Chapter 38
Lily clutched the police report and a cautionary notice in her hands.
“With these, you can start the divorce proceedings. Plus, my cousin works at Capital Solutions, and he mentioned that Julian’s salary is in the high five figures. His base pay and bonuses are issued separately, and he’s only shown you the base pay, hiding his real income,” Camila explained.
Erica added, “Right! And if he lays a hand on you again, you need to call the police.”
Lily nodded vigorously, “Thank you both. I’m lucky to have you.”
She had always been a hopeless romantic, moving alone to Fairmount to study, only to be sweet–talked into dropping out and marrying Julian after getting pregnant from his charming promises. No one could persuade her otherwise, and her parents were so furious they cut ties with her.
She was full of regret. Now, she spent her days gathering evidence of Julian’s hidden financial activities.
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Camila organized Connor’s schedule for the day. Her tasks were piling up, particularly with the upcoming shareholder meeting next month, which required a detailed report on the company’s performance for the first half of the year.
The report needed data integration from various departments, followed by in–depth analysis. She ran between departments all day, too busy even to drink water.
After delivering lunch to Connor, she immediately returned to her desk to continue working with the data.
Half an hour later, Connor, looking through his office’s French windows, saw her still typing relentlessly. He frowned slightly and pressed the intercom. “Come to my office.”
When the CEO called, Camila had to pause her work. “Mr. Connor, did you need me?”
Connor put down the documents he was reviewing, looked up at her for a few seconds, then pointed to the lunch box on his desk with a commanding tone, “Finish it.”
Camila blinked, “Huh? Mr. Connor, that’s your lunch.”
“I’m not hungry. I don’t feel like eating. You have it,” Connor said flatly.
“No way.” Camila refused without a second thought. Part of her job was to ensure he ate properly, and now she was to eat his meal instead? That would be a clear dereliction of duty. “Mr. Connor, please don’t make this difficult for me. You know my responsibilities. If Alan finds out, I’m done for.”
“Who pays your salary?” Connor’s gaze sharpened.
Camila took a deep breath. “You do.”
“Are you listening to me or him?” Connor tilted his head.
Camila gave a resigned smile. “Obviously, you.”
Connor smiled satisfactorily and gestured for her to proceed.
T
Camila sighed, picked up the lunch box, and started to walk out. “Eat here,” Connor glanced at the coffee table.
VI
Camila stepped back and chuckled, “Alright.” She carried the lunch box to the sofa. Mr. Connor was truly thoughtful. He had considered everything. If Alan saw her eating Connor’s lunch, it would blow her cover.
Opening the lunch box, she smelled the delicious aroma and her stomach rumbled. Though she wasn’t hungry, the sight and smell of the appetizing food triggered an instinctual response.
The first box contained layers of jumbo shrimp, beef rolls, and vegetables, while the second layer was packed with salmon and sea
urchin.
The second box held a layer of fruit and another of creamy mushroom and chicken soup.
Such a lavish meal! Mr. Connor was indeed hard to please, to have no appetite in the face of such delicacies.
Today, she’d play the role of Mr. Connor’s/trash can.