Chapter 3
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After briefing Grace about the dinner protocol, Melissa pulled me aside.
“While you were gone, she wore these low–cut dresses with slits up to her damn
belly button,” she whispered. “Watch yourself. Don’t tell her everything you know.”
I appreciated her concern but laughed it off.
“If Mr. Harlow didn’t complain, he must like it. Besides, I don’t plan on working for
Reed Harlow forever.”
I turned away to make coffee, the spoon stirring my thoughts into silence. Before leaving for the day, I placed a bottle of milk on Reed’s desk as usual. He had his long legs propped lazily on the edge of his desk, his profile sharp and elegant. “Mr. Harlow, I’ve briefed Grace about everything for tonight’s dinner. Remember to drink the milk before you start drinking alcohol.”
He turned slightly, glancing at the milk bottle before his eyes settled on my face. “You’ve lost weight.”
Then his tone shifted.
“Am I not paying you enough?”
“What?”
I froze, then immediately understood.
In just one afternoon, what I’d mentioned to Melissa had already reached his ears. Quick, but not surprising.
I straightened up and said:
“Mr. Harlow, I was planning to submit my resignation after Grace was fully trained. Thank you for these years of mentorship-”
“How much are they offering you?”
His brow furrowed as if he were discussing a difficult business deal. As if I were
merchandise in a display window–whoever offered the highest price could buy
- me.
I shook my head firmly but gently.
“It’s not about money.”
“Then what is it about? Because I asked Grace to accompany me to dinner? Or because you’re still not feeling well? If something’s making you unhappy or
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uncomfortable, you can tell me.”
His tone carried an unexpected hint of coaxing.
The golden sunset slanted through the window, a ray falling directly on his Adam’s apple as it bobbed. His sharply defined face hid in shadow, beautiful as a
sculpture.
Seeing I wouldn’t speak, he loosened his tie and undid two buttons on his shirt, revealing a sliver of skin at his throat. He closed his eyes, rubbing his temple.
