Chapter 34

“I won’t help bail Stacy out. Just give up!” Elvira smirked, then hung up the phone without another word. The Willis Group's 50th anniversary sounded like a big event. I should take the chance to give them a big present, Elvira thought.

The sound of another ringtone echoed. Recognizing the caller's unique ringtone, Elvira immediately answered. “Hey, Cole. How’s everything going?”

“Did it! I’ve already secured the first round of funding—100 million dollars—and the company can prepare to be listed soon,” Cole said in a relaxed tone.

“That’s great. You did well, and we shall celebrate when you are back,” Elvira said, delighted.

Amber Willis had always tried to suppress Elvira, fearing she would overshadow Judy in the family. Amber even sabotaged Elvira’s school life to prevent her from graduating. Despite this, Elvira successfully graduated, and Amber used Marsh to force Elvira to work at the Willis Group as a general employee in one of its subsidiary branches.

Elvira manipulated Amber into thinking she was a good-for-nothing by complying with her wishes to work in a small subsidiary branch as a low-level employee. However, Amber was completely unaware that Elvira already owned several small companies spanning various industries. In their call, Elvira and Cole discussed the successful funding of a jewelry design firm and the possibility of listing the company. Elvira is poised to earn substantial profits if everything goes according to plan.

With the money, Elvira could buy a bigger apartment, and she and Zach could move from renting to owning a house. She could even get Tracy to live with them if things went smoothly.

Cole placed his phone on the table and picked up a box beside it. He opened the box, revealing a stunning diamond bracelet. Made of platinum and adorned with hundreds of tiny diamonds, the bracelet sparkled brilliantly under the light.

Cole’s lips curled into a gentle smile as he lifted the bracelet. He had heard that Elvira had broken up with Calvin Kennedy, her longtime boyfriend. Cole had always liked Elvira, and he couldn’t shake off the feeling of hope blooming inside him. Maybe, just maybe, it was his chance to confess his love.

After hearing good news from Cole, Elvira’s mood improved. Feeling much better, she decided to cook a special lunch for Zach.

Zach was sitting in a boardroom meeting when his phone buzzed with a notification. Seeing a message from Elvira saying she had prepared a delicious lunch and would deliver it personally, he felt a sense of delight wash over him.

Although delightful, Zach faced a dilemma. He hadn’t disclosed his true identity to Elvira, and he wondered if she would be angry when she discovered he had lied.

Zach regretted concealing his real identity. After much consideration, he immediately called Sherry. He informed her of Elvira’s impending arrival and requested her assistance in arranging a smaller office for him.

After hearing Zach’s request, Sherry nodded and left to make the arrangements.

As Elvira arrived at the entrance of Gilbert Group’s corporate building, Sherry was waiting. “Good afternoon, Ms. Willis,” Sherry greeted. “Mr. Gilbert had informed me to bring you up. This way, please.”

“Thank you, Ms. Johnson,” Elvira replied politely, following Sherry inside.

As Elvira walked across the lobby, she felt as though all eyes were on her. However, when she looked, everyone pretended to be busy and avoided eye contact.

Elvira couldn’t understand why everyone was paying so much attention to her. She thought, “I am just here to deliver my husband a meal. Why is everyone looking at me?”

As Elvira and Sherry stepped into the elevator, a commotion erupted in the lobby as staff gathered to discuss the lady they had just seen. Sherry was the only female secretary in the CEO’s office’s secretarial department. Therefore, the staff assumed Mr. Gilbert had personally instructed her to receive the lady. Based on Sherry’s behavior, everyone guessed the lady must be someone significant.

“Could it be Mr. Gilbert’s girlfriend?” a female employee guessed boldly.

“No way! I’ve never seen a woman around him. Don’t be ridiculous!” another female staff member retorted.

“Exactly! She can’t be his girlfriend,” another female staff member added. “I’d rather Mr. Gilbert be gay! I would be heartbroken if he is attached!” she exclaimed.

The staff members fell silent, a noticeable hush descending upon the area. Zach Gilbert was the crush of many female employees, regardless of their relationship status. Many preferred to find out about his flaws rather than accept that he had been attached all along.

The elevator doors slid open, revealing Zach eagerly awaiting Elvira. As soon as he saw her, he stepped forward with a warm smile, took the lunch bag, and walked toward his office, with her following.

Sherry was taken aback by Zach’s behavior, freezing for a moment. It wasn’t until the elevator doors closed that she regained her senses. Sherry clenched her fists as the elevator ascended, recalling what she had just witnessed.

Several of her female colleagues were also interested in Zach, and Sherry was no exception. However, she was skilled at concealing her emotions, allowing her to work alongside him until now. Like many female staff members, Sherry secretly hoped that Zach would remain single forever.

Sherry was a young woman who exuded confidence. She had always believed that Zach, the man she had a crush on, would eventually notice her. She believed that if she worked hard and proved herself skilled and capable, he would see her worth.

Sherry’s aspirations were crushed when Elvira appeared. Elvira’s mere existence seemed to shatter all of Sherry’s hopes. What was even more baffling was how Zach behaved around Elvira. Sherry was taken aback by Zach’s gentle and caring manner towards Elvira, and she couldn’t comprehend why Elvira deserved Zach’s love and attention.

“She’s useless and a good-for-nothing,” Sherry thought. Overwhelmed with jealousy, her fists were so tightly clenched that her nails dug into her palms. “She doesn’t deserve to be with him,” Sherry muttered under her breath, her voice filled with bitterness.

Zach led Elvira into his office and closed the door. He pushed her against the door and leaned in for a kiss. Elvira leaned in, wrapping her arms tenderly around his neck, drawing him closer. Their lips met in a fiery kiss that sent shivers down their spines.

When their lips parted, Elvira’s face flushed. She gently pushed Zach away. “Let’s eat first. Try my cooking,” she said.

“I’d prefer to have you for lunch,” Zach said flirtatiously, with no intention of hiding his desire—the desire to take her and make her his woman.

Elvira felt her face burn from his words. “Hey! Be serious! This is your workplace!”

Zach let her go with a smile and brought her to the sofa. As they settled in, Elvira reached for the lunch she had prepared and carefully placed it before Zach.

“Alright,” Zach said, giving his wife a quick kiss. “Thank you, my dear.”

Elvira smiled and silently handed him the cutlery, and they enjoyed the lunch together. Elvira was a good cook, so the dishes she prepared were naturally delicious. Zach wiped his plate clean, wishing he could have more.

Elvira smiled. As the cook, she was glad that Zach enjoyed the food and that her effort had paid off.

After their meal, Zach leaned in for a hug and kissed Elvira again. Elvira pushed him away. “Hey, you should rinse your mouth first!”

“We ate the same food. I don’t think it matters.” Zach scooped her up and placed her on his lap. He slid his hand under her shirt and kissed her at the same time.

The temperature in the office seemed to be rising as they kissed. Zach broke the kiss and asked, “Elvira, is your period over?”