Eve Sherman knew she had misunderstood and realized that her intentions were good.
Explaining wouldn't help as much as focusing on work; once the work was done well, naturally there would be no reason for criticism.
"I understand, rest assured."
Joshua Crawford was President Stellan Sutton's personal assistant, responsible for both his work and daily life.
When departing, she handed Eve Sherman a notebook packed with detailed notes on Stellan Sutton's preferences and taboos, his daily routines timed to the minute.
In the afternoon, Eve Sherman officially took over Joshua Crawford's duties, promptly brewing President Sutton's favorite coffee, adding milk and sugar strictly according to the ratios laid out by Joshua Crawford, before delivering it to Stellan Sutton.
This time, she didn't look at Stellan Sutton directly, respectfully placing the coffee beside him, then gently rotated the cup handle to the most convenient angle.
Stellan Sutton was busy, his gaze lingered on the mountainous pile of documents, and he casually said, "Thank you."
His voice was deep, attractive, and magnetic, tinged with a certain cool detachment.
"Wait a moment."
Just as Eve Sherman was about to leave, Stellan Sutton suddenly lifted his gaze, stopping her.
Eve Sherman swiftly turned, "Do you have any other instructions?"
Stellan Sutton casually rubbed his chin with one hand, earnestly inquiring, "What kind of gifts do you think young girls usually like?"
Upon seeing Eve Sherman blink, Stellan Sutton added, "I had asked my male assistant Lucas, but he didn't know and suggested I ask you."
Eve Sherman thought seriously, "Speaking for myself, I would prefer... money over those flashy, impractical things?"
Money, huh? Coincidentally, he also liked money; without it, one couldn't take a single step.
Stellan Sutton sunk into contemplation.
However, would his estranged wife whom he hadn't seen for two years like money?
The card he gave her back then had not a single transaction notification, indicating she hadn't spent a dime.
He wondered how she was doing now.
Eve Sherman originally didn't intend to pry into her boss's privacy but feared saying the wrong thing, so she asked anyway:
"But, who are you gifting it to?"
Stellan Sutton smiled faintly, "My wife."
Wife?
Apparently, he was already married.
Ms. Crawford hadn't mentioned this during the handover.
Only now did Eve Sherman feel that her answer was both cynical and superficial, but Stellan Sutton had already nodded.
"Thank you, please book a restaurant for me at eight tonight."
...
At six-thirty in the afternoon, Stellan Sutton instructed Lucas to drive him to the meeting and let Eve Sherman leave work early.
Eve Sherman dragged her tired body back to her tiny apartment.
As soon as she opened the door, the scent of flowers wafted through.
Zoe Sawyer and her friend Wyatt Crawford stood at the entrance with cake and flowers in hand, greeting her.
"Congratulations on your promotion, dear Eve!"
"Congratulations, darling!"
Eve Sherman's exhaustion was swept away by their boundless energy.
Living with friends really had its perks.
When she was exhausted and drained, they were like a charger, instantly lifting her spirits.
Eve Sherman accepted the flowers and blew out the candles on the cake, "Thank you."
"Crawford personally cooked today, everything is your favorite!"
Zoe Sawyer led her to the dining table, couldn't wait to ask, "How is it? Is your boss easy to get along with? Normally, they would pick someone stable, married with kids, but choosing someone young like you, he's not a lecher, right?"
Eve Sherman shook her head, "No, the boss has impeccable looks, height and charisma, and he's married, very much in love. I just booked a restaurant for their date, don't worry!"
Zoe Sawyer breathed a sigh of relief, "That's good to hear, working with these powerful people is like living with a tiger. I was really worried you'd end up like before, meeting those creepy individuals..."
"Alright, let's not go there."
Wyatt Crawford noticed the somber look in Eve Sherman's eyes, promptly interrupted Zoe Sawyer, busily serving Eve Sherman a dish, "Honey, try this, see if my cooking skills have improved? Can I snag a man's heart and find a boyfriend soon?"
"Oh, don't go near men, or you'll be unlucky!"
Zoe Sawyer patted his shoulder, "Once you have money, you'll have everything, guys will come running! First, work like an ox, then enjoy like a lunatic!"
Wyatt Crawford covered his mouth with a laugh, "Am I not already working hard? These days I'm negotiating a big deal, once it goes through, our studio might become famous! Then, when I'm rich, I want to open a restaurant!"
Zoe Sawyer's eyes sparkled, "I want to open a stationery shop! Buy a house in the city and give it to my brother, then they'll stop pestering me and it'll be awesome!"
Watching them cheerful, Eve Sherman held her chin and laughed along.
...
Restaurant.
Stellan Sutton sat at the long table, in front were several bank cards, a bouquet of red roses, and a gemstone necklace auctioned from abroad.
He asked Lucas uncertainly, "Do you think she'll be happy seeing these gifts?"
Lucas nodded repeatedly, "Never mind women, even I, a man, would be happy seeing them!"
"Alright."
Back then, in order to fulfill the old man's promise, he hurried into marriage, flying abroad to handle company affairs the very afternoon after getting the license, busy for two years.
Due to work busyness and time zone differences, he hadn't contacted his wife.
She never reached out to him either, she was likely angry.
Leaving her alone for two years, indeed, he was an unqualified husband; her anger was justified.
This time coming back, he only wanted to compensate her well, and if she was willing, he wanted to cultivate this relationship. If the old man was happy, he wouldn't have to divorce; it would be a win-win.
With everything ready, he took his phone, found her WeChat, and directly dialed a WeChat voice call.
It rang for a long time with no answer.
Just as he was about to hang up, she finally picked up.
A male voice rang.
"Who is this?"
Stellan Sutton tightened his grip on the phone, a crease forming between his brows.
He confirmed again, it was definitely her WeChat.
"She's in the shower, hold on a bit."
The man said, the sound of footsteps shuffled, "Honey, someone's calling you!"
A female voice mixed with the sound of splashing water resonated in Stellan Sutton's ears: "Who is it?"
"Don't know, you haven't labeled it, might be a wrong number, honey?"
"No worries, it's not my work number, no rush."
"Alright, honey."
Stellan Sutton couldn't bear listening to their syrupy endearments, and abruptly ended the call.