Chapter 52
Cordelia froze as she heard Jesse’s voice. Instantly, her body went on high alert, and she turned to face him warily.
Jesse couldn’t help but chuckle at her reaction. Moving closer, he glanced at Annie and ordered, “You can go back. Cordelia stays.”
Annie hesitated but ultimately left, though her worry for Cordelia was evident as she kept glancing back. Everyone knew about Jesse’s intentions toward Cordelia, and Annie couldn’t shake the feeling that he had something planned now that they were alone.
Once Annie reached the company exit, she remembered a company rule from when Cordelia and she had gone on a business trip together: all employees had to leave an emergency contact number with both the company and their partner. Annie quickly retrieved Marcus’ number from her phone, sending him a text after a brief pause, her worry growing.
…
Back in the office, Jesse smirked at Cordelia.
“What a capable junior I have,” he said, sizing her up. “The company has been trying to land Centrolis’ Bayers for years, but you managed to push the sales proposal through! Amazing, amazing!”
Cordelia’s face remained impassive as she asked coldly, “Is that why you asked me to stay behind?”
“Of course not.” Jesse cleared his throat, trying to sound casual. “There’s a business dinner tonight. Come along!”
Cordelia’s eyes flashed with disdain, but Jesse just grinned, unbothered. He knew how much she hated events like this, and he took pleasure in annoying her. Since he couldn’t have her, he figured she might as well help him climb the social ladder.
Sighing dramatically, Jesse added, “I didn’t really want to ask you, but you’re the only pretty one in the company. Sometimes, being too pretty is a hassle, you know?”
“Sorry, I can’t make it,” Cordelia replied coldly. “My husband’s waiting for me at home. I need to—”
“Go back and make him dinner?” Jesse scoffed. “What, your husband can’t take care of himself?”
“Jesse Ford, watch your words,” Cordelia snapped, glaring at him. “It’s none of your business whether my husband can take care of himself. But if you provoke me again, he’ll beat you up so badly, you won’t be able to take care of yourself!”
Jesse glared back but didn’t continue the argument.
“Anyway,” he said dismissively, “Mr. Johnson specifically asked for you. I’m just the messenger. If you refuse to go and offend the client, you can forget about staying in the company!”
With that, Jesse stormed out, leaving Cordelia seething in frustration.
Her job was on the line, and though she didn’t want to attend the dinner, she had no choice but to comply. She texted Marcus, explaining the situation, and reluctantly made her way to the Eterous Hotel.
Upon entering the room, Cordelia’s eyes immediately landed on a handsome man sitting in the main seat, radiating an almost celebrity-like aura. She froze. She hadn’t paid much attention to his appearance at the Bayer Group building earlier, but now, seeing him up close, she understood why Annie had mentioned how much better he looked in person.
Josiah was equally surprised to see her. When he entered the room earlier, Michael and Jesse had eagerly mentioned a beautiful woman would be accompanying him that night. He had been expecting someone, but seeing Cordelia took him off guard. A chill ran down his spine as he wondered how Z would react if he found out about this.
“Mr. Bayer?” Cordelia greeted, nodding politely. “I’m Cordelia Jenner, from the sales department.”
Josiah responded stiffly, “Oh, oh.”
Michael and Jesse exchanged amused glances, their smirks hidden behind their masks. It seemed no matter how successful a man became, he would always fall for a beautiful woman. Josiah would undoubtedly be putty in Cordelia’s hands.
“Cordelia, stop standing there!” Michael called out, giving her a meaningful look. “Pour Mr. Bayer some wine!”
Cordelia hesitated but walked over to Josiah. Just as she was about to pour his wine, he quickly stopped her, looking flustered. “No, no…”