The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 154

Territorial.

“Mr. Thorne, these are the charity applicants that require your approval,” Tina said as she walked closer, leaning down to show her breasts to Nathaniel.

Tina dressed well that day. She put on more seductive makeup that matched her fair skin and long black hair. Her skirt was five inches above the knee.

Too bad for Tina, Nathaniel wasn’t even looking at her. He was flipping through documents with the focus of a man reviewing tax audits.

“Just leave it there,” he said flatly.

“I can approve them for Nathan,” Serena offered.

Only then did Tina realize Serena was in the room. She had been seated in the sitting area of Nathaniel’s office the whole time.

“Miss Vander,” Tina’s voice faltered. She looked down, and disappointment flashed across her face. “You are here… I’m sorry, these are very important charity cases that need Mr. Thorne’s approval—”

“Her word is as good as mine,” Nathaniel interrupted Tina. Then he frowned. “Why are you dressed like that? What will my clients say if they see you in this?”

“You are suspended for the day. Go home and reflect on your clothing choices,” Nathaniel ordered. “Give the documents to Serena.”

“I—I’m sorry, Mr. Thorne. I did not think my clothes would offend anyone,” Tina said, looking down at herself.

“Go!” Nathaniel scolded. “I will inform HR to issue you a warning for not following proper office attire. How did the guards let you in dressed like that in the first place?”

Tina hurriedly gave the documents to Serena with a frown.

Serena only gave Tina a look of pity before the latter left.

After that, Serena sat on the chair in front of Nathaniel and said, “Tina is quite interesting.”

Nathaniel frowned and leaned back. “She is?”

“What’s her background?” Serena asked.

Nathaniel tilted his head. He was deeply distracted by the document he was reading. He signed one page before replying, “I’m not really sure. Hold on, let me call Gavin for that.”

He called Gavin, and the latter arrived in less than ten minutes.

“Boss?” Gavin asked.

“Serena wants to know about Tina Middleton’s background.”

“Tina’s background?” Gavin echoed. He frowned slightly, his eyes drifting upward as he clearly searched his memory. “I think her background is gray.”

Serena and Nathaniel both looked up at him, equally bemused.

Gavin nodded thoughtfully, as if he had contributed valuable intelligence. “The background behind her desk is gray. I noticed it yesterday. Very dull shade, actually.”

Serena burst into laughter while Nathaniel let out an irritated hiss.

“No,” Nathaniel said. “Her education, work history, credentials… that background.”

“Oh.” Gavin made a face.

Gavin scratched his head. He groaned and said, “Sir, all I know is that she passed the HR interviews, and her performance is satisfactory.”

Serena, “...”

Nathaniel obviously did not like the lack of details, so Gavin quickly offered, “Sir, let me call the head of the HR department.”

It did not take long for the HR manager to arrive. Gavin asked on behalf of Nathaniel, “What is Tina Middleton’s background?”

“One of the secretaries?” the HR manager asked.

“Yes,” Gavin confirmed.

Serena paid attention and waited for an answer.

The HR manager adjusted his glasses while thinking. After a while, he said, “I know she lives in the city and did well in her appraisal last year. Let me ask the HR associate in charge of Tina.”

Next, the HR associate was called into the office. She said, “Tina graduated from Velmon University. She applied for the secretary position ten times before passing the typing test. I admired her persistence. Personally… I still don’t know her.”

The same HR staff offered, “I can call Mr. Smith and her colleagues over. They probably know her background—”

“Stop!” Serena said, raising her hands in surrender.

“Miss Vander, I can assure you, the boss’s heart is only set on you,” Gavin added, smiling.

The HR manager and the associate nodded vigorously, beaming at Serena.

“Well, we cannot let Serena misunderstand.” Nathaniel raised his chin to Gavin. “You know what to do.”

“Yes, sir,” Gavin said.

An hour later, the word was out.

Tina Middleton was terminated for inappropriate conduct toward her superior and repeated violations of professional boundaries. All the other employees were warned against making the same mistake.

Serena was satisfied with the outcome, of course, but she never expected her inquiry about Tina would come back to bite her.

The second Serena found herself alone with Nathaniel in his office, he rose from behind his desk with deliberate calm.

That calm terrified her more than anger ever could.

She barely had time to react before he backed her toward the sofa. The moment her knees brushed the edge, she sank onto it, and Nathaniel followed, crowding her space, trapping her between the cushions and his heat.

His hand slid behind her, gripping the back of the sofa as his mouth crashed onto hers.

The kiss was fierce and claiming, leaving her breathless.

When he pulled back, his forehead rested against hers, his breathing uneven.

“You know,” he murmured against her lips, “I find it very interesting that you only get territorial when someone looks at what’s already yours.”

“You nearly triggered an internal audit over me,” he added smugly. “I’m touched.”

“If you’re going to be jealous, you might as well claim me… so no one else gets confused.”

“Tonight, I’m not going to hold back.”

“And don’t you blame me,” he declared. “You started it. I’m just going to finish it.”