Seven Years a Fool One Day a Queen (Kristine and Colton) novel Chapter 3

Medea seemed to sense the awkwardness and explained apologetically, “Eliza, I’m so sorry. I’m new to the company and still learning the ropes – sitting closer makes it easier to ask Calv for guidance.”

Her tone was so sincere, you couldn’t find fault with it.

Eliza glanced at Calvin, but he was buried in his documents, not even sparing her a look. She quietly gathered her files and notebook and walked to that corner seat no one had ever used before.

Throughout the whole process, the conference room was so quiet you could hear everyone breathing. Everyone kept their heads down, focused on their documents, but Eliza could feel those furtive glances – full of pity and embarrassment.

And that pity made her feel like some pathetic creature being publicly humiliated.

Halfway through the meeting, Calvin suddenly stopped and looked at a project report. “Why is this partnership deal still in preliminary review? Who’s the lead on this?”

Eliza’s heart sank. It was her project – should’ve been finished last week, but her hospital stay had thrown everything off schedule.

“That’s mine.” She stood up.

Calvin’s cold gaze fixed on her. “Give me a reasonable explanation.”

“The project materials need to be reorganized. I expect to complete the preliminary review by this Friday…”

“I don’t want your work schedule.” Calvin cut her off, clearly irritated. “I want to know why it’s delayed.”

Eliza opened her mouth, then finally just said, “It was an oversight on my part. I’ll handle it ASAP.”

She didn’t mention being sick. Not here, not in front of Medea. She didn’t want to look weak.

Calvin stared at her for a few seconds before saying coldly, “I don’t want this happening again.”

“Understood.”

As the meeting wound down, Calvin suddenly announced, “Tonight at Celeste Dining Hall – welcome party for Medea. Everyone’s invited.”

Celeste Dining Hall was the most exclusive club in all of Washington, insanely expensive. Calvin rarely threw parties there the last time was for the company’s IPO celebration.

Eliza listened to her colleagues‘ excited chatter, feeling her stomach turn acidic.

After the meeting ended, Sadie quietly approached her. “Eliza, you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Eliza mechanically organized her files.

“But you look a little pale…” Sadle sounded worried.

She touched her face. “That obvious?”

Sadie nodded emphatically. “Very obvious.”

“My stomach’s acting up. You know, the old problem.” She made up an excuse.

“Are you going to the party tonight?”

Eliza thought for a moment. “I’ll skip it. Help me tell President Young.”

He had invited everyone to welcome Medea. With so many people there, one more or less hardly mattered.

Maybe Calvin wouldn’t even remember her.

Whether she went or not made no difference.

“Alright. Go home and rest early, your health matters,” Sadie urged.

Even Sadie could see she wasn’t well.

But the man who had shared every intimacy with her couldn’t.

She had once convinced herself he was simply too career–driven to notice such details.

But now… she couldn’t lie to herself anymore.

As if on cue, the pain in her stomach stirred again.

There was still so much work to do, so she swallowed an antispasmodic to push through.

By the time she got home after work, she curled up in bed, too exhausted to lift a finger.

Spent in body and mind.

After a long while, the pain eased a little and drowsiness crept in.

Maybe a good sleep would help, she told herself.

She had barely drifted off when the phone rang.

That ringtone was set for Calvin alone.

Once, the sound would have made her heart leap.

Now it felt like torture.

She didn’t want to answer and let it ring,

She knew he had no patience. If she didn’t pick up, he usually wouldn’t call again.

But this time, he broke his own rule.

“President Young, what is it?” Her voice was distant, cool, not like before.

“I’m not feeling well, so I’m not going. Hope you all have a good time.”

“Secretary Grant isn’t coming? Calv, does Secretary Grant not welcome me?”

Then Calvin’s voice came, cutting and cold:

“I-”

“Calv, it’s just a game. Play along, don’t leave me hanging.”

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