Chapter 0155
President Grant was unfazed by the musings of others, his face an unreadable mask while his heart rejoiced, buoyant as a young man experiencing the first flush of love.
As the elevator doors slid open, Ethan completely ignored the curious glances of the two employees behind him, striding out with his gaze fixed on his phone.
The two staff members bowed respectfully, “Safe travels, President Grant.”
Could it be that the president harbored two personas-a company secret, perhaps? They certainly wouldn’t dare to speculate openly- fearing that a serious and agitated Grant might fire them on a whim.
Somewhere abroad in a bustling capital, Shihua, who had just landed safely, was blissfully unaware of the storm brewing back at the
company.
Stepping off the plane, she anticipated a shower of compliments from her colleagues-only to be met with silence. Not a single flight attendant came to greet her, and their expressions were indifferent at best.
Shihua shrugged it off, blaming it on the crew’s fatigue, but she couldn’t help noticing something was amiss in the work chat-no one mentioned the meeting called by Ethan. It was as if it had been wiped from their memories, everyone except Shihua herself.
Leaving the airport for the hotel, Shihua cheerfully suggested, “How about we go out for Western cuisine tonight? My treat.”
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The chief attendant, a woman named Yue Hui, who was middle-aged but well-preserved, thanks to her years as a flight attendant, peeked up from her phone, “That’s very generous of you, Captain. We haven’t had a proper team dinner since we started flying together. I say we take you up on that offer-let’s go Dutch.”
But Shihua’s pride wouldn’t allow a Dutch treat-it wouldn’t showcase her status or her financial prowess. With the winds of favor in her sails, she insisted on flaunting her means. “No need for that, I can afford the bill for our little group.”
An attendant snickered internally, though her face showed nothing but admiration, “You must be loaded, Captain. I’m green with envy.”
Shihua tucked a stray hair behind her ear, a flicker of unease in her eyes, but responded with faux confidence, “Of course, I’m well-off. The company pays me handsomely, and besides, I don’t usually have to spend much of my own money.”
The pause spoke volumes, and the other attendants exchanged knowing looks, their faces veiled with thinly veiled ridicule.
One stewardess couldn’t resist teasing, “You and your boyfriend must be doing well? I wonder when we’ll hear your wedding bells?”
Shihua stalled. The company had mistaken her relationship with Ethan, seeing Madison as nothing but a publicity tactic. Yet she wasn’t bold enough to confirm their suspicions outright-after all, it was a farce.
She deflected with a brittle laugh, “Enough about me. Shall we book that restaurant then?”
Seeing Shihua dodge their queries with such vague responses, the rest of the crew didn’t press further. If she wanted to pick up the tab, who were they to refuse a free meal?
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“Then it’s settled. Tonight, we’re your guests, Captain. We’ll return the favor next time.”
“No need to be polite,” Shihua replied, forcing a smile as Yue Hui discreetly texted a friend on W******p.
Yue Hui: She’s trying so hard to cover up, it’s like watching a clown who won’t admit the act, but still plays the part.
Amelia: Just play along. Don’t worry, as long as Captain Madison is around, you won’t get fired-even if you upset Shihua.
Yue Hui: I know, Chief Attendant Zhuo, we’re tight.
Though Amelia was a newcomer at Mukino Airlines, her ability to tell people exactly what they wanted to hear won her favor. Being close to Madison made her untouchable, and when Amelia got wind of Shihua’s situation, she was ready to bare her fangs, the part-time manipulator ready to push back against shamelessness.
Back home, as evening fell, Madison received the competition rulebook and set to work studying it on the sofa, her brow furrowing. Ethan, can you stop messing with my hair?”
Since their return, Ethan had been fiddling with her hair non-stop as if it were the most fascinating plaything while juggling work on his laptop.
“I could wash your hair for you when I have a moment.”
“And when would you have the time?” Madison knew the truth; Ethan wasn’t less busy, he was just making time for her.
“When am I not? I’ll be back every evening to wash it for you.”
Ethan paused, his brow creasing with sudden thought. He realized that many stylists, including Tony with his flamboyant style, were
men who would run their fingers through Madison’s hair and touch her scalp!
The mere thought unnerved him.
A sudden yelp from Madison broke his reverie, “Ouch!”
He quickly let go and soothed the spot he had unwittingly tugged,” Sorry, sorry. I was lost in thought-did I hurt you?”
Before she could answer, her phone rang.
“Hello?”
A weak cough came from the other end, followed by Lucas’s feeble voice: “Madison… cough… I’m sick, in the hospital. My parents aren’t here. Could you… bring me something to eat?”
Madison’s first instinct was to hang up, but Ethan swiftly took the phone, switched to speaker, and silently instructed her to ask Lucas for his location.
Her mind a blank canvas of confusion, she found herself asking, Which hospital?”
Lucas eagerly provided the name.
Ethan ended the call abruptly, “You get some rest. I’ll be out for a bit.”
“What for?” Madison caught his hand.
He loomed over her, his tone grave, “He keeps calling you from new numbers. I let it slide before, respecting your past, but it’s clear he doesn’t know his boundaries.”
Since subtlety was lost on Lucas, there was no need for Ethan to maintain the facade of a gentleman.
Madison couldn’t deter Ethan-her concern was not for Lucas, but for Ethan himself, who seemed on the brink of causing a scene she
