Chapter 227 The Master of Time Management
When Lucas arrived at the marketing department, Chloe was organizing the data and marketing copy for the afternoon meeting. Lucas took her to a secluded spot and whispered, “Ms. Chloe, did you run into Icarus last night?”
She paused, “How did you know?”
“The whole neighborhood is talking about it.”
During the elevator ride, Lucas filled her in on everything that had transpired in the homeowners’ group, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “Mr. Joseph is extremely angry, so when you go in, it’s important not to confront him directly. Speak softly, explain clearly, and try to soothe his anger with kind words. I believe things can be resolved”
Nervously, Chloe fidgeted with her fingernails, took a deep breath, and mustered the courage to push open the office door.
“Jojo, it’s not what you think. Icarus and I just happened to bump into each other. He has a friend who lives in our neighborhood.”
Seated on the sofa, Joseph nonchalantly stretched out his long legs over the coffee table, his gaze piercing and frigid. “Oh, what a remarkable coincidence. You seem to have a knack for stumbling upon extraordinary situations.”
“I’m not lying to you. I really am–”
Her explanation was cut short by Joseph’s biting sarcasm.
“The master of time management, right?”
Who would have thought that a harmless joke would manifest into reality? Making time for flirtation while taking the dogs for a stroll.
Chloe’s delicate face contorted with hurt as she bit her lip, struggling to find the words.
“Speak up!” Joseph’s impatience transformed into a stern reprimand. “Did you resort to hitting the dogs because they interrupted your flirtatious encounter?”
“I didn’t cheat or harm the dogs. I was simply afraid that you’d misunderstand, so I didn’t mention it. Toto and Oreo unexpectedly pulled me, and I lightly smacked them. Can you please refrain from thinking of me in this way and have some trust in each other? Moreover, in the photo, there was no inappropriate behavior between Icarus and me, right?”
Joseph stood up abruptly. His imposing figure advanced toward her, closing the distance with – each deliberate step. With a sneer on his face, he assumed a dominant position and said, “There may be nothing in the photos, but who knows what the surveillance cameras missed-the unseen angles nobody would know.”
A surge of injustice washed over Chloe as she was backed into a corner. She mustered her courage and asked, “Is this how you truly see me?”
“A person who thrives on lies is concerned about others’ opinions?”
“That’s enough!”
1/3
Lucas prepared a cup of coffee for Joseph and brought it inside. Just as he was about to leave, his phone started beeping. Without thinking, he instinctively reached for his phone to check the notification.
Half of Joseph’s daily trivial matters were handled by Lucas, including tasks related to the homeowners’ group. The notification was from the property manager who had suddenly tagged him and later sent a photo accompanied by a mischievous emoji.
[Mr. Joseph, may we print this photo for community promotion? Of course, we’d be happy to provide you with the image rights compensation. I accidentally came across it while reviewing the surveillance footage yesterday. The image of you and your wife standing together is so beautiful as if you were destined for each other.]
The photo captured Chloe and Icarus, looking very happy together and two Border Collies obediently by their side. It perfectly depicted the ideal life that most people had in mind-lovers, pets, sunset, and a wonderful atmosphere.
Other homeowners began commenting.
[Both of them have such high levels of attractiveness. Can having a dog enhance marital relationships? I want one too.]
[Now that’s good looks and talents. Utilizing them for promotion will definitely boost the sales of houses here.]
[I saw this couple passing by yesterday. The dogs misbehaved, and the female owner smacked their butts. Hahaha]
Lucas’ hand holding the phone trembled. It was true that Ms. Chloe was the female owner, but Icarus was not the male owner.
Joseph lifted the cup of coffee and took a sip, glancing at the stunned Lucas who was just standing there. “Anything else?”
Trembling, Lucas stammered, “There might be something else…”
“What do you mean ‘might be?”” Joseph’s tone turned to one of displeasure. “Be efficient in your work.”
“Yes, sir.”
Joseph pinched his brow, his voice turning icy. “Is there something or isn’t there?”
Lucas did not dare to beat around the bush and handed the phone to Joseph, placing it in front of his eyes. “Sir, please take a look. Can we agree to use it for promotion?”
Joseph lowered his gaze, his eyes gradually turning cold as they fell on the photo. With a loud
bang, the phone shattered into pieces. The screen was completely ruined.
Lucas dared not speak. He simply thought, ‘Sir, that’s my phone!”
Joseph’s voice was chillingly sharp. “Summon Chloe here now.”
The Master of Time Management
When Lucas arrived at the marketing department, Chloe was organizing the data and marketing copy for the afternoon meeting. Lucas took her to a secluded spot and whispered, “Ms. Chloe, did you run into Icarus last night?”
She paused, “How did you know?”
“The whole neighborhood is talking about it.”
During the elevator ride, Lucas filled her in on everything that had transpired in the homeowners’ group, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “Mr. Joseph is extremely angry, so when you go in, it’s important not to confront him directly. Speak softly, explain clearly, and try to soothe his anger with kind words. I believe things can be resolved.”
Nervously, Chloe fidgeted with her fingernails, took a deep breath, and mustered the courage to push open the office door.
“Jojo, it’s not what you think. Icarus and I just happened to bump into each other. He has a friend who lives in our neighborhood.”
Seated on the sofa, Joseph nonchalantly stretched out his long legs over the coffee table, his gaze piercing and frigid. “Oh, what a remarkable coincidence. You seem to have a knack for stumbling upon extraordinary situations.”
“I’m not lying to you. I really am–”
Her explanation was cut short by Joseph’s biting sarcasm.
“The master of time management, right?”
Who would have thought that a harmless joke would manifest into reality? Making time for flirtation while taking the dogs for a stroll
Chloe’s delicate face contorted with hurt as she bit her lip, struggling to find the words.
“Speak up!” Joseph’s impatience transformed into a stern reprimand. “Did you resort to hitting the dogs because they interrupted your flirtatious encounter?”
“I didn’t cheat or harm the dogs. I was simply afraid that you’d misunderstand, so I didn’t mention- it. Toto and Oreo unexpectedly pulled me, and I lightly smacked them. Can you please refrain from thinking of me in this way and have some trust in each other? Moreover, in the photo, there was no inappropriate behavior between Icarus and me, right?”
Joseph stood up abruptly. His imposing figure advanced toward her, closing the distance with each deliberate step. With a sneer on his face, he assumed a dominant position and said, “There may be nothing in the photos, but who knows what the surveillance cameras missed-the unseen angles nobody would know.”
A surge of injustice washed over Chloe as she was backed into a corner. She mustered her courage and asked, “Is this how you truly see me?”
“A person who thrives on lies is concerned about others’ opinions?”
“That’s enough!”
She could not bear the weight of Joseph’s baseless accusations any longer and pushed him away. He took a step back, his waist colliding with the corner of a nearby cabinet, causing him to emit a stifled groan of pain.
Filled with concern, Chloe hurried to his side, extending a hand to help. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize there was a cabinet there. Are you okay?”
“Just leave me alone!” Joseph’s anger surged, and he impatiently pushed her away.
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