Chapter 35 Noticeably Colder Atmosphere
15 min loft
Violet looked at Florence with concern. “Ms. Brooks, you really should go to the hospital for a checkup.”
Florence forced a smile, waving off the suggestion. “It’s nothing, really. I just didn’t get enough rest last night. I’ll be fine by
tomorrow.”
She knew exactly what was going on with her body, and a hospital visit was the last thing she wanted.
After breakfast, she applied some makeup to hide her pallor from Charles and grabbed the project plan she had prepared. Then, she headed out to meet Charles.
Upon arriving at Apex Group, she was halted by the receptionist. With a courteous smile, she explained, “Hello, I’m here to see Mr. Foster. I’m Florence Brooks.”
The receptionist, Lisa Smith, who had only been working there for a couple of days, didn’t recognize Florence. Eyeing Florence’s strikingly beautiful face with a hint of jealousy, she asked skeptically, “You want to see Mr. Foster? Do you have an appointment?”
Florence’s patience was already thin, and she didn’t want to waste any more time. She pulled out her phone and dialed Charles‘ number.
1/6
10:49
Chapter 35 Noticeably Colder Atmosph…
15 min left
But after several rings, there was no answer. She had no choice. but to hang up.
“Why are you pretending to call Mr. Foster? If you really had his number, why didn’t he pick it up? I suggest you leave before I call security.”
t
When Lisa noticed that no one was picking up Florence’s call, she instantly pegged Florence as a liar, and her tone grew even more haughty.
Florence’s frown deepened. It was true that Charles hadn’t answered her call, and she had no idea what he was doing.
“Ms. Brooks? What brings you here?”
Just as tensions were rising, a familiar voice interrupted. Florence turned to see Tyler, Charles‘ close friend and the heir to the century–old Clark Group, a pharmaceutical company.
“Mr. Foster and I had a meeting scheduled today, but it seems he forgot to notify the front desk,” Florence explained, giving Tyler a full account of what happened. “I called him, but he didn’t answer.”
Tyler looked surprised and then glared at the pale–faced Lisa. “Didn’t anyone inform you that Ms. Brooks was comi. today?”
“I’m sorry, Ms. Brooks. Mr. Foster did notify us, but he only told me. I just went to the bathroom and didn’t have time to inform my colleagues.”
9/6
10:49
Chapter 35 Noticeably Colder Atmosph…
15 min left
At that very moment, another receptionist, Vivian Jett, dashed over in panic. She had been battling a bout of diarrhea all day. forcing her to make several urgent trips to the bathroom.
After getting the message from Charles, Vivian knew she should inform Lisa, but a sudden, sharp stomachache sent her sprinting to the bathroom instead.
How could she have imagined that in such a brief span, events would take such an unexpected turn?
“Ms. Brooks, I’m terribly sorry for the mix–up. Mr. Foster mentioned he was tied up in a meeting. He’s been expecting you and requests that you wait for him in his office.”
Vivian gated at Florence with an apology. Being a local, she was well aware of Florence’s identity, unlike Lisa from out of town. She feared that Florence might remember this encounter, and the thought alone brought her close to tears.
Florence couldn’t help but think, “I’m not some ghost, so why does everyone seem so terrified of me?”
She could only assure them she wouldn’t press the issue further. Seeing this, Tyler chose not to reprimand the two receptionists. Instead, he personally escorted Florence to Charles‘ office.
Halfa
hour later, Charles returned to his office after finishing his meeting. He found Florence chatting with Tyler, and to his surprise, Tyler had managed to make her laugh.
Though Charles remained calm, a subtle furrow appeared
10.49
3/6
Chapter 35 Noticeably Colder Atmosph…
15 min left
between his brows as he observed the easygoing atmosphere. between them.
“Charles, you’ve finally finished your meeting! It felt like we were waiting forever. Show up any later, and I’d have taken Ms. Brooks out for lunch myself.”
Spotting Charles entering, Tyler stepped forward with a grin, giving his shoulder a friendly pat.
Charles gave him a cool glance. “If I remember correctly, didn’t your father ask you to inspect the pharmaceutical factory today? What are you doing at my company?”
Tyler shrugged and explained, “I went there in the afternoon, but I planned to have lunch with you. And guess what? I ran into Ms. Brooks. Do you know what a great injustice she suffered here today?”
Charles immediately glanced at Florence, concern flashing in his eyes. “Who bullied you?”
Florence waved it off, not wanting to make a big deal out of it because her irritation had waned. “It’s nothing, just a little mix–up,” she remarked dismissively.
gaze to
Noticing her reluctance to speak, Charles turned his Tyler beside her, demanding, “You tell me what happened.”
Florence intended to intervene, but Charles insisted, “If
someone with a bad attitude works in my company, it’s not good
for business.”
1/6
10:49
Chapter 35 Noticeably Colder Atmosph…
15 min left
Florence found herself without a counterargument. After all, this was a matter concerning his company, and as an outsider, she naturally couldn’t meddle in his business affairs.
After hearing the full story from Tyler, Charles turned livid. He made a call to the Human Resources Department, instructing them to fire both receptionists for failing in their duties.
Despite trying to restrain herself, Florence couldn’t help but speak up, “Mr. Foster, actually, the girl who went to the restroom is really nice. Her attitude has always been commendable.”
Charles paused and then amended his instruction to HR. “Fire the first receptionist who stopped Ms. Brooks. Give the other one a warning.”
Observing this, Tyler, standing by, couldn’t resist folding his arms and stroking his chin. He glanced from Florence to Charles with a pensive look crossing his eyes.
After hanging up the phone, Charles turned to Tyler and declared, “I’ve got business to discuss with Ms. Brooks. You’ll have to grab lunch on your own.”
Tyler smiled innocently, “I can wait for you.”
But just as the words left his mouth, the temperature in the room seemed to drop, sending a shiver down his spine.
10:49
Reb
