Chapter 807: An Emotional Problem

Susan smiled at Manuel. "The cake you gave me isn't as good as the breakfast I bought," she said.

His expression shifted subtly.

Clara examined the bun she'd just eaten. "Did Miss Phillips buy this?" she asked.

"Yes," Susan confirmed frankly. "To bribe the boss."

Clara chuckled. "Really? It's delicious! In college, my friends and I used to take the bus just to eat these before class."

Susan smiled, remaining silent.

Clara continued, "I rushed this morning and skipped breakfast. Manuel gave me this; I didn't know you bought it. I'll get some for you tomorrow."

"All right," Susan agreed smoothly. She couldn't afford to offend his friends; this woman might even become his wife. Access to Manuel's things implied intimacy; not everyone enjoyed that privilege.

"Then I'll go," Susan said. Manuel and Clara remained silent.

Susan left with a heavy heart, wishing Manuel had waited for her to eat breakfast. Her eyes were slightly red, but she pressed on, unable to bring herself to ask him to reconsider. She always felt he was out of her league.

As soon as the office door closed, Clara asked, "Manuel, where's my desk? Should I go there now?"

"Your father mentioned you majored in administration," Manuel replied.

"That's right," Clara added, "Graduate school."

"Start with an internship in the secretary's office," Manuel instructed. "The secretary is familiar with many company administrative issues; it'll help you get up to speed quickly. After your internship, I'll transfer you to the administrative department."

"Okay, thanks," Clara said happily.

"Your father has helped me considerably in the past," Manuel stated bluntly. "If he personally asks for my help, I'll take it seriously. You don't need to thank me." Clara felt a pang of disappointment; his words implied his kindness stemmed from her father's influence. Yet her father had assured her Manuel was single and interested in a deeper relationship, leading her to believe Manuel felt differently.

Manuel pressed an internal line, seemingly oblivious to her sadness. "Jade, come in for a moment."

"Yes," came the reply.

After a short while, the secretary entered. "Clara Stern, a new intern for the secretariat office. Please show her around."

"Yes, sir."

Manuel instructed Clara, "Follow Jade and learn from her. Ask if you're unsure about anything."

"Okay," Clara nodded. "I will."

"Thank you for breakfast this morning," Clara said pointedly, hoping to subtly distinguish herself from others in the secretary's eyes.

"You weren't feeling well. Remember to eat breakfast next time," Manuel retorted curtly.

"I will," Clara replied.

Jade discreetly observed Clara, wondering about her relationship with the president. Wisely, she avoided inquiry but noted the need to avoid offending her.

"This way, Ms. Stern," Jade said.

Clara thanked her and left with Jade. Manuel's face darkened; Susan's comment about his cake—a three-Michelin-star creation—rankled. Seeing the remains of Clara's breakfast further soured his mood.

Back in her office, Susan felt a wave of sadness, close to tears. The cake before her suddenly seemed unappetizing. Why had he given her breakfast to someone else? "Jerk!" she muttered angrily.

Her secretary knocked and entered. "Miss Phillips?"

"Yes?" Susan mumbled, dejectedly hunched over her desk.

"Is everything alright?" the secretary asked solicitously.

"I'm fine. Still alive," Susan replied listlessly.

Her secretary found Susan unconventional. Working for her was challenging; she demanded meticulous attention to detail per the president's instructions, often having to double-check Susan's work due to her occasional oversight. Yet, Susan possessed an amiable nature and treated her subordinates well.

"What's wrong?" Susan asked her.

"The department meeting starts in ten minutes; the president called and said he'll be there."

Seeing Susan's apathy, the secretary added, "I'll remind you later."

"Okay."

"If you're unwell, I could get you some medicine."

"It's no use," Susan sighed. "It's an emotional problem; there's no cure."

Her eloquent secretary found herself once again speechless.

"Take the cake and milk away."

"I thought you wanted to eat it."

"Not anymore."

"But you haven't had breakfast..."

"Take it away! It makes me angry just looking at it!" Susan insisted.

The secretary, after confirming several times, hesitantly removed the cake. Feeling it a waste to discard such exquisite pastries, she shared them with her colleagues, who found them delicious.

Ten minutes later, Susan entered the conference room, dreading Manuel's arrival. He was her boss, though.

She began the meeting without waiting for him. Manuel arrived a few minutes late, accompanied not only by Jade but also Clara. Jade hadn't invited Clara, but Clara had insisted on attending, and, unaware of Clara's connection to Manuel, Jade hadn't objected.