Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 70

Recovering from her shock, Summer took the flowers, feeling incredibly touched. "Isn't this a bit extravagant?"

"Standard procedure," Gavin explained smoothly. "Every new employee gets a welcome ceremony here. It's a core part of our company culture. We take employee appreciation seriously."

Summer was showered with gifts: beautifully bound notebooks, a plush lumbar support pillow, a massive box of gourmet snacks, a soft blanket for power naps, intricate desk figurines, and a lovely potted plant.

She hadn't even been there for an hour, yet she already felt completely at home.

Meanwhile, at Sterling Group.

The company had hastily announced Lily's appointment as the new Director of the R&D department.

The announcement had been so abrupt that the HR department hadn't had time to prepare anything.

It wasn't until today that they finally threw a lavish welcome party in Lily's honor.

There were decadent cakes, a wide array of craft beverages, massive floral arrangements, and balloons.

Xavier made a personal appearance to publicly endorse her, firmly establishing her authority. In front of the entire staff, he even presented her with an exquisitely wrapped gift.

When Lily opened it, she revealed a stunning luxury pen—the exact same model Xavier used himself, just in a different color. It looked unmistakably like a couples' set.

"Thank you, Mr. Sterling," Lily smiled radiantly. "I promise to lead the R&D department to even greater heights."

Xavier nodded. His usually stern, unapproachable features visibly softened. "I believe in you. If you run into any issues you can't resolve, come find me."

"I wouldn't want to bother you," Lily replied playfully.

Xavier chuckled softly. "And who else would you go to?"

The surrounding employees exchanged knowing glances. Watching the intimate banter, they became absolutely certain that the two of them were romantically involved.

Lily was practically their future boss's wife.

No wonder the notoriously aloof boss, who usually kept all women at arm's length, allowed Lily to get so close. No wonder the notoriously unpredictable and merciless CEO was so incredibly gentle and indulgent with her.

Anyone who survived in corporate America was essentially a master of office politics, possessing cunning that could rival characters in a palace drama.

The employees immediately began kissing up to Lily in every way imaginable.

They complimented everything from her appearance and aura to her clothes, her hair, her voice, and her smile... there was nothing they wouldn't praise.

Surrounded by relentless flattery, Lily soaked up the attention, feeling like the absolute center of the universe.

Back at FutureTech Systems.

Turning to Summer, Gavin gestured toward the young man. "This is Jude Montgomery. He's my mentor's newest student. He's a junior to both of us."

Summer was so shocked she blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "Our mentor actually recruits guys like this?"

Jude: "..."

Maintaining a deadpan expression, Jude asked, "Care to elaborate? Guys like what?"

Her brain finally catching up to her mouth, Summer smiled. "Young and gorgeous."

I have to admit, she thought, even with the dyed blond hair, he had a radiant complexion, striking features, and a tall, lean build. He looked as gorgeous as a pop idol.

Jude's deadpan expression deepened. "..." It sounded like a compliment, but something about it felt incredibly weird.

"Even with a resting bitch face, you're still gorgeous," Summer added, offering a completely objective critique.

Jude: "..."

Gavin called the meeting to order.

Summer had reviewed the project materials in advance, so she had no trouble keeping up with the team's pace.