Chapter 29
“Mr. Wright, it looks like Mrs. Wright is facing some challenges at Cooper Group. Seems she’s having a tough time,” the secretary reported cautiously.
Julia, still new to the company, had unexpectedly caught Kathy’s eye. Under normal circumstances, if Julia had proven her skills or shown exceptional talent, her rapid rise would make sense.
However, to the seasoned employees at Cooper Group, Julia seemed inexperienced, almost like a novice who needed guidance on everything. Despite this, Kathy seemed to see something special in her.
Veterans like Valerie, who had endured tough interviews to secure their spots in Kathy’s design department, owed their positions to Kathy. Yet, many of them had worked under her for years without receiving such recognition.
Harry was aware of the situation surrounding Julia, but he struggled to see how it involved him directly.
“Maybe Mrs. Wright thinks you’ve talked to the senior management at Cooper Group, and that’s why they’re looking out for her,” the secretary ventured.
Harry gave a cold smirk. “Is that what you
The secretary fell silent. After a pause, Harry demanded in a stern voice, “Answer me.”
“Mr. Wright, I don’t think you would do something like that, but perhaps Mrs. Wright doesn’t see it that way. It might be wise to clear the air with her to prevent any misunderstandings,” The secretary explained instantly.
“Do you think Julia would believe me?” Harry pondered aloud.
He knew Julia well enough to understand that even a clear explanation might not change her mind. She might reluctantly accept his words or perhaps continue to doubt him, convinced he was involved.
“However, if you don’t clarify things, any future issues at Cooper Group that affect her might still be traced back to you,” the secretary added cautiously, aware of the delicate nature of his advice.
Harry considered this for a moment, then dismissed the secretary with a simple, “Get back to your work.”
As the secretary left the office, he noticed Harry hesitating with his phone in hand, only to set it back down silently.
Harry was caught in a dilemma. He didn’t want Julia to misunderstand him, yet his natural reserve made it hard to reach
out.
Harry hesitated at the thought of calling Julia. He knew all too well how sharp her responses could be, and the mere thought of her curt “I know” was enough to make him set the phone back down. He worried that any attempt to explain himself might only make him appear desperate, especially since Julia already suspected him of being overly attentive.
Deciding against it, Harry chose to let things unfold naturally, fearing that any further intervention might only complicate
matters.
Meanwhile, Asher stood on the balcony, enjoying a cigarette. The unexpected call from Harry had amused him, prompting
a chuckle.
“When shall we meet?” Harry asked.
“Tonight works for me,” Asher replied, and after a brief pause, Asher inquired, “Bringing your wife?”
“Why bring her?” Harry responded quickly.
“You’ve been married for three years, and here I am, still single. Bring some beauties along for some fun. I know you can,
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Chapter 29
I’ve seen your name in the tabloids even when I was overseas.” Asher stamped out his cigarette and glanced around. Spotting Julia peeking from the door, he swiftly moved behind a potted plant to conceal himself.
Lowering his voice, Asher said, “That’s settled then. I’ll send you the address later. Remember, bring the beauties; otherwise, you’ll be on your own for entertainment.”
After hanging up, Asher tucked his phone away, reflecting on the times he’d seen Julia on the balcony. Once, he had stepped out for some air and overheard her loud conversation on the phone. It wasn’t intentional eavesdropping; her voice simply carried too far.
Julia stepped onto the balcony, her hands gripping the railing. The building wasn’t tall, offering no grand views, only a vista of the ordinary street below. A sense of exclusion washed over her, intensifying her discomfort and leaving her feeling isolated and uneasy.
Julia felt uneasy, alone with her thoughts and without a confidante. She considered confiding in Valerie, but Valerie always seemed too busy.
However, Julia’s face remained stern, her eyes quickly sizing him up. She challenged him directly, “Forget the suit; your watch alone is worth 400 thousand dollars. How can you just be another employee?”
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