Although in the company, the two basically maintained an ordinary superior-subordinate relationship, in the eyes of certain observant people, some clues could still be seen. For example, David Harris. David Harris was also one of the middle managers, with a status roughly equal to Sarah Bennett. Several years ago, he had already shown his fondness for Sarah Bennett, but had been repeatedly turned away by her. Now, unexpectedly, the newly arrived Alice Parker had beaten him to it. How could he accept that? Because of this, he found Alice Parker increasingly disagreeable and seized every opportunity to pick faults.
Of course, Alice Parker was somewhat an innocent victim in all this. The development of his relationship with Sarah Bennett was purely accidental. In fact, even before Alice Parker and Sarah Bennett slept together for the second time, Alice Parker had frankly admitted that he was a married man. There would be no outcome to their relationship. But at the time, Sarah Bennett didn’t care—perhaps it was a moment of impulsiveness, or maybe she was simply lost in the pleasure of physical desire.
However, as time went on, Sarah Bennett’s attitude toward Alice Parker gradually changed. This made Alice Parker deliberately mention several times that he was a married man. But after repeated questioning from Sarah Bennett, Alice Parker still couldn’t say who his wife actually was, nor was he willing to show even a copy of his marriage certificate. This led Sarah Bennett to believe that Alice Parker was just making excuses to brush her off, and her attitude toward him became increasingly serious. This left Alice Parker quite helpless—he certainly couldn’t admit that his wife was actually the company’s chairwoman, Grace Sutton, could he?
“Alice Parker, the chairwoman just signed off on a document today.” Although Sarah Bennett’s tone was casual, there was a hint of worry deep in her eyes: “Did you offend Chairwoman Sutton somehow?”
Alice Parker put his breakfast in the communal microwave for a quick heat-up. Returning to his desk, he started eating as if no one else was around, chuckling carelessly, “What, did Chairwoman Sutton personally issue a document to fire me?”
Seeing Alice Parker’s somewhat lackadaisical attitude, Sarah Bennett couldn’t help but sigh softly, a bit exasperated: “No, not that. But Alice Parker, can’t you be a bit more serious at work and stop being late every day? Even though you got into the company through connections, even if Chairwoman Sutton doesn’t fire you, she can still make things difficult for you. If she pushes you to resign on your own, no one can say anything. You know, in this highly competitive job market in Huahai City, a good company like Maoyuan isn’t easy to come by.” This excuse for dealing with upper management was, of course, what Alice Parker used to brush off Sarah Bennett.
Soon, Alice Parker finished off his potstickers and lazily wiped his mouth. Only then did he slowly start sipping his soy milk, smiling faintly: “So what kind of trouble is that ice-cold beauty giving me this time?”
Sarah Bennett’s elegant brows furrowed slightly, her expression a bit displeased as she said, “Chairwoman Sutton personally ordered you to go to Maoyuan Mall for a comprehensive investigation and assessment. I admit Chairwoman Sutton is a capable woman, but does she really need to get involved in such trivial matters? Isn’t that a bit too hands-on?” Normally, such specific assignments for subordinates should be decided by Sarah Bennett. No wonder she felt a bit unhappy.
“Isn’t that just perfect?” Alice Parker looked at her with a half-smile, “Going to a subordinate department for an investigation—that’s an imperial envoy’s job. Really, I should be thanking Chairwoman Sutton for giving me this opportunity.” There was no denying that Sarah Bennett was an outstanding woman, both capable and attractive. But Grace Sutton just happened to be even more outstanding in every way, and, most fatally, several years younger. Women are naturally jealous creatures, and Sarah Bennett was no exception. Especially this time, with Grace Sutton personally assigning Alice Parker a task, she keenly sensed something unusual.
Chapter Six: A Bit Innocent
“You, you’re always so unserious.” Sarah Bennett gave him a playful glare, feigning annoyance: “Look at how happy you are—don’t tell me you’re planning something naughty again? Maoyuan Mall is full of beautiful women, you know.”
As a mid-to-high-end mall catering to upper-class consumers, it naturally had plenty of young and attractive female sales staff. No wonder Sarah Bennett was a little jealous.
Alice Parker just smiled and continued to lazily sip his soy milk. This was the difference between men and women: before getting what they want, men usually stick around like flies. But once physical intimacy deepens, women become more dependent on men. The current Sarah Bennett showed none of her usual strong-woman demeanor, acting completely like a jealous little woman.
“It’s the weekend today—how about I come to your place for dinner?” Sarah Bennett placed a folder on the desk, leaned forward slightly, her full and firm chest brushing lightly against Alice Parker’s shoulder a few times, her eyes a bit misty: “I’ll make spicy boiled fish for you.” Fortunately, it was already work hours, and most of the team had been sent out on assignments. The few who remained were seated far apart in the spacious office area. Even if anyone saw, they’d just assume Sarah Bennett was discussing work with Alice Parker.
Alice Parker was a normal man, and any normal man would enjoy the thrill of an office affair. But Sarah Bennett’s words were clearly another test. He couldn’t help but sigh, shrugging helplessly with a bitter smile: “Come to my place to cook? Sarah, do you want to start a rivalry with my wife?”