Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The elevator arrived.
Keira stepped out of the elevator and headed toward the reserved private room.
Charles swallowed hard, took a few quick steps, and came up beside her. He still couldnât believe it and wanted to confirm something, but he didnât know what to say.
It was then he realized that when someone was extremely surprised, they actually couldnât speak.
Charles pointed to his phone, then pointed at Keira.
Keira smiled at him kindly, and then Charles just followed her into the private room, looking somewhat dumb.
The Horton family had a solid status in Oceanion, and Emperor Palace Hotel was a part of Horton Groupâs enterprises, so it was very easy for Jake to book a VIP private room here.
The large private room featured a huge table that could seat twenty to thirty people.
When Keira entered the room, there were already a dozen or so people inside.
They all just graduated this year, so the discussion wasnât about trivial family matters but about work.
As soon as Keira and Charles entered, the room quieted down momentarily.
The gaze of the male students all fell on Keira.
After all, during their school days, this seemingly unapproachable beauty was so aloof that the only legends in the class were about her, and the only person who could have a few words with her was Jake.
Keira was the goddess in the hearts of many male students.
Seeing Charles entering with Keira, and noticing that his eyes were somewhat glazed over as he dumbly followed her, it wasnât until she reached a seat that he suddenly realized something and hurriedly pulled out a chair for her. âPlease⦠please have a seat.â
This was his boss, the owner of the company!
Charlesâs actions, however, led to a misunderstanding, and everyone started teasing him.
âCharles, whatâs your relationship with Keira?â
âHow did you come together? Come on, what happened after graduation that we donât know about?â
Charles panicked and immediately waved his hands. âDonât talk nonsense!â
Him with Dr. South?!
He wouldnât!
Leaving these words, Charles took a seat next to Keira.
This was an opportunity to get on good terms with the boss, and he couldnât let it slip by.
Next to them was a young woman named Erin Davis. She had kept an eye on them since they entered the room. She had always liked Charles during college. They were WhatsApp friends and had been in frequent touch over the past two months, but nothing was settled yet.
Now, Charlesâs attentive gesture to Keira was more than Erin could bear.
She spoke in a sarcastic tone. âKeira, I heard from Isla that you hadnât found a job yet.â
Keira raised an eyebrow and looked at her without saying a word.
Erin continued. âYou donât have to feel embarrassed. There are so many classmates here today. If you havenât found a job, you can ask everyone to introduce you to one. Oh, our receptionist just quit, and weâre hiring. Do you want to give it a try?â
Keira frowned.
Charles then spoke up. âDonât be ridiculous. How could D⦠I mean, how could Keira possibly work as a receptionist!â
Erin scoffed. âWhat? Do you look down on receptionists? Itâs a proper job! And do you think being a receptionist is so easy?â
Charles immediately said, âThatâs not what I meant, but Keira⦠the field she studied doesnât match with being a receptionist!â
âBut she hasnât been able to find a job. Maybe because her grades in her major werenât that good, right? Keira has one advantage, though; sheâs pretty and could be the face of the company. Iâm thinking of her best interests. After all, itâs been more than two months since graduation. Doesnât Keira feel the pressure to earn a living?â
Keira frowned and snorted. âI donât need you to worry about my affairs.â
She knew that at a class reunion like this, she was bound to encounter ostracism.
After all, when Isla transferred to her department in the university, she had indeed spurred the other girls to isolate Keira.
But today was Professor Millerâs birthday; he was like a teacher and a father to her, so she had to be here.
Keira carried an air of aloofness. With her words, Erin was speechless and seemed a bit angry as she said condescendingly, âI overstepped. I was just worried that you were struggling to find a job. Since youâre ungrateful, Iâll just drop it!â
A young man also thought Keiraâs attitude a bit inappropriate, so he frowned and said, âWeâre all classmates here. Maybe the tone of our conversation isnât the best, but itâs for your own good, Keira. Thereâs no need to be so dismissive, right?â
Erin pretended to be apologetic. âDonât say that, I shouldnât have brought it up at the reunion. After all, this is Keiraâs private matter, and it was indeed embarrassing for her. Keira, if youâre really bothered by this, then I apologize.â
The young man let out a cold laugh. âI donât understand why we canât talk about this at a class reunion. Isnât this a fact? Is it all about saving face without asking for help? Keira, sometimes in life, you shouldnât care about such ethereal things too much. Itâs better to be down-to-earth!â
Keira was perplexed.
Her gaze became even colder. âSometimes, the best thing to do is not to meddle in othersâ business, right?â
âYou!â
The young man was angry and pointed at her. He only managed to say one word before Erin grabbed his arm. âOkay, okay, letâs not talk about this anymore. Next topic?â
The man scoffed, âShe really doesnât appreciate good intentions!â
Seeing she had the upper hand, Erin laughed and changed the subject. âActually, talking about jobs, among us, Charles found the best job! Do you know who heâs working under?â
Everyone became curious all at once. âWho?â
Erin looked at Keira and asked, âKeira, do you know?â
Keira didnât know what to say.
She didnât understand why this person suddenly called her out; she simply took a sip of her tea, glanced at Charles, and said, âIâm not too sure.â
Erin immediately laughed. âHasnât Charles told you? He works under Dr. South!â
As soon as these words came out, everyone was stunned, and then they turned toward Charles with curiosity, bombarding him with questions.
âIs Dr. South a man or a woman?â
âWhat kind of question is that? Definitely a man, a cultured and scholarly middle-aged man!â
âCharles, have you met Dr. South in person? Can you get me his autograph?â
âMy gosh, to think a classmate of mine works under Dr. South. Iâll be proud to tell everyone about it!â
âCharles, come on, tell us about Dr. Southâs work!â
âEven if you canât reveal Dr. Southâs private matters, you can talk about your new research projects!â
Charles, who was already impatient with everyone ridiculing Keira, immediately turned to her upon hearing this. âDr. South is not as far away as you think, but rather right before your eyes..â