They were all scared of losing their job, so they quickly disassociated themselves from the situation.
George wasn’t one for gossip, nor would he cavalierly discuss Oliver’s affairs in public —maintaining discretion was the golden rule of being a secretary.
Considering Lena might show up again, he spoke up, “Mr. Oliver has only one girlfriend, named Josefina. If Lena comes back, you better not let her in.”
Everyone nodded in understanding, doubting there’d be a “come back.”
After George left, the group erupted into a buzz of chatter.
“So Oliver isn’t aloof. He just didn’t meet a woman who caught his fancy!”
“I thought Lena had Oliver wrapped around her finger. Turns out it’s just unrequited love?”
“Lena’s been tripping over herself to bring him afternoon tea, and what? Gets the cold shoulder for her troubles?”
“Hey, are you suggesting our CEO can’t have a ‘warm shoulder’?”
“You speak as if you’ve had a chance to check our CEO’s ‘temperature’ yourself!”
“As if I’d dare. I’m not looking to get axed by Oliver.”
Laughter filled the air as they bantered, but Lena, who had returned and was standing around the corner, overheard their gossip about her. Her face burned with embarrassment.
She had intended the afternoon tea as a bribe for the receptionists to keep tight-lipped. It appeared now that they were a bunch of ungrateful bitches!
...
Josefina received the afternoon tea delivered by Oliver’s errand. There was enough for her and her colleagues. The extravagant afternoon tea left everyone speechless.
“If I’m not mistaken, isn’t this the ‘Hermès’ version of afternoon teas? Even the simplest order costs a small fortune.”
“You’re spot on. That pastry you’re holding is worth a cool five hundred.”
“I feel like I’m not eating tea but rather, my own life.”
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