CHAPTER 63: 63: CAN STAND UP TOGETHER

"Count me in," Chloe Quinn grinned. "Since I’m your brother’s girlfriend, I ought to treat his sister to a meal."

Charles Shaw could tell she was excited. "You’re in such a good mood."

"Of course," she laughed. "I feel like the sword Florence Fuller had hanging over my head is finally gone. I can breathe easy now, hahaha."

Evelyn Shaw chuckled. "You’re welcome to join us."

"Ah, you’re so kind, unlike Florence. I have to watch her moods to earn a living under her, and even dating your brother leaves me walking on eggshells."

"That’s enough," Florence Fuller said, exasperated yet resigned, meeting Charles Shaw’s gaze. "I haven’t been giving her a hard time. She’s like a queen bee at the company."

"Queen bee? Our company isn’t a den of thieves."

Charles Shaw glanced helplessly at Chloe Quinn, then at Florence Fuller, smiling sincerely. "I know you wouldn’t, and I appreciate your concern, Florence."

He had actually looked into Chloe Quinn at first, but he still wanted to give it a shot. This was his decision.

Florence Fuller looked at the fruitcake on her plate. "As long as you’re happy."

They chose a hotel in the city center for dinner that evening.

When they arrived, Christopher Somerset was already in the private room. Chloe Quinn looked at him, somewhat surprised. "You two have known each other since childhood."

Evelyn Shaw nodded.

Christopher Somerset’s family background isn’t too complex. His parents fell in love freely, but his mother’s family was ordinary, worlds apart from the Somersets. Father Somerset refused to marry for family alliances, so he eloped and got married to Mother Somerset quietly.

But in the end, they couldn’t escape the family’s control.

When Christopher Somerset was two, his parents divorced under the pressure from the Somersets. Father Somerset returned to the family and agreed to an arranged marriage, but they never had children.

Christopher’s mother remarried, but he was the only child Father Somerset had. When he was sixteen, the Somerset family took him back.

"Everyone’s here, so let’s have a seat."

Chloe Quinn had some business dealings with Christopher Somerset, so they knew each other. They sat around the table, and as the dishes were served, they made small talk.

Evelyn Shaw sat next to Christopher Somerset, with Charles Shaw beside Chloe Quinn, while Florence Fuller was sandwiched in the middle, feeling distinctly like the odd one out, the single person among couples.

Thinking of Evelyn and Christopher...

Florence Fuller sighed silently...

"In a couple of days, I’m going back to Cloudsea for a while," Florence said. "So I won’t be in SJ. Call me if you need anything."

"Going to Cloudsea?" Charles Shaw asked. "Going back to the Fuller Family?"

Florence Fuller nodded. "Yeah, there’s some things to take care of."

"So then..." Christopher Somerset started, "if Brother Gardiner asks..."

Florence Fuller shook her head. "No need to mention it. This marriage is bound to end sooner or later."

"I support you!" Chloe Quinn nodded repeatedly. "You should get it over with."

"But isn’t it difficult?" Christopher Somerset was still clear-headed. "Getting through the old master of the Gardiner family will surely be necessary."

Florence Fuller arched an eyebrow. "On the contrary, once he agrees, Luke Gardiner refuses."

Christopher Somerset was surprised.

Given Luke Gardiner’s usual attitude towards Florence Fuller, he wasn’t very attentive, especially since the old master had agreed. He had no reason to refuse the divorce.

"I’ll sort out the divorce stuff when I get back," Florence Fuller said, raising her glass with a smile. "Cheers!"

"Yay!"

----

The breeze was gentle, and the sun was shining brightly.

Cloudsea Airport.

Florence Fuller came out of the airport alone, and Christopher Fuller was there to meet her at the exit.

Since marrying in SJ City, Florence Fuller hadn’t come back. It’s been three years now.

"Where are you staying? Or do you plan to go back to the Fuller Family?"

Florence Fuller shook her head. "I won’t go back just yet."

"I have a place available in the city center; why don’t you stay there for now?"

"Sure," Florence Fuller agreed. "Have you arranged everything at the company?"

"Of course," Christopher Fuller smiled. "Though I don’t have much authority, I can still fit you into the company."

At Christopher Fuller’s city-center apartment, Florence Fuller took a tour. It had all the necessary furnishings.

Christopher Fuller pulled out some items. "Here is your employee badge. You can report to work at the company starting tomorrow. Here’s the car key; you can use this car to get around from now on."

Florence Fuller took it. "Which department?"

"Operations," Christopher Fuller waved his hand. "Do you need anything else?"

Florence Fuller didn’t have any immediate needs and shook her head.

"Alright, then settle in, and I’ll see you at the company tomorrow."

Florence Fuller nodded.

That afternoon, she went out to buy some clothes and daily necessities, and by the time she sorted everything out, evening was approaching.

A sense of unfamiliarity hit her as she looked at the bustling cityscape through the floor-to-ceiling windows, taking a deep breath.

She didn’t really know the current state of the Fuller Family. Starting with the company was only the first step, not her ultimate goal to work diligently...

Next day, at the Fuller Corporation.

Operations Department.

"Everyone, pause what you’re doing," the team leader clapped their hands. The staff working at their workstations looked up. "We have a new member in our department. Let me introduce her."

Florence Fuller stood beside the department head, wearing a light blue shirt paired with pale denim pants. Her long, curly hair flowed down, and her delicate features exuded an air of elegance and grace even in such a simple outfit.

People exchanged curious glances.

"Sister Keaton, you’ll be guiding her," the team leader called out.

A woman stood up, appearing to be in her thirties, nodding slightly.

The team leader knew Florence was placed by higher-ups and was very respectful toward her. "Your spot is next to Sister Keaton’s. The probation period is three months, but don’t worry; you’ll pass for sure."

Florence Fuller smiled warmly. "Thank you, Team Leader."

"Off you go."

Florence Fuller walked over to Sister Keaton’s side, and many colleagues discreetly watched her.

She put her belongings in the empty space next to her and looked at the woman beside her. "Hello, Sister Keaton, I’m Florence Fuller. I’ll be relying on you for guidance during this time."

Sister Keaton looked a bit weary but still managed a smile at her. "No worries, first log into the company system on your computer, and I’ll guide you on what to do next."

Florence Fuller nodded and started working.

The operations department had over twenty people. Florence had been there all morning when Christopher Fuller messaged, asking how she was adapting.

"Pretty well," Florence Fuller replied.

Christopher Fuller texted back, "I’m curious how your dad would react if he found out you were at the company."

Florence Fuller: "Shouldn’t you be more curious about how James Fuller would react to my presence?"

Christopher Fuller: "That’s true. Also, I forgot to tell you, your mom recently returned to Cloudsea too."

Florence Fuller: "Hmm."

Christopher Fuller: "Aren’t you going to visit her?"

"Visit for what?" Florence Fuller was a bit puzzled. "She probably doesn’t want to see me anyway."

Christopher thought for a moment. "Alright then, focus on your job."

"Want to grab lunch?" Sister Keaton called out. "I’ll show you where the company cafeteria is."

"Okay."

She put away her phone and went along with Sister Keaton.