Chapter 69

Chapter 69 Who’s In Charge Here

Emelie returned to her desk, where her colleagues gathered around to console her or apologize for believing Cindy’s words too easily.

Emelie reassured them that it was fine.

However, contrary to her typical behavior, Melanie remained alone at her desk.

Looking down, she seemed visibly upset.

She had rushed to debunk the rumors for Emelle.

She even dispatched her butler to retrieve surveillance footage from the hotel–yes, she was one step ahead of the police in obtaining that footage.

But much to her surprise, the footage revealed William with Emelie, the two entering an elevator and heading upstairs to a room.

A man and a woman entering a hotel room–well, even the most naive could imagine what might happen next.

Melanie couldn’t help but feel like Emelie had betrayed her.

After all, it was Emelie who had brought her into William’s circle, playing the matchmaker between them.

How could Emelie treat her like this?

It felt like stealing a best friend’s boyfriend.

Emelie didn’t notice Melanie’s change in mood.

Seeing Jayden leave, she promptly got up and headed into the CEO’s office.

“Mr. Middleton, I need to take a few days off,” she said.

William raised an eyebrow. “And why’s that?”

Emelie remained composed.

“Today’s events have really taken a toll on my mental well–being. I think I need some time off to see a doctor.”

William, of course, saw right through her excuse.

Twirling his pen, he looked at her for a moment before saying, “Going to see a doctor for psychological issues might not be the best solution.

“Actually, I just got invited to a three–day cruise party. Join me, relax, and you’ll probably feel better much

sooner.

Emelie declined, suggesting, “Mr. Middleton, perhaps Ms. Swanson could accompany you instead.” William’s

tone was straightforward as he said, “Who’s in charge here? You or me? I want you to come with

Chapter 69 Witos in Charo

Emelie was confused.

He hadn’t brought her along to any events in a while.

She couldn’t help but wonder why he suddenly changed his mind in the last three days before the end of her contract, but she had no choice but to agree.

Leaving the CEO’s office, Emelie spotted Melanie and called out, “Ms. Swanson…”

But Melanie didn’t even look her way and just kept walking.

Emelie was left a little surprised.

Someone like William wouldn’t simply waste three days on a leisure trip.

This cruise was also a business affair.

It was organized by an industry insider with the goal of promoting professional networking and advancing industry development.

CEOS attending had more than just scheduled activities.

They could freely exchange ideas and conduct transactions. It once set a three–day transaction record of

50 billion dollars.

That afternoon, Emelie and William boarded the ship together.

An evening charity auction awaited them.

Emelie had originally worn her usual work attire. But William insisted she change, emphasizing that she

was going as his date, not just his secretary.

So, she reluctantly changed into a classy white sundress.

It caught the eyes of many guests as they walked in, with William casually draping his arm around her

waist.

Throughout the event, Emelie played the role of William’s companion perfectly.

She stood by his side as he mingled with other executives.

She stayed quiet and attentive, only speaking when spoken to, fully embracing her role as the decorative

arm candy for the night.

Out of the blue, William leaned over and asked Emelie, “You like it?”

Emelie was a bit puzzled. “Huh? What are you referring to?”

William gestured with his chin toward the stage.

Emelie looked over and saw a diamond necklace up for auction.

Lost in thought, she had been gazing at it absentmindedly, and William assumed she liked it.

Chapter 69 who’s in Charn Here

Emelie quickly responded, “No, I was just lost in thought.”

Despite Emelie’s explanation, William persisted, “I’ll bid on it for you if you fancy it.”

“Mr. Middleton, I really don’t like it,” Emelle insisted.

Ignoring Emelie’s explanations and objections, William went ahead and raised his paddle.

Another CEO also had his sights set on the necklace and joined in the bidding war against William.

The two went back and forth until they drove the price to unprecedented heights.

Emelie squeezed William’s hand. “Mr. Middleton! I really don’t want this necklace!”

“Do you think I can’t even afford to give you a necklace?” William replied calmly.

Emelie bit her lip and whispered, “It’s not about whether you can afford it….”

It was simply that she never wanted the necklace to begin with.

William was relentless in his pursuit of the necklace.

He entered into a fierce bidding war with the other CEO.

Their back–and–forth quickly became the main event of the auction, drawing attention and sparking

conversations among the attendees.

In his understated yet sophisticated black suit with silver accents, William remained composed and

unruffled despite the escalating bids.

Emelie slowly caught on to his intentions and stopped trying to interfere.

She understood that he wasn’t bidding for her sake.

In the end, William’s deep pockets secured the necklace at a price ten times its starting bid.

Without batting an eye, William smoothly signed the paperwork handed to him by the staff.

Then, he picked up the necklace and draped it around Emelie’s neck.

With a subtle grin, he remarked, “It looks nice on you. There’s a gala tomorrow night. Pair it with a dress

and accompany me.”