Look at how he phrased it, as if I were being unreasonable, like I was tearing apart a pair of lovebirds.
I said casually, "You are Keenan Sommers, right? You're overthinking it. It's just thirteen sets of clothes, it's hardly making things difficult."
I continued, "Sonya was pampered since childhood. Someone even deboned her chicken for her. It's understandable that she doesn't realize what it means for a woman to give a man clothing. But as her personal assistant, you should be more sensible about these things than she is. Don't you know?"
Keenan panicked, lowering his head and apologizing repeatedly.
Sonya had always been exceptional, her looks, family background, career and capabilities made her shine like a brilliant star in the first half of her life. Countless men admired her, yet, she always maintained her pride and independence.
Those who tried to get close to her were met with nothing but her cold and distant gaze.
There were countless nights when she leaned against me, whispering softly. She told me I was the one she treasured most.
But now, everything had changed. In her eyes, I saw her tenderness for another man.
Sonya shook her head and smiled faintly. She took out a black card from her pocket and handed it to the lead salesperson.
Then, she walked to my side unhurriedly, wrapped her arm around my waist and gazed deeply into my eyes.
Under the cover of the music, her soft, pleasant voice sounded in my ear, "It's just a piece of clothing. I didn't expect you to care so much. You've scared the poor newcomer. If you get upset, it'll hurt my heart."
Her tone was light and playful, as if she were talking about something trivial. She easily shifted the topic away from Keenan.
The corners of my mouth curled into a cold smile. My fingers, defined and strong, gently cupped the back of her head, pulling her closer, inch by inch and whispered, "Keenan likes you. Someone as smart as you can't possibly not see it. I know you don't care about this two million, but let today be the first and last time this happens."
The surrounding employees thought we were flirting and started cheering and teasing us loudly.
At such a close distance, Sonya's face turned red. For the first time, her usual calm and composed expression showed a slight crack.
She frowned awkwardly, "Cole, don't do this. What will the subordinates think if they see us like this? Keenan and I will always just be in a boss-assistant relationship. Don't overthink it."
I scoffed lightly and released my fingers. Humiliating her was easy, but it wouldn't look good on me either.
Getting jealous over some plain and boring boy would only lower my worth. Satisfied with venting my frustration, I decided to let them off for now. After all, I didn't have concrete evidence of their ambiguous relationship.
Taking her hand, I led her to the stage to deliver the annual summary of our impressive achievements this year.
The branch CEOs' assistants, all sharp and observant, were elated as they flaunted their new suits. They even made sure to parade in front of Keenan.
"Thanks to Keenan, we all get to wear such expensive suits, something we might never have done in this lifetime!"
"In Mrs. Phoenix's eyes, gifting someone a suit is as casual as giving a child a piece of candy. Surely, Keenan, you wouldn't dare develop improper thoughts toward her over this?"
"Those eyes of yours and that tear mole … no wonder Mrs. Phoenix gives you special attention."
One by one, their faces were full of ridicule and their words carried warnings. Keenan had probably never been humiliated like this in his entire life.
His head sank lower and lower and he was utterly mortified. When the crowd finally dispersed, he fled with red-rimmed eyes. He didn't return for the rest of the gala.
After dinner, we tactfully left early, letting the younger employees truly relax and enjoy the night that belonged to them.
