Wooing My ex-wife (Gwendolyn and Maverick) novel Chapter 456

Kieran did not reach out to take them, nor did he respond.

Looking closely at his expression, Inez arched an eyebrow. “If you feel you don’t have what it takes to endure this harsh seven-day trial period, you can throw in the towel at any time and return to where you belong.”

He rose to his feet immediately, strode over to her, and took the thick stack of documents. “I won’t throw in the towel. You don’t have to worry about that, Ms. Mossey.”

If I can’t complete it in time, the worst that can happen to me is a humiliating beating. However, if I don’t agree to do it, it’ll be the equivalent of rejecting Inez’s test. That will only put more distance between us and make it even more difficult to pursue her.

Kieran carried the documents back to his desk. He began translating the contents without any rest and typing them out.

She suppressed a smile while observing his intent and solemn expression.

The pair quickly fell back to work. Neither spoke again to disrupt the peaceful silence, and the atmosphere in the office was very harmonious.

When lunchtime rolled around two and a half hours later, Inez stood up, smoothed the hem of her tight-fitting skirt, and turned toward him. “Mr. Kieran, no matter how busy we are, we shouldn’t forget to have lunch. Are you coming?”

Despite his efforts, he had only finished translating nine of the files. With his mind still preoccupied with work, he answered without a second thought, “I’m not hungry yet.”

Her face fell when she heard his reply. What an idiot.

Shaking her head in exasperation, she turned and headed toward the door.

Suddenly, he was struck with the belated realization that her words had seemed to carry a subtext. Was she inviting me to have lunch with her?

Pushing aside his mouse and keyboard, he hurried after her. “Ms. Mossey, I’m new here and still not familiar with the area. Could I join you for lunch?”

Inez continued walking forward without pausing. She shot him a sidelong glance and replied, “As a secretary on your first day of work here, are you actually asking your immediate superior to treat you to a meal? Mr. Kieran, you sure know how to put on airs.”

He fell silent while what little emotional intelligence cells he had turned in his mind, trying to think of the best response. “What I meant was for you to take me out to lunch, but I’ll pay.”

She shot a few curious glances before uttering a rare word of praise, “That sounds interesting. You’re usually so aloof and reticent, so I can’t believe you’d say something so agreeable. You’ve improved. Not bad.”

Kieran’s lips curved into a smile, and his heart somersaulted in joy.

The next moment, however, she continued, “But didn’t you say you have no money after losing your phone and wallet, so you’re putting up at my place for now? How are you going to pay for my meal? With your face? Or do you mean to say that your missing wallet will somehow appear out of thin air later?”

His face paled slightly, and he became tongue-tied. Did I slip up? Did Inez guess that something doesn’t add up?

Sure enough, her expression darkened as she said in a soft, sarcastic tone, “You’re still too inexperienced, Mr. Kieran. You didn’t go all out to act pitiful. You need to put on a more convincing act.”

He stared at her wordlessly.

Looking away, Inez walked straight into the elevator.

Inside the elevator, they did not utter a single word to each other, and a slight tension hung in the air.

Having put in all that effort to make a good impression only to have things jump back to square one, Kieran found it hard to accept the setback.

He explained, “When I stayed over at the Mossey residence, I didn’t have my wallet or phone. I was also caught in the rain all night. I didn’t lie to you.”

Nonetheless, she was unmoved. “My parents were the ones who agreed to let you stay over. It’s useless to explain the situation to me. I won’t believe it.”

Ding!

When the elevator arrived at the designated floor, she stepped out first in her high heels.

“Inez…” He caught up to her, thinking to give it another shot and explain himself again.