Chapter 80
At Noria Group, Charles noticed a change in his boss since the weekend. Though Matthew seemed as frosty as ever on the surface, there was something different in his demeanor–a bit softer, in a better mood. Charles even thought about asking for a raise while Matthew was in a good
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The strange, inexplicable feeling peaked at noon during the lunch break when Charles went into the office to ask about ordering
the usual premium set from Golden Elegance, as he always did. Instead, Matthew surprised everyone by pulling out a lunchbox from his bag and asking about the microwave. That was when things got really weird.
A lunchbox? Seriously! If anyone had ever said Matthew and lunchbox in the same sentence. Charles would’ve thought they were joking. But now, it hit him his usually high and mighty boss was showing some serious human vibes today.
Now, the aloof Matthew knew to bring an umbrella and pack his own lunchbox Charles had always thought Miss Warren was impressive for taming Matthew’s famously bad temper. But now, he saw her skills as downright formidable.
The CEO’s office was atop Noria Tower, with senior leadership on the two floors below. They mostly ordered lunch, so microwaves were scarce. The few available were in the open workspace below. So, Matthew took the elevator down three floors.
A group of junior managers were chilling, figuring out lunch. When they saw Matthew, they freaked out. They wondered if they messed up big time and the big boss was coming for them. Instant panic ensued. They were scared stiff, harely daring to breathe too loud, afraid the big boss might just fire a couple of them on the spot.
To their surprise, Mathew didn’t even look their way, heading straight for the break room. But their relief was short–lived. Moments later, Matthew came out of the break room and pointed at one of them.
“M–Mr. Grant, you needed me for something? The manager’s heart raced as he scrambled to recall everything he’d done over the past few years.
But Matthew’s question caught him off guard. “The microwave, I mean, why isn’t it working!”
The manager rushed to the breakroom and discovered that the microwave’s plug had just come loose. He quickly plugged it back in. “All good now, Mr. Grant
“Thanks. Then Matthew asked, “How many minutes does it usually take to heat up a meal?”
Five minutes later, Matthew sauntered out with his lunchbox freshly heated. The entire office fell eerily silent until he was out of earshot. Then everyone turned to each other in disbelief before erupting in chatter
“No way, I must be seeing things. The big boss himself microwaved a damn lunchbox?
“Nah, you’re not tripping. I saw it too. But guys, are we freaking out for no reason! It’s probably just homemade stuff from his family. I heard Mrs. Grant spoils him rotten. Maybe she made it.”
“Doubt it’s from that old lady. She once sent him a lunchbox when I was delivering files to him. Hers was this big, fancy spread made by their chefs. But did you see Mr. Grant’s? Just regular home–cooked stuff. Smelled good though.
“Damn, you think Mr. Grant’s got himself a panner now! Snag someone from the mighty Grant Family and you’re golden“”
“Oh god, I always thought Mr. Grant would go for some bombshell, not a homebody. Should I start packing lunchboxes too or am I too late?”
Charles couldn’t resist the juicy gossip he overheard and rushed to tell Matthew all about it “Mr. Grant, everyone’s going nuts out there, speculating about the mysterious woman who’s won your heart”
Matthew unpacked his fork and spoon, opening his lunchbox. Glancing up briefly, he remarked calmly. “Tiresome chatter.”
“Now you find idle talk tiresome! Why didn’t you realize that earlier! Charles wondered, but he didn’t have the guts to confront the guy flaunting his homemade lunchbox like it was the talk of the town. Charles now found that his frosty bou was a total show–off at heart. Mr. Grant used to look down on Miss Warren, but now he was flaunting like there was no tomorrow. “That’s a major self–burn, Mr. Grant, Charles muttered to himself.
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11.26 AM
Chapter 81
As Charles muttered, Matthew’s attention was fixed on the lunchbox. With tasty spaghetti for breakfast, he anticipated this meal. The lunchbox boasted variety–pan–fried fish fillet, shrimp, broccoli, and creamy soup. The colors and nutrition were enticing
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Distracted by the juicy gossip. Charles forgot to order lunch for himself Watching Matthew dig in now, his own hunger grew as he eyed the lunchbox enviously
Catching Charles’s gaze. Matthew looked up with a frown. “Tell your wife to pack you one next time”
Charles also wished he could. But that depended on whether his wife was up for it. Plus, her cooking skills were nothing compared to Miss Warren’s, Wait, wasn’t he even allowed to feel a little jealous?
Just then, footsteps approached from outside, Charles turned and his expression quickly changed. “Mr. Grant, Mrs. Grant’s here.”
Sophia hadn’t been in the office long before picking up on the employees‘ excited chatter. When she walked in, Matthew’s lunchbox was already halfway empty. It was too late to put it away.
“Wow, who whipped up this lunch for you, Matthew Sophia didn’t hold back her curiosity.
“Grandma, you should’ve let me know you were dropping by, sod Matthew
“Let you know what? I’m just popping in to see my grandson, do I need to schedule an appointment?” She brushed off his attempt to change the subject. “Whose lunchbox is this? Some young lady’s, I’d her?”
trime, she’d tried to arrange a marriage for him. If she learned Valerie, her lifesaver,
Matthew didn’t want his grandma to find out about Vallerie. Last tim was already his wife, it would complicate things with Valerie.
Seeing his silence, Sophie’s expression turned serious as a thought hit her. “Matthew, don’t tell me this is from that Miss Santos
Matthew knew she had the wrong idea and swiftly interrupted. “It’s not from Lindsey”
Sophia clearly relaxed with relief.
In Kranson City, there were four big–shot families, the Grant family was the top dog, followed by the Anderson family, the Reynolds family, and the Santos family.
Lindsey, the second daughter from the Santos family, had this weird crush on Matthew for some reason. But the thing was, the Santos family and the Grant family had been business rivals, making any romantic stuff between them a total mess
Ultimately, it didn’t matter because of some past stuff between the Santos family and Matthew. Sophia wanted absolutely nothing to do wi
with the Santos family, no matter what
Hearing Matthew’s denial, Sophia relaxed. She realized she might be overthinking it. Matthew kept the Santos family at arm’s length, and the pampered Santos girl wouldn’t make lunchboxes anyway.
Sophia examined the modest lunchbox, guessing it was probably from some eager female employee trying to impress and level up” Not a real threat since she knew her grandson, always conl as a cucumber. Melting him would take more than just a lunchbox; it needed a kind–hearted, caring girl like Valerie. So let the office ladies play their games if they wanted.
“Alright, if you think Grandma’s just being nosy, I’ll back off. It’s good someone’s taking care of your meals. You never eat right. Haven’t seen you in ages, but you’re looking healthier now, your face filling out nicely. That’s how a man should be, not just skin and bones Sophia chuckled happily, oblivious to how tightly Matthew gripped his spoon.
Matthew’s expression twitched, barely noticeable. He wondered if he really put on some weight.
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