CHAPTER 38: CHAPTER 38 AN UNFORESEEN DATE

My expression darkened. "Philip, feel free to voice your opinions, but if you dare to point your finger at me again, don’t hold me accountable for my actions!" Upon hearing my words, a spark of delight flickered in Philip’s eyes; it was evident he was attempting to provoke me. "What if I do point at you? I’m eager to see how you’ll react!"

By this time, the other colleagues had also started paying attention, each one eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama.

"Philip, it’s impolite to point at others!"

Melody frowned. She had been raised with refined manners and knew that pointing a finger at someone’s face was exceedingly rude.

Moreover, I hadn’t committed any wrongdoing; she had approached me due to her own discomfort.

And what was the source of her discomfort?

My flirtation with Mia, naturally!

She wasn’t merely a tsundere who enjoyed being dominated; she also had a potent possessive streak.

With a growing audience of colleagues, she didn’t want to cause a scene, which would reflect poorly on her.

Even though Jessica was her closest friend, the other managers would certainly form their own judgments.

Philip’s face contorted in displeasure. "Melody, I..."

"Enough, let’s end this discussion. Prepare for work."

She turned back to me. "You better conduct yourself appropriately!"

With that, she retreated to her workstation, her mood visibly sour.

After an hour of bustling activity, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Mary.

Mary: (Big Devil, are you busy?)

I smiled.

Was this girl still not out of character from the play?

William: (I’m busy with a project!)

William: (Aren’t you supposed to be working?)

She promptly sent a picture. In the photo, she was pouting adorably.

Mary: (It’s so boring every day. My brother barely assigns me any tasks.)

William: (Wow, aren’t you fortunate? Unlike us, who are worked to the bone!)

The sister of a wealthy individual certainly had a different experience; for her, work was merely a way to pass the time.

Mary: [Do you have some free time? Shall we go out and have some fun?]

William: [I’m at work!]

I sent an emoji expressing my helplessness.

Mary: (How about this? We can discuss the project face-to-face; it would be more effective. What do you think?)

I was taken aback, and she added another sentence.

Mary: (If your boss refuses to let you go, I’ll send her a message!)

I was initially inclined to decline, but then I reconsidered. The project timeline was already established, and the proposal was nearly complete. There wouldn’t be any significant issues, just minor details at most.

Staying at the company was becoming increasingly tedious.

After a while, Melody approached me. "The project manager from Walker Company wants to discuss matters with you in person. Set aside your current tasks, go there and come back early!"

"Okay!"

With a brisk nod, I scooped up my briefcase and exited the room. As I navigated the labyrinthine corridors, Mia’s voice echoed behind me.

"Where are you headed?"

"I have a meeting with a representative from Walker Company," I replied, not breaking stride.

"May I accompany you?" she asked, her voice tinged with a pleading note.

"You’re not a project assistant yet, Mia. How can I justify bringing you along?"

"I’ll apply for the position immediately," she retorted. "Then I can follow you around legitimately. You won’t be able to shake me off then."

Twenty minutes later, I found myself standing before the imposing edifice of the Walker Company building. After a brief period of waiting, Mary emerged, hurrying towards me.

Adorned in a floral dress, white sneakers, and a waist-length ponytail, she was a vision of youthful charm. As she approached, her smile warmed my heart in a way I hadn’t anticipated. If Kristina was the unattainable moonlight that haunted my heart, then Mary was the goddess of first love that filled my dreams.

Her sweet smile left an indelible mark on my memory, one that I found impossible to erase.

"Miss Monroe!" I greeted her.

"Just call me Mary," she replied, threading her arm through mine in a surprisingly intimate gesture.

Taken aback, I stammered, "Mary, isn’t this a bit... inappropriate? What if Edward sees us..."

"And what if he does? Do you think you’re unworthy of being his brother-in-law?"

"Mary, please. I’m not worthy of you," I protested, trying to inject some levity into the situation.

"Whether you’re worthy or not isn’t for my brother to decide, it’s for me," she retorted, a playful note in her voice. "Yesterday, you suggested we should give this a try. Are you going back on your word now? Or are you scared?"

Scared? Me? I bristled at the insinuation. "Who said I’m backing out? I just wanted to see if you were joking or serious. I’m not afraid, whether you’re the CEO’s sister or the mayor’s daughter!"

In a bold move, I slipped my arm around her waist, pulling her closer. Her face flushed a deep crimson, her wide eyes reflecting a mix of shyness and purity.

"I’m warning you, it’s not too late to back out now. If feelings develop, it’ll be too late for you to leave me!"

"Who’s afraid of whom? I’m serious and I’m more worried that you won’t develop feelings," she retorted, patting her chest for emphasis. "Come on, let’s go on a date now!"

As she dragged me along, I felt a twinge of unease. I had only meant to tease her, but somehow, things had taken a serious turn. What if real feelings developed?

Regret began to gnaw at me. I cursed my own machismo, still reeling from the fallout with Melody. But what was done was done; I’d just have to take it one step at a time. Once she really got to know me, she would surely back off.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked, as she led me towards the company building.

"Didn’t you say we’re going on a date? Are we supposed to date in the company?" she laughed. "No, I’m going to tell my brother!"

Wait, what?

Tell her brother?

Did she want me dead?

Abruptly, I halted in my tracks. "Mary," I said, "you’re not seriously considering informing your brother about our date, are you?"

She appeared momentarily taken aback before erupting into a fit of laughter. "Haha, you should see the look on your face. I’m merely informing him of my visit to Skylight Group."

I exhaled a sigh of relief. As long as it wasn’t about our date, I was fine with anything else.

"Let’s go then," I suggested.

"Perhaps we shouldn’t hold hands in the company premises," I added, a wry smile playing on my lips.

t’s go then," I suggested.

"Perhaps we shouldn’t hold hands in the company premises," I added, a wry smile playing on my lips.the company premises," I added, a wry smile playing on my lips.