Chapter 5
Intimidated by Eric’s overpowering presence, Marcus shot to his feet and rushed out of the ward, bowing as he left.
Eric slammed the door behind him, then turned to the flowers beside Elie.
“So, he’s into you and told you how he feels?”
Elie met his gaze but stayed quiet.
Without waiting for an answer, Eric grabbed the roses and tossed them
out the window.
Elie had rejected Marcus, but she didn’t want his feelings to be treated
like trash.
She pulled out her IV to pick up the flowers, but Eric caught her wrist. and pushed her back onto the bed.
He stared her down, eyes cold as ice.
“What are you doing? It’s just a crappy bouquet. Don’t tell me you him too?”
like
Elie pushed him away and said coldly, “Mr. Lawrence, you’re just my boss. Who I’m with is none of your business.
Eric’s expression darkened, and he gripped her wrist so hard it left red
marks.
“Yeah, but don’t forget company policy says no office relationships. If you even think about saying yes to him, he’s out of the Lawrence Group
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tomorrow.”
Elie knew he always meant what he said, and she didn’t want to drag anyone else into this, so she told the truth. “I don’t like him, and I’m not planning to be with him.”
Only then did Eric’s expression ease a little. He let go of her hand and finally got to the real reason he came.
“It was indeed Clara who changed the photo at the annual party. But now that she knows the truth, it’s understandable she’s mad at you. Once things settle down, I’ll promote you to head of the secretary department, and your salary will double. Just focus on your work. Clara agreed this was the last time. She won’t come after you again, so don’t hold it against her anymore.”
His offer sounded great, but Elie wasn’t moved.
She took a deep breath, about to tell him she was resigning.
But before she could speak, Clara’s call came in.
“Eric, I want to go to the beach for a few days. Will you come with me?”
Eric spoke to her gently, leaving Elie behind without a second thought as he walked out.
He left in such a rush that he didn’t hear what she said.
“I don’t need a promotion because I already turned in my resignation.”
As the door closed behind him, Elie looked down.
“Forget it. He’ll find out sooner or later,” she thought to herself.
In the days that followed, while Eric stayed with Clara, Elie went back to
Chapter 5
work like nothing had happened.
Marcus was transferred back to his hometown branch the very next day. Elie didn’t even get to see him one last time.
People at the office still gave her weird looks, but no one brought up the annual party anymore.
Things had finally calmed down. Elie went to the HR department to ask if she could leave early.
The HR staff looked troubled. “Ms. Roberts, if you want to resign early, you’ll need Mr. Lawrence’s special approval.”
Elie nodded and got to work on her early resignation request.
Right as she was about to find Eric for a signature, he called and sent her an address, telling her to come immediately.
When she got to the private room at the club, Elie realized Eric’s friends- and Clara–were all there, laughing and playing games.
As soon as he saw her, Eric looked up and nodded toward the drinks on
the table.
“Clara lost a few rounds, but she’s on her period and can’t drink. You drink for her. 1.5 thousand dollars per glass.”
Elie knew Eric had damaged his stomach from drinking too much in the past. Now he couldn’t touch any alcohol at all.
Otherwise, he would drink for Clara himself.
Elie looked at the dozen or so glasses of whiskey on the table.
She said quietly, “Mr. Lawrence, it’s after work hours. I have the right to
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refuse this assignment. But if you insist I drink for her, I don’t want the money; I just want your signature.”
Eric frowned slightly. “Signature? For what?”
Elie handed him the resignation form. He was just about to open it when Clara tugged on his arm, pouting.
“Eric, I lost again. Hurry up and make her drink for me!”
Eric responded gently to her and didn’t bother reading the form.
He signed it without hesitation and tossed the pen back.
“All done. Now drink.”
