Chapter 113
Knowing that someone answered her phone last night, Audrey frowned slightly. She drank about eight taels of alcohol but definitely didn’t get deuna enough to lose her memory.
But as for what Yann said–how she clung to him and refused to let go, insisted on falling asleep together, even went mad and bullied him while forbidding him from fighting back–she had absolutely no recollection of any of it.
At that moment, she thought, ‘Since Paul asked like that, could there have been a little phone incident last night? The only person who could have answered my call was Yann.‘
Audrey felt a flicker of doubt and unease. “Is there a problem?”
Paul leaned back in his chair, gently swaying, a knowing smile on his face. “You didn’t message me all last night, and I worried something might’ve happened, so I called. A man answered and said you were already resting.”
Paul’s eyes shifted slightly as he watched Audrey’s reaction and continued.
“Of course, I didn’t mean anything else! Our company never interferes with employees‘ private lives. But if you’re living with someone, it’s better to tell your colleagues. That way, if something happens and we can’t reach you, there’s a backup contact.”
Audrey nodded in understanding. “Thanks for your concern, boss. I do share a place with someone, but his job’s special, so it’s hard to contact him.”
After she left the office, Paul’s smile faded. The man who answered the phone yesterday had a strong presence, didn’t answer his questions, and instead
asked who he was.
That oppressive feeling was the result of being in power for so long. What stood out most was the man’s voice–she could’ve sworn she’d heard it somewhere before.
Audrey returned to her desk, pulled out her phone, and saw Paul’s missed call around eleven o’clock.
Two files were dropped onto her desk. Edana looked down at her from above. “I thought Audrey was some poor little thing, but turns out you’re tough. Dumped Mr. Patel and already got a new lover.”
Audrey raised an eyebrow. Edana knew what Paul knew, meaning Audrey was with Paul at eleven last night. As for what they did together…
Audrey smiled brightly. “Edana wasted five years of her youth just to get a $50,000 car. That’s pretty pathetic.”
Edana’s face darkened instantly, staring at Audrey with clenched fists. Paul had warned her: if she kept provoking Audrey, he’d transfer her to a branch office. Though she was unwilling and resentful, she couldn’t go against Paul’s wishes.
Audrey opened the files and glanced through them, then handed them to Tiffany. “Take a good look. Mr. Gibson wants you to work with me.”
Tiffany took the files and glanced awkwardly at Edana. “If Èdana doesn’t want me involved, I can politely refuse Mr. Gibson. Say my family needs me or
achievements.” that I’m not capable enough. I won’t steal your
Edana was furious like a toad, her chest heaving violently. Her face turned uglier, and she finally spat out. “If Mr. Gibson. your best!”
Edana returned to her desk, fiddling with her cup and pen holder, making clattering noises to show her displeasure.
Tiffany gave Audrey a thumbs–up. Impressive–she was the first to drive Edana completely nuts.
Audrey smiled faintly, “This project’s complicated. Don’t take it lightly.”
you involved, then just do
John’s case got deeper and deeper. What started as bribery uncovered abuse of power, dereliction of duty, using public office for private gain, and even
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vote buying. Multiple charges piled up, and his prison sentence kept getting longer.
Clayton asked Emilia to defend his father. Emilia was overwhelmed when she saw the evidence listed by the prosecutor she had no choice but to go to Starise House and report to Clayton.
Clayton anxiously rubbed his fists and looked at Wyatt. “Wyatt, can you have my wife find someone to smooth things over?”
“You think I don’t want to?” Wyatt was stressed too.
Last time Audrey warned him about not managing Clayton well, he got reported right after. Although they didn’t find concrete evidence against him, the higher–ups were very unhappy.
Wyatt lit a cigarette and took a few irritated puffs. “Your wife’s checked around. Gabriel submitted a bunch of new evidence. He’s always been at odds with my father and took every chance to hit him hard.”
“Can we find a breakthrough point with Gabriel?” Clayton asked.
Wyatt shook his head. “It’s tough. Gabriel has powerful backing. Small favors won’t sway him. He’d rather turn around and report you! That’s why his clean reputation is so solid.”
“Gabriel’s Jessica’s dad.” Riley came out of the room. “Their house and cars are way better than ours. How could he be honest?”
“Mind your own business. School’s about to start. Study hard,” Wyatt told her to go back to her room.
Riley felt more and more resentful. After her grandpa was investigated, neighbors in the compound completely changed their attitude toward their family. Even her friends kept their distance. If she couldn’t turn things around, classmates would look down on her even more after school started.
“Dad, I’m going to a classmate’s house to study together.” Riley came out of her room again.
Wyatt waved his hand and told her to leave quickly. They didn’t want her to hear their discussion.
Riley took a taxi to find Valerie.
“Valerie, you’re finally my second aunt! I’m so happy.” As soon as she entered, Riley threw herself into Valerie’s arms, and Valerie smiled, leading her to
the living room.
“You look thinner lately. Is studying too hard? Remember to balance,work and rest. Don’t just bury yourself in books.”
“I knew you were the nicest to me.” Riley peeled an orange. “My mom nags me to study all the time. It’s so annoying!”
Valerie’s eyes flickered as she smiled. “Your mom’s a proud person. She only brags if your grades are good.”
“I study for myself, not for her.” Riley snorted, splitting the orange in half and handing one to Valerie. “I want to teach a classmate a lesson. Got any goo
ideas?”
“You got bullied?” Valerie looked shocked. “Your grandpa, your dad, they all have positions. Your second uncle’s a famous lawyer! We don’t cause trouble, but we don’t back down either!”
Riley nodded in agreement. She didn’t mention that Grandpa had been suppressed by a classmate’s father–too humiliating. She just clung to Valerie f advice.
Valerie thought for a moment, then whispered a few words in her ear. Riley’s eyes lit up instantly. “Will it work?“”
“You’re only thirteen–you’re not legally responsible,” Valerie said gently, handing her an orange. “But just go far enough to get the point across. No ne to destroy them completely. That way, we look more magnanimous.”
Riley hugged Valerie and kissed her cheek. You’re the best. If you are bullied, I’ll have your back.”
She finished the orange, wiped her hands, and stood up. “You’re free at home, come with me!”
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Valerie’s smile stiffened a little. “I can’t go, but we can keep in touch by phone.”
