Chapter 78
“You don’t know?” Annie asked, her face serious. “It’s about you and Mr. Jones. They say it’s like he’s obsessed, constantly giving you business. He’s the one who pushed you to the supervisor position.”
Cordelia was stunned. She hadn’t realized how the rumors had spread, but when she thought about it, they made sense. Oliver had indeed been very persistent lately, giving the company multiple sales and requesting that only she handle them. With such significant performance, it was no wonder she had been promoted.
However…
“The projects I’m working on with Mr. Jones are win-win,” she said quietly. “I just don’t understand why he insists on working with me.”
“He definitely values your capability!” Annie reassured her, patting her shoulder. “Don’t overthink it. I bet Karine started the rumor. She lost her power, and since she’s not very capable, she’s probably jealous of you. Don’t worry, Cordelia. We’ll support you. Just fight her with everything you have!”
Cordelia smiled gratefully, shaking Annie’s hand. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t quite right. There were many talented people in the company; it didn’t seem necessary for Oliver to focus so much on her. She began to realize that his attention had increased ever since she wore the emerald ring.
Every time Oliver messaged her, he’d ask about Marcus. He wanted to know which gym Marcus taught boxing at and mentioned he was interested in learning to box. He also inquired casually about how Cordelia and Marcus had met, how they’d fallen in love, and how they’d gotten married. He even offered her a ride the other day when he happened to be passing by the office.
She was suspicious but couldn’t pinpoint why his behavior felt odd.
“I think Mr. Jones likes you,” Annie remarked with a sly smile.
…
The sound of punches echoed from the balcony as Marcus trained while Cordelia cleaned the house. She paused, staring out at the scene. The sun was setting, casting its golden light through the soft pink clouds.
Marcus was punching in the sunlight, his muscles glistening with sweat, and his features looked both fierce and majestic. The sight reminded her of Apose, the God of War from Zidesh mythology. She imagined this was what the God of War might look like walking out of the sun…
“What did you say, wifey?” Marcus’s voice broke her thoughts.
Cordelia blushed and quickly looked down, feeling shy.
“Oh, nothing.” She walked over to him and took off his sweat-drenched boxing gloves, her actions familiar and gentle. As she did so, Marcus tenderly played with her hair, his eyes full of affection. If he weren’t drenched in sweat, he would have eagerly pulled her into his arms.
“Oh, yeah,” Cordelia suddenly remembered. “I’ve been meaning to tell you something.”
“What’s up?” Marcus asked, raising an eyebrow.
“It’s about Mr. Jones,” Cordelia said, frowning slightly. “He’s been acting a bit strange. He’s been asking about you lately.”
Marcus’s expression darkened. His grip tightened around the sweat bands in his hands, and the warmth in his eyes disappeared.