Chapter 25
Autumn looked at Dawson, eyes filled with disbelief. Why did he help block that drink for her?
She wasn’t the only one surprised. Rowan hadn’t expected it either.
At first, he was thrilled that Dawson had acknowledged him like that, but when their eyes met, his body tensed for a split second.
He recovered quickly, raised his own glass, and downed it. “A toast to Mr. Faulkner:”
With that, he returned to his seat.
Dawson’s every move drew attention. After sipping in for Autumn, no one dared bother her again.
Instead, whispers spread as people began speculating about who she was. The curiosity was laced with gossip–was there something going on between them?
Knowing Dawson had done her a huge favor, Autumn felt she had to clear things up. She started making casual conversation with the person beside her. It didn’t take long before people learned she was just a junior secretary, temporarily filling in because Dawson’s assistant, Jamie, had something urgent to attend to.
The rumors, barely formed, quickly faded.
But even without her explanation, no one would have dared gossip once they left the room. No one was dumb enough to offend someone as powerful as Dawson.
The most shocked person, of course, was Robin.
In addition to being Faulkner Group’s vice president, he was also one of Dawson’s close friends. It was the first time he’d seen Dawson intervene in something as trivial as a secretary being pressured to drink–and protect her so openly. It felt like he didn’t even know him anymore.
Robin muttered, “You lost it or something?”
Dawson glanced at him.
Robin caught on. “So, you did that on purpose. Don’t tell me you’re into her?”
As Robin’s guesses got more outrageous, Dawson, for once, offered an explanation. “She’s sick.”
He had noticed it the night before. If she drank now, her body probably wouldn’t be able to take it.
Robin’s face stayed neutral, but his eyes showed disbelief. “You haven’t even returned to the company. You’ve never met her. How did you know she’s sick?”
Dawson said nothing.
Robin followed up. “So, you two must know each other outside work.”
Dawson didn’t want to keep discussing it, but Robin, rarely this curious, pressed on. “Come on. What’s your relationship with her?”
Dawson stayed silent.
Robin started guessing wildly. “Childhood friends? Former classmates? First love? Ex–girlfriend? Ex–ex–girlfriend?”
Dawson finally said, “Neighbors.”
Robin glanced at Autumn. She was still chatting politely with someone nearby. She was undeniably a cold beauty, her aloof demeanor oddly matched with Dawson’s.
Robin looked away and teased, “So, you’re neighbors. Sounds like the perfect setup for a romance.”
An image flashed through Dawson’s mind–Autumn’s tear–streaked face, her expression blank even as she cried silently, afraid of disturbing anyone. It had left an impression.
“I might fall in love, but it definitely won’t be with her.”
The words were heavy, firm, and absolute.
Robin didn’t know the reason, but he didn’t press. After all, he had only been joking around.
Dawson, cold in both demeanor and heart, had the kind of face that could easily cause trouble in relationships, and a background that everyone wanted to cling to. But he lived with rare restraint. There had never been a single woman around him.
If Dawson didn’t also ignore his attractive male friends, people might have suspected he liked men instead.
Once the meal ended, Robin had other business and left with his assistant, Elias.
Autumn followed behind Dawson as they exited together.
Jamie had finally wrapped up his tasks and came over to meet them. When he saw Autumn, he said, “What a coincidence.”
Autumn, who was not only Dawson’s secretary but also his neighbor, replied, “Yeah. Quite the coincidence.”
Dawson was no longer just her neighbor. He was now her boss too.
