Chapter 224
âComelia, are you suggesting I say yes and let him treat us to dinner tonight?â asked Cornelia.
âHey, if we get to dine at that fancy place weâve always wanted to go to without coughing up a penny, why the heck not?â Abigail replied. Comelia felt persuaded by Abigail and decided to accept Marcusâ dinner invitation.
The prices at Culinary Crest are skyâhigh, and itâs always packed, so you have to book ahead of time. Cornelia had to pull some strings. using President Hartleyâs VIP status to score a private room.
After booking the restaurant, she still had to deal with the moveâin procedures for the new house. Being clueless about these things, she just went along with the property managementâs instructions.
Out of nowhere, Marcus showed up and took over, checking the list and the items provided by the property management. âYouâre missing an access card. You should check with the person in charge. Theyâll charge you next time you need one.â
He was dealing with these petty things with the same focus heâd give a billionâdollar contract.
Comelia watched him with a pang, wondering why it was Marcus beside her instead of Jeremy at such a moment.
Iâm talking to you. What are you thinking about?â Marcus seemed a bit stern, clearly unhappy with her constant distraction.
When Marcus was angry, Cornelia felt terrified. âUm, I wasnât thinking about anything.â
Seeing her scared look, Marcus softened his tone. âDetails matter. One misstep could lead to big trouble. Make sure the property management fixes whatever issue we found today.â
Cornelia obediently nodded. âYes.â
Seeing Cornelia looking so wellâbehaved and understanding, yet somewhat wronged, Marcus not only didnât have the heart to reprimand her, he didnât even want to speak harshly. âSilly girl, Iâm just reminding you. Why are you feeling wrong?â
He not only called her a silly girl, but his tone was also full of indulgence. This was not how a boss should speak to an employee.
Cornelia felt a little uncomfortable. She couldnât get along with this version of Marcus. âPresident Hartley, I, Iâ¦â
âAlright, I can only help you so much. You have to handle the rest. Nobody can help you forever.â Just when Cornelia felt that Marcusâ tone was somewhat ambiguous, he coldly said this and then walked out. âIâll wait for you outside.â
Cornelia, ââ¦â
Why canât she stop overthinking things, no matter how many times she told herself not to?
The more she overthought, the more awkward she felt around Marcus privately.
This canât go on anymore.
Abigail and Zack were on the other side, oblivious to the little incident between Cornelia and Marcus.
Cornelia, blushing, continued with the procedures.
Marcus stepped out of the property management office, lit a cigarette, and took a couple of deep drags.
The awkwardness between him and Cornelia was all because he didnât handle their relationship well.
All he had to do is tell her that heâs Jeremy, and then he can do anything for her openly.
But he didnât dare take that risk.
He canât be sure whether Cornelia will accept the fact that heâs gone from her direct boss to her husband.
So he dared not to admit his identity lightly.