Chapter 4

I woke the next day with only a throbbing headache, a hangover from too much wine.

Beside me, Ly Thorne was watching me with those innocent eyes, and then I remembered what happened last night.

Looking at his youthful, innocent face, I asked, a little nervously, “How old are you?”

“I just turned nineteen last month,” he answered obediently.

I was simultaneously relieved he was at least eighteen and a little regretful about last night.

As if sensing my dilemma, Ly Thorne said considerately, “Sister, you don’t need to be responsible for me.” But as he spoke, he lowered his head, as if he’d been wronged.

I, however, felt truly embarrassed. I had initially thought, since he was a waiter, his family probably wasn’t well-off, and I could just compensate him with some money.

But with Ly Thorne explicitly saying he didn’t need me to be responsible, offering money now would truly be disrespectful.

I gave him my business card. “I owe you an apology. This is my card. I’m Eleanor Vance. If you ever need help with anything, please come find me. I’ll do everything I can to assist you.”

Ly Thorne took my card, obediently saying, “Alright, Sister. My name is Lysander Thorne.”

I was busy getting dressed and didn't really pay attention to what he said next, then left in a hurry. Naturally, I didn't notice the playful yet insistent gaze Ly Thorne fixed on my retreating back.

Today was our team meeting at the company. Despite rushing as fast as I could, I was still late. The only difference today was that Julian was there.

Seeing me arrive late, his face darkened considerably; anyone could tell he was furious today.

After the meeting, I went to the restroom to touch up my makeup. The moment I stepped out, someone yanked me into an adjacent stall.

I was about to resist when Julian’s voice came: “Eleanor, you really outdid yourself. Where were you last night?” Though the stall was dim and cramped, I could still make out the fury on Julian’s face.

“It’s none of your business. You’re the one who said we should act like strangers at the office.”

“Hmph. Where did those hickeys on your neck come from? Out messing around with some random man?” Julian practically gritted his teeth.

I looked at Julian with a touch of amusement. “Julian, didn’t you tell me before to try dating younger men? Well, I did. A nineteen-year-old boy-toy, handsomer than you, and better in bed.”

Julian’s face went even darker, veins bulging on his right hand. He pinned me against the wall, clearly intending to kiss me.

I pushed him with all my might, but he didn’t budge, trapping me in the crook of his arm. My struggles lessened, and he even smirked. I just felt a chill of disgust.

Suddenly, the stall door was pushed open by Seraphina.

She stared in disbelief at the scene before her. Julian halted his actions then, and I seized the opportunity, slapping Julian hard across his right cheek. I put all my strength into that slap, and his cheek quickly swelled and reddened. I spat, “You’re sick.”

An indescribable sense of catharsis washed over me as I walked out without looking back.

Julian still tried to hold me back, but Seraphina beside him was crying incessantly, forcing Julian to embrace his little secretary and offer explanations.