Chapter 17

Chapter 17

The murmurs of laughter embarrassed Aurelia, yet she didn’t back down.

She glared at Kimberly and honestly replied, “I didn’t catch up.”

Kimberly laughed and glanced at Zachary, teasingly saying, “Didn’t catch up? Then why did you go to the technology exhibition so early? Aurelia, are you not using work hours for something else? I know your mother is seriously ill, and breaking up with your boyfriend is tough, but the boss and Zachary entrusted us with this important task because they value us. You can’t afford to be lost.”

Kimberly hinted that Aurelia neglected her duties, and Zachary’s brow furrowed deeply.

“Aurelia, where did you go?”

“To the technology exhibition.” Aurelia took out her phone directly to prove her innocence.” These are the pictures I took. I…”

She was about to say that she was with Leslie, but upon careful consideration, Leslie and she were married.

No one would believe they coincidentally met while working together.

Instead, it might implicate Leslie, arousing suspicions of nepotism.

Given that One Technology was currently one of the most influential companies in Seacester, entering ich a company wasn’t easy for Leslie either.

Aurelia couldn’t let Kimberly casually jeopardize him.

Kimberly glanced at the two photos. She said disdainfully, “What’s this? You could take a few hundred pictures like this without spending much time.”

Before Aurelia could explain, Zachary’s expression had already darkened.

“Aurelia, the company attaches great importance to this collaboration, and you should too. Otherwise, you’ll face embarrassment and witness how efficient someone like Kimberly is at work.”

Kimberly looked at Aurelia with raised eyebrows.

“Mr. Zeller, this is my responsibility.”

Aurelia didn’t want to offer useless explanations, especially now that Zachary seemed more inclined towards Kimberly, who had connections.

Putting down her phone, Aurelia questioned, “Mr. Zeller, if I recall correctly, our proposals determine our success or failure, right?”

Zachary was perplexed as he replied, “Yes, what’s the matter?”

Aurelia continued, “Where’s Kimberly’s proposal?”

Zachary was left speechless. Even Kimberly’s smile twitched at the corner of her lips.

Aurelia turned to Kimberly with a smile. “Kimberly, what we’re doing is planning, not matchmaking. What do you think?”

Chapter 17

Kimberly’s cheeks puffed up with anger.

Ignoring her provocation, Aurelia faced Zachary. “Mr. Zeller. I only went to the technology exhibition today. I gained some valuable insights. Please rest assured, I will work diligently.”

Zachary, wanting to say something more, could only nod awkwardly.

“Fine, get back to work.”

He quickly returned to his office.

Aurelia ignored Kimberly’s taunts, returning to her desk to resume work

Kimberly glared at Aurelia before settling down to work as well.

An hour later, Aurelia stretched lazily as she visited the restroom.

As Aurelia was about to emerge from her cubicle, she heard the sound of flowing water and the murmur of conversations outside.

“Who do you think will be the new deputy director this time?”

“Why guess? It must be Kimberly. She has connections and even knows the boss of One Technology and Mr. Lynch. Even Mr. Zeller praised her. It’s obvious she’s the chosen one.”

“So enviable! It feels like Kimberly’s using cheat codes in her life–she gets whatever she wants. Poor Aurelia, who was getting stepped on by her.”

“Why do you pity her? What kind of person do you think she is? I heard she dumped him just because her boyfriend didn’t give her a hundred thousand bucks.”

“What? She usually looks so serious. Who would have thought she’s like that?”

“You can’t judge a book by its cover. Aurelia should look at herself in the mirror. She looks like an old lady, yet she’s so picky.”

“Exactly, if someone marries her, that’s good enough. She thinks she’s some kind of strong woman, but in the end, Kimberly still suppresses her.”

“Kimberly invited us to dinner. Are you going?”

“Certainly, we should try to make a good impression on the upcoming deputy director as soon as possible.”

The two chatted and left.

Aurelia stepped out of her cubicle. She stood before the mirror, looked at herself, and deeply breathed. She adjusted her clothes and then walked towards the office.

Upon entering, she noticed a large bouquet of roses on Kimberly’s desk.

“Kimberly, who’s the suitor today?” A colleague inquired.

Kimberly touched up her lipstick in front of the mirror, smiling as she said, “No one, just the boss of One Technology.”

Colleagues caught a whiff of gossip and rushed over.