Chapter 129

Chapter 129

Gavin strolled into the Friday routine meeting, casually drifting his eyes over the glass partition to the bustling scene below. It was a typical Friday, and he was curious to see how the day’s business was faring.

He hadn’t looked long before noticing an unusual crowd at the entrance of a high–end boutique. Inside, two familiar figures stood out.

He had arranged to meet Natalie at 4:30 PM in the basement of the Global Mall after she’d finished shopping and he’d wrapped up his meeting. They planned to head back to the James family together. Little did he know he’d bump into them upstairs.

Pausing in his tracks, Gavin considered for a moment before leaning over to his assistant and murmuring. “Go down and see what’s going on.”

When his assistant entered the boutique, the senior sales associate was still eagerly packing clothes for Natalie. The excitement was palpable on her face. Thanks to the commission–based salary, Natalie’s purchase alone might exceed the store’s monthly sales!

Rosie, spotting Gavin’s assistant, froze for a second before getting up from the plush sofa.

as

Recognizing the assistant as someone who frequented the mall on Gavin’s behalf, the sales associate greeted him before Rosie could speak, “Good day, Mr. Wood!”

The assistant nodded with a faint smile and approached where Rosie and Natalie were standing.

Realizing the sales associate recognized the assistant, Rosie didn’t wait for Wood to call her out. She beamed and said, “Perfect timing, Wood. My auntie is in a great mood today and bought a bit too much. Come help us carry it all, will you?”

“Auntie?” Wood looked puzzled.

“Yeah, Gavin’s stepmom, my new auntie. You don’t recognize her? Are you blind?” Rosie raised her voice deliberately, a frown on her face as if challenging.

Wood and Rosie exchanged confused glances before the realization dawned on him. He briskly walked up to Natalie and respectfully asked, “Madam, are these all your items? Would you like. me to take them to the car now?”

The sales associate was stunned, watching the drama unfold in disbelief. Gavin’s stepmom? This meant the young college student, who seemed no older than twenty, was the new chairwoman of their company?

Caught off guard, Natalie too was momentarily stunned. Then, acting nonchalant, she replied coolly. “In a bit. Wait till she’s done packing everything.”

As the sales associate packed the last few garments, learning of Natalie’s identity sent her into a dizzying mix of nervousness and excitement.

12:03

Chapter 129

When they had first entered, how could she have imagined that these two casually dressed. young women were Gavin’s sister and stepmother?

And her demeanor had been less than cordial earlier, Natalie didn’t seem like someone to be trifled with…

“Come over here and help me pack, will you? What are you standing around for? We can’t have the chairwoman waiting! The sales associate called to the younger associate in urgency.

“No need for her, just you,” Natalie interjected before the younger associate could approach. smiling slightly.

“I see she’s new and probably won’t pack as neatly as you.”

The associate felt a mix of flattery and anxiety at Natalie’s praise. With no other choice, she turned back to the counter to continue packing, shaking her hands uncontrollably.

Natalie watched silently, offering no comment.

It was alright. There was plenty of time before 4:30 PM. She had all the time in the world today. to wait.

Thirty minutes later, after all of Natalie’s items were packed, the associate cautiously approached, “Madam, everything you requested is ready. If you’d like to…”

“Is your manager in today?” Natalie cut in with a question.

“The manager is… out of town today, I’m the acting manager,” the associate stammered in

response.