The Apple of My Eye novel Chapter 1593

"My friend's company is short-handed. I can introduce Leila to him," Charles said without hesitation. He wanted to help both Leila and his friend.

Leila had spent a reasonable amount of time and exceptional effort in taking care of Melissa lately. Because of such kindness and compassion, Charles was beyond grateful to her and helping her land on a decent job would be the least he could do to repay her. Besides, he had reputable connections and finding Leila a job would be as easy as lifting a finger.

"I highly doubt that would be good. I mean, I don't even know this friend of yours. What if he treats Leila badly?" Melissa objected anxiously. She was worried for Leila.

Charles was speechless and in utter disbelief at his mother's violent reaction toward his idea. Why would his friend treat Leila badly in the first place?

"Mom, my friend won't do that. Don't you trust me?" Charles was ready to find Leila a well-paid and decent job. Melissa's suspicion toward his friend disappointed him a little.

"But Leila has a criminal record and she even went to jail once. I am afraid that your friend, regardless of his stature in life, will discriminate against her," Melissa said, expressing pure concern. Melissa didn't want to disappoint Leila, nor did she want to vex Charles. So, she came up with an excuse before she brought up her real proposal to Charles.

"So what can I do? Tell me." Charles was already grumpy because of Sheryl, hence, he didn't have much patience. Happily agreeing to find Leila a job was already stressing him out, even if he first thought it would be an easy fix. Melissa's disagreement was taking toll on his patience, which was about to wear out.

"Wasn't Leila your secretary before? She must be very familiar with your company already. How about you ask Leila to be your secretary again?" Melissa finally laid her plan before him as she shared her real idea.

"What? No!" Charles rejected the idea immediately.

"Why not?" Melissa almost cried in defeat when she saw the determined look on Charles' face.

Despite the awkward situation, he didn't bother to explain to Melissa why he wouldn't allow Leila to go back to the company and become his secretary once again.

As she observed how Charles remained silent despite her tantrums, Melissa sobbed out loud to look more vulnerable. She said to Charles, "I'm so helpless. Leila is the only person who cares about me and would do anything for me. I couldn't have survived in jail without her. Now, I can't help but feel bad because she is in trouble and I can't do anything."

Melissa brought up the old days in jail and persisted with the drama, which annoyed Charles even more. He pursed his lips, silent and ready to stand firm against her incoming tantrums.

Even though Melissa already knew that Charles wouldn't answer her, she continued to bawl like a child deprived of her favorite toy. Just as she expected, Charles didn't utter a single word. She knew what she had to do now. She had to appeal to his guilt and force him to make a compromise.

Melissa started to cough severely and put her hand on her chest. She acted like she was in tremendous pain and unable to catch her breath, as if she was going to pass out.

"Mom, what's wrong?" Charles asked his mother in worry, caught off guard.

Melissa took the glass of water that hurriedly grabbed for her. As she took a sip, a long deep sigh escaped her lips as she shook her head. "I'm fine. I just feel upset."

Charles furrowed his brows, worried that Melissa would do something to hurt herself if he didn't agree. Running out of options and tired of further discussions, Charles finally said yes to his dramatic mother.

"Okay, fine, Mom. I agree," Charles said, sighing in low spirits.

"Charles, really?" Melissa's face glowed with happiness, replacing her disbelief. She looked at her son.

Charles nodded, even though his disappointment was clearly reflected on his face.

"That's great! I am so relieved now that Leila can be around to look after you." Melissa said this so meaningfully that it sounded to Charles like it was her last ardent wish.

Wrinkling his perfectly-shaped brows, Charles asked in curiosity and annoyance, "Mom, what are you talking about? You're talking too much and you sound tired as well. It's late now. You should get some rest."

Charles couldn't help but interrupt her. He was too upset to listen to more of her drama.

"Okay, good night," Melissa said, satisfied about her win this night.

Charles watched his mother as she went to bed. Then he found himself hurriedly leaving her bedroom.

Once he was back in his study by himself, Charles was like an ant on a hot pan.