Chapter 50

50 50. Farewell

When William thought about it, there was a suspect who would do such a thing. Samuel. Only Samuel knew where William and Paula had spent the night. However, was Samuel going to enter the room and leave that ridiculous note to keep William away from Paula?

“Never mind! I don’t want to know who did it,” William replied later. “What matters is that Paula didn’t do it. I’m quite relieved that I don’t have to take these ridiculous pills.”

A moment later, William looked at Danica questioningly. “Wait, why is this note on you?” William asked, interrogating his assistant. Danica became so afraid of him. “Didn’t I throw it away?”

The poor assistant gulped. Her eyes widened as she realized her mistake. Who wouldn’t be embarrassed when others found out a mocking note directed to him?

“Will, please spare me! I did something useful for you anyway!” Danica pleaded, asking that her mistake be forgiven. “I never meant to harm you. As you said earlier, the most important matter is we know that Paula didn’t leave the note.”

“Don’t do that again! It’s my privacy!” William snapped, making the helpless Danica could only nod in reply.

Silence fell for a moment. William dissolved back into his bad thoughts. “We should have known earlier so I wouldn’t have to order these stupid drugs and get Paula found out.”

Danica grinned, cursing William’s stupidity. “If you are serious about Paula, you should show that you love her, Will! It’s not just about things between the sheets. You can also show your love for her by doing romantic stuff.”

“You still dare to speak?” William said, feeling annoyed.

.....

“I’ll keep talking for your own good!” Danica replied adamantly.

“Can you help me?” William asked, looking confused.

“Of course, I will help you later after you finish the business meeting,” Danica said, massaging her temples. At times like this, she felt like an older sister to her inexperienced young boss. She even swore to herself that she would not marry a young man who didn’t even know how to win a woman’s heart.

‘Shit! What did he do when he was dating Lea?’ Danica cursed in her mind.

It sucks when a fine woman like Paula got a good-for-nothing guy like William. However, for the sake of a little affection for her boss, Danica would still help him. After all, she still thought Paula and William were so cute together. She still wanted the two of them to end up together.

Before long, William and Danica went to the meeting room where the potential investors’ representatives were waiting. William greeted them with a professionally warm welcome as if nothing happened to him minutes ago. He presented the past performance data and beautifully explained his solid plan.

The investor’s representatives seemed content with his rock-solid business plan and the unique concept. After calling the investor, the team leader said, “Mr. Stevens is looking forward to meeting you at the party. He is signing the documents later.”

William and Danica were glad to hear that. They then entertained the representatives with lavish dishes. Danica learned this from Paula. Even though sometimes the deal didn’t go well, they still had to do the best they could to entertain guests.

“You did a good job, Will!” Danica praised, patting William on the back.

“We did it, Danica! I will not make it without you!” William replied, flashing a meaningful smile.

Danica’s feelings were touched to see how much William had changed since he started working. In the past, his boss was said to be too relaxed and couldn’t do a simple job.

However, ever since he married Paula, she had treated William firmly. Paula also helped him to organize the staff to work more efficiently. Indeed, William’s work cannot be said to be outstanding. Nevertheless, the changes that have been made were quite encouraging.

“You promised to help me to woo her, Dani! Now, tell me what to do. Don’t forget that you were also responsible for the mess earlier. If only you didn’t clumsily fall and hit the boxes, surely Paula won’t see those damn pills.”

“I’ll let you know when today’s work is done. Remember, Paula will love it when you can do something impressive at the office. Come on, don’t relax too much. We still have a lot of work to do!” Danica said, smiling widely. She was proud of her boss’ achievement. The two of them then went back to work. “But, it doesn’t seem like there’s anything wrong with sending flowers and a box of cute praline chocolates as an apology. I guess she will love it.”n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

***

Meanwhile, Paula and Monica were in the middle of an argument at Robert’s house because there was an unavoidable problem.

“Aren’t you leaving the day after tomorrow? Why do you suddenly have to leave now?” Monica asked disapprovingly. “We’re just having a farewell party tonight. Just imagine how the others would react if they found out that you didn’t say goodbye to them. Can it not be delayed?”

“I’m sorry, Monica. But I have to leave immediately because Miyuki needs me asap,” Paula explained as she packed the things she needed and put them in the suitcase. “Instead of nagging, how about you help me pack my clothes?”

Monica gave up. She helped Paula pack up while holding back her tears. She had ordered special earrings for Paula and hadn’t gotten a chance to pick them up in the store yet. Even though Monica knew that Paula’s family owned a well-known jewelry brand, she still thought the earrings that she ordered were unique and she felt sorry that Paula didn’t get them. Not because it’s luxurious, but because she’s never seen anything like it.

Paula then took a shoebox-sized box from the corner of her room. She sighed for a moment, holding back the burden in her heart.

“Give this to all the staff. I want them to remember me even though I’m far away,” Paula said as she handed the metallic blue box to her assistant.

Monica nodded without looking at Paula. She knew her eyes were teary and she didn’t want Paula to find her in such an embarrassing state.

“And this is especially for you,” Paula said as she took out a medium-sized red jewelry box. “Open it!”

Monica opened the gift and burst into tears when she saw the gold necklace with the initials M.L. pendant there. “Paula! Did you make this for me?”

“That’s right, Monica Leonard! I entrust my first dream with you,” said Paula with teary eyes. The bakery was her first independent project. It was sad to leave it but she had no choice.

Monica came closer, hugging Paula while crying. She prayed, wishing Paula all the best.

In the evening, the atmosphere in the bakery looked gloomy. Their shop had purposely closed early for Paula’s farewell party. However, the person was not around.

At the same time, a bouquet of red roses was delivered by a courier to the bakery. Monica received it with a gloomy face.

“Mrs. Montgomery?” the courier asked.

Monica just nodded and said, “She is not here but I’ll tell her later.”