, "Don't tease me."

"Didn't you go to my house?" Rose asked, sounding hurt.

"I did, but..."

Rose interrupted, "Take it. I made it for you." Jimmy, awkward and unable to resist, took the coffee and drank it, his face paling as he scalded his mouth.

"It's hot..." he mumbled.

He finished it before Rose could warn him, enduring the burn stoically.

"What a man!" Rose exclaimed, clearly smitten.

Hannah couldn't bear it any longer. "Rose, are you flirting with your lover during work hours?"

Jimmy's face flushed crimson. "No, ma'am. There's nothing between us..."

"But there's something in me," Rose interrupted, causing Jimmy visible panic.

Hannah, wanting to end the spectacle, said sternly, "Give me today's schedule."

"Yes, ma'am," Rose replied, her professionalism returning. Even while hurrying, she glanced back at Jimmy.

Hannah never expected the serious Rose to be so bold in pursuing her affections. She'd assumed Rose's years of singlehood had made her awkward with romance. Rose clearly had a specific type; Cooper Group was full of handsome, well-behaved elites, yet she was drawn to a strong, rough man like Jimmy, whose appearance would likely intimidate her if she didn't know him, Hannah mused.

"Ma'am, it's not what you think," Jimmy said, embarrassed, intending to explain after Rose left.

"So, the truth is?" Hannah prompted.

Jimmy, once reserved, seemed overwhelmed by Rose's advances. They appeared like a couple.

"I let her go after she saw you were kidnapped. Later, I feared she'd gossip, so I went to her house. Her mother and brother unexpectedly arrived, demanding money. To save time, I drove them away. I wasn't helping her, but she misunderstood, saying she'd call on me again if they returned. In return, she'd keep quiet about the kidnapping, and I agreed," Jimmy explained.

"I see," Hannah nodded.

"It's a misunderstanding. She's acting like this because I helped her," Jimmy blushed again.

"In my opinion, it's time you got married," Hannah sighed.

"I've never considered marriage."

"Will you stay single for life?"

"Perhaps... I will."

"It's impossible. Humans are social creatures. It's better to have a wife. You could try accepting her." Hannah admitted to herself she was being gossipy.

Just as Jimmy began to respond, Rose knocked and entered with the schedule. At her appearance, Jimmy abruptly turned and left. Hannah couldn't help but smile at his behavior. Someone claimed to prefer being single, yet acted like they wanted marriage.

Rose, noticing Hannah's smile, asked, "Is there something on my face, Ms. Hannah?"

"Yes."

"What is it?"

Rose began touching her face.

"Romance."

Rose paused, then blushed. Hannah gave her a subtle nod, which Rose understood perfectly. Hannah was a thoughtful boss. Rose promptly finished her report.

Then, Hannah's phone rang.

"Hi, Manuel."

"I heard you and my cousin returned from the island," Manuel said.

"Yes."

"Did you see Cian?"

"I did."

"You knew, then."

"Yes."

"You seem calm. Are you alright?"

"Are you worried I can't accept it?" Hannah smiled.

"A bit."

"Is that why you called?"

"This call is important."

"How so?"

"If you can't accept it, Oscar will be upset, and it's unsettling when he's down…"

"..."

"Also, my mother wants to have dinner with you when you're free."