Cecelia Archer’s luck was off the charts on her first day of work.
That afternoon, she sold a diamond ring to a young man about to propose to his girlfriend, netting a 50,000 commission in a single day.
Fifty thousand in one day. In the past, she wouldn’t have even dared to dream of it, but today she had made it a reality. At this rate, paying for Candy’s hospitalization would be no problem.
Suddenly feeling that her life had hope again, she was the first to arrive at the mall the next day.
At the neighboring counter, several workers were busy upgrading a shop’s sign, and fine dust occasionally drifted over. Cecelia mopped the floor once over, then meticulously wiped down her own counter.
When the manager saw how young, beautiful, and dedicated she was to her work, he couldn’t help but praise her.
"You’re very capable. Just what I’d expect from someone personally recommended by the young miss. Keep up the good work. Our brand’s sales performance is quite strong, so as long as you work hard, you’re sure to earn a lot."
Cecelia happily agreed. After saying her goodbyes to the manager, she turned around and saw the other three senior employees arriving together.
The trio had heard the manager’s praise, and their expressions grew uglier and uglier.
"To think we’ve gotten along harmoniously for so many years, only to have some show-off come out of nowhere. Anyone with eyes can see she’s just crazy for money. Those who don’t know better might think she was born a low-life who just loves to suck up to people. Look at her, acting so high and mighty."
"Exactly. I can’t stand sluts like that."
Cecelia, of course, noticed their unfriendly expressions. But she was the newcomer and felt she should be polite, so she still greeted them courteously.
The three responded to her with lukewarm indifference before finding their own seats.
Meanwhile, having arranged things for Cecelia Archer, Annabelle Young felt she now had a good reason to meet with Damien Vaughn again. She sent a message to Brandon Jacobs.
"Cuz, are you free tonight? Let’s ask Damien out to dinner, my treat. It occurs to me that I’ve been back in the country for so long and still haven’t treated you to a meal."
Brandon Jacobs was sharp; he knew her true intentions had little to do with the dinner itself.
"Oh, give me a break. You two are having dinner. Why would I tag along and be a third wheel?"
"You’re my cousin, how could you be third-wheeling? If you’re willing to grace me with your presence, I’ll book the restaurant right now."
Brandon Jacobs replied, "Even if I’m free, Damien might not be. If you really want to take him to dinner, ask him directly. As for me, there’s not much point in us eating together. Don’t stand on ceremony with me. I’m always up for a drink, though. Just hurry up and land Vaughn, and I’ll drink a few extra toasts at your wedding."
Annabelle pictured her own wedding and couldn’t help but laugh as she looked at her phone.
"I’d love to ask him directly, but I lost my temper yesterday and didn’t get his phone number or WeChat. That makes things a bit inconvenient, you know?"
Brandon Jacobs said, "Then let this be a lesson to you, Annabelle. Impulse is the devil. The mark of a mature adult is the ability to control one’s temper, otherwise you just..."
"Yes, yes, you’re right, Cuz. So... how should I ask Damien out?"
Brandon Jacobs thought for a moment. "Don’t even bother asking for his WeChat or phone number. After all, you were the one who stormed off in a huff. Going back to ask for them now would be demeaning. Just wait. I’ll find out his whereabouts for you. You can stage a ’chance encounter.’ Isn’t that more romantic and better for your pride?"
He was truly her cousin, through and through; he knew exactly how to look out for her.
Annabelle sent him a ’love you’ sticker and waited obediently.
Brandon Jacobs called Damien Vaughn directly.
It was early in the morning, and Damien Vaughn had just arrived at his office. His tone was frigid. "What is it?"
Brandon Jacobs retorted, "Can’t I call you if nothing’s wrong? Vaughn, I’m in a bad mood today. It’s your turn to come drink with me."
"In a bad mood? It’s only eight in the morning."
Damien Vaughn said coldly, "Which woman kicked you out of bed? I didn’t think a master seducer like you, Brandon Jacobs, ever struck out."
’Heh! So he can even make jokes like that now?’
"I’m sorry about yesterday. I have a childish temper, and I said some unpleasant things to you on impulse. Please don’t hold it against me. I really regretted it afterward. Damien, you’re not angry with me, are you?"
He wasn’t angry.
Because Damien Vaughn hadn’t paid her any mind at all.
Annabelle Young breathed a sigh of relief. "I’m glad you’re not angry. But I still feel quite bad. Let me make it up to you. When are you free? I’d like to treat you to dinner."
Damien Vaughn had no desire to have dinner with her, and he disliked how overly familiar she was acting.
He glanced at his watch. "My meeting is about to start. I have two minutes."
"..."
’This man was so difficult to handle. He never rose to the bait when she spoke to him.’
Annabelle Young could only force a smile and take out her phone. "Well, you go ahead and get to your meeting, I won’t keep you. We can get in touch after you’re done. Let’s add each other on WeChat, Damien. You can message me when you’re free."
Damien Vaughn glanced at her long, thin, pointed nails, which were painted to a glossy sheen.
"My assistant manages all my accounts. I hardly ever use them myself."
’So... I was just rejected?’
’She had been plotting since yesterday, had made a special trip here just to wait for him, all to add him on WeChat—and he rejected her?’
Annabelle Young was mortified, but she struggled to keep her expression neutral.
"That’s fine. As long as I can get in touch with you, relaying messages through your assistant works too. I’ve made plans to go see Candy at the hospital later. I don’t know what kind of food she likes... After we eat, you could send a portion over for her based on what she prefers."

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