Steven's face went from red to pale in an instant.
Of course, he knew exactly what "improper conduct" I was referring to.
Harassing female colleagues, frequenting nightclubs, gambling and embezzling company funds.
I'd had someone gather all the evidence a long time ago. I just hadn't brought it to Josette's attention.
But Josette was completely unaware. She demanded angrily, "What improper conduct? You explain yourself!"
"Mr. Cruz … "
Steven's eyes welled up, his voice trembling.
"I know I'm not very capable at work, but I'm Miss Sunray's special secretary. I should ask Miss Sunray first if there's anything. HR shouldn't bypass her and go directly."
I interrupted him with a half-smile, "What's this? You're just a recent graduate, an intern. Are you trying to tell the company how to operate?"
Steven immediately lowered his head. "Mr. Cruz, I absolutely didn't mean that."
Josette looked at me with eyes full of disappointment. "Ronan, I chose you back then because of your free-spiritedness, unconventional ways and uniqueness."
She scoffed coldly, "Now it seems I was wrong."
I stood up and walked over to her, reaching out to touch her face, but she turned away.
I didn't mind. I said softly, "Josette, do you know Winona is returning to the country?"
Josette's body visibly stiffened.
As a well-known socialite in city circles, she certainly knew who Winona Claire was.
My childhood sweetheart, the only daughter of the Claires.
If it weren't for Josette, Winona and I would have married long ago.
"I know. So what?" she said, trying to appear calm. "Why are you suddenly bringing up Winona?"
I smiled and didn't answer. I casually snatched the pendant hanging around Steven's neck when I was about to leave the office.
The force was so great that it nearly made him fall.
Still, he didn't dare to show his anger.
At the door, I stopped and said without looking back. "There is a family dinner tonight and my father specifically asked to invite you."
I didn't see Josette's expression, but I could feel the air in the office freeze instantly.
After a few seconds of silence, she nodded. "Okay."
***
As night fell, Josette, dressed in a slender evening gown and wearing ten-centimeter stilettos, stood in front of the carved iron gates of the Cruz residence.
Steven stood behind her, awkwardly holding the gift booth bag and from time to time, he glanced at the ancient building full of historical heritage behind the wall with the corner of his eye.
Billy the butler lowered his eyelids and spoke respectfully yet firmly. "I'm sorry, Miss Sunray, but this gentleman's name is not on the family banquet guest list."
"So he can't go in."
"Billy, Steven is my special assistant," Josette raised her chin, the diamond earrings I had given her glinting coldly in the twilight. "Since when did the Cruz Family start judging people based on their background?"
"Since when? Let me think."
A deep voice came from the depths of the courtyard. I walked out slowly, wearing a dark-patterned suit.
Glancing casually at the brand-new watch strap barely visible on Steven's wrist, I smiled mockingly. "I remember now, it should have started from the day Cruz Trading Company was officially listed in Heritage Walk three hundred years ago."
Steven suddenly coughed violently. The pale skin of his neck still showed the red mark where the amulet had been pulled off.
Josette quickly turned around to pat his back. "Steven, are you alright?"
"If the two of you want to put on a touching display of master-servant affection, please go to a hotel and do it slowly," I said coldly. "At the very least, tonight's guests have rung the NASDAQ bell. Are you sure you want your little assistant to go around toasting them?"
Anger flickered across Josette's meticulously made-up face. Just as he was about to speak, he was stopped by the housekeeper.
I turned and walked away, leaving behind a light remark. "Billy, rules are rules. They can't be bent."
"Remember to tell Miss Sunray that the kitchen has prepared Tremella soup. She can drink a few more bowls later if she has a sore throat due to internal heat."
Josette stomped her foot in frustration. Steven murmured, "Maybe it's better if I head back for now, Miss Sunray."
"No need. Please wait here for a while. Someone will invite you in later."
Josette shot a resentful glare at my retreating back before entering the Cruz residence herself. This time, the housekeeper didn't stop her.
***
Inside the banquet hall, Josette sat beside my mother with a glass of champagne in hand and a sweet voice to match. "Auntie, how have you been lately?"
"Not bad."
My mother replied elegantly, taking a sip of tea, a ruby bracelet sliding down her well-maintained wrist.
"Josette, this truffle foie gras is your favorite. You rarely come by, so please have some more."
The gilded lazy Susan rotated slowly at her words, bringing a celadon bowl to Josette.
My father suddenly tapped lightly on the table.
A line of servers entered, removing all the cold dishes.
Josette froze mid-air with a silver spoon, watching her favorite truffle foie gras being taken away.
"Everyone, " my father stood up and raised his glass. Today's family dinner is to announce something. My useless son is getting married."
Josette looked taken aback, then frowned.
"Uncle, this is so sudden."
"Why didn't you tell me beforehand?"
My father didn't respond, just gave her a meaningful look.
"Because there's no need for that," I said coolly. "Today, in front of everyone, I declare that Josette and I are breaking up from now on."
