Chapter 11
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It’s been almost a week since I started working at Leclair Corporation, and so far, I’m adjusting well. Working in the investment field was nothing new to me, but working in a competitive environment like this was still challenging.
I took a sip of the black coffee I had just bought from the office pantry and then, refocused on the computer screen. I had some financial reports to revise before noon.
“Althea, have you eaten?”
I turned my head and saw Noah, one of my coworkers, standing beside the desk with a friendly smile.
“Not yet, still finishing this report,” I replied with a small smile.
Noah let out a dramatic sigh. “Don’t let you collapse just because you’re working too hard,” he said and finally laughed.
I laughed and said back, “I’m fine. Besides, it’s still early.”
Noah shrugged, before returning to his desk. I knew he was joking, but his words reminded me of something.
Back then, Damien never cared whether I had eaten or not. If I was busy, I had to take care of myself. But here, even a casual coworker could be more considerate than the man I’d been in love with for five years.
I shook my head lightly, throwing the thought away, and refocusing on my work.
Towards noon, I was summoned by Emilie to face the boss in her office.
I walked confidently to the top floor, where the director’s office was. After knocking on the door, I entered and found Caius sitting behind a large desk, his eyes focused on the laptop
screen.
“Have a seat,” he said without raising his head.
I sat on the chair in front of him, waiting patiently for him to finish his work. After a few seconds, he closed his laptop and looked at me.
“I’ve read the revised report you did yesterday. The results are much better than before,” he said with his usual flat face.
I nodded politely. “Thank you, Mr. Leclair. I was just trying to do my best.”
He looked at me with an unpredictable expression. “I’d like to assign you to a new client project. It’s quite large, and I want someone who is detailed in their work,” he said and I saw the serious look in his eyes.
I was a little surprised. Usually, big projects like this are given to senior employees.
“Are you ready?” he asked again as if waiting for my answer.
I raised my chin slightly. “Of course. I’ll make sure this project goes well.”
Caius smiled slightly, as if satisfied with my answer. “Good. I like people who can work
13:04 Wed, 28 May GWG.
without much reason.”
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“I also like bosses who believe in the abilities of their subordinates,” I replied with a faint smile.
Caius‘ gaze changed slightly as if studying my expression. I kept a professional demeanor, not letting myself relax too much in front of him.
After a while, he leaned back in his chair. “I wish you could stay here longer, Althea.”
I frowned slightly. “Why, sir?” I asked curiously.
He intertwined his fingers and continued to stare at me. “Because I’ve rarely seen anyone who works as hard as you do without seeking the attention of superiors to be a good employee and bring down their colleagues.”
I swallowed. His words seemed simple, but somehow, there was a deeper meaning behind them.
I lowered my head slightly. “I just want to focus on my work, without having to disturb other people’s lives,” I answered truthfully.
Caius nodded slowly. “That’s a good attitude. You may return to work.”
I stood up, bowing slightly before exiting the room.
As I walked back to my desk, I let out a long sigh. Caius Leclair was a smart and sharp man. He read people easily, and that made me a little wary.
I didn’t want anyone to read my past just from my current demeanor.
And I don’t want to bother anyone, let alone get involved in another relationship.
At least, not now.
***
In the afternoon, while I was compiling the documents, Emilie approached me.
“Ms. Callister, Director Leclair has asked you to accompany him to a meeting with a client tomorrow morning,” she said in a professional tone.
I looked at her, a little surprised. “Me?”
“Yes. He wants you to handle the initial presentation of this project,” Emilie replied with a nod.
I thought for a moment before agreeing to the order. “Fine, I’ll prepare everything,”
As Emilie left, I stared at the computer screen with slightly mixed thoughts.
Caius was a meticulous man in choosing people to work with. If he chose me for this project, it means he truly believes in my abilities.
I don’t want to disappoint him. I need to be able to live up to the responsibility and trust I’ve been given because I came here to work, and that’s the only thing that matters right now.
However, there was something in the way Caius spoke to me earlier. It was as if he could read something that I didn’t even say.
I refocused on my work. I won’t let my mind be distracted.
Chapter 11
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At least, I had to keep thinking so.
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