"Hello everyone, I'm Jiang Chao." Jiang Chao gave a simple greeting to the team, not specifying if he was the renowned Jiang Chao. Mainly because too many people sought him out, and he was weary of dealing with it, so his whereabouts were usually kept private.
After introducing him to the project team members, Janelle took him to the office prepared for him.
"Senior Brother, the conditions here are a bit basic. Hope you don't mind." As a top-tier data analyst, Jiang Chao usually received the best treatment wherever he went.
"Little Junior Sister, no need for formalities between us. What's our relationship? Don't worry. With me here, the data aspect will be flawless."
"Was that man earlier your boyfriend?" Jiang Chao couldn't help but ask. If yes, what about their junior brother who'd always had a crush on her? That kid still liked her!
"No." Her relationship with Erik wasn't that simple. She wasn't sure how to define it right now.
Janelle handed the project materials to Jiang Chao and left. Jiang Chao had barely sat down when his phone rang. It was his junior brother calling.
"Senior Brother, have you seen Little Junior Sister? How is she?"
"Junior Brother, you should look elsewhere. There's no chance between you and Little Junior Sister." They really weren't that compatible. Little Junior Sister's personality needed someone like Erik – unwavering and fearless – to match her. Ordinary people couldn't handle her or reach her inner world.
Amber & Lillie
Meanwhile, Lillie saw Amber's swollen face and was heartbroken.
"Mom, Janelle went too far! No matter what, you're her elder now. How could she treat you like this? What about Dad? Doesn't he care?"
Just mentioning it made Amber furious. Being slapped ten times by a young girl was utterly humiliating. She had gone to find Westin, but he wasn't at the office. She felt Westin's behavior had been off lately; he was very impatient with her.
"Lillie, do you think... your father really has someone else?"
"..." Remembering Janelle's words, Lillie also had her suspicions, but they had no proof.
"Mom, maybe hire a private investigator?" Guessing endlessly wasn't helpful.
"Mmm, I'll arrange it now."
Just then, Amber's secretary entered.
"Mrs. Evans, Miss Rovella brought in another person. He's the data analyst their team has been missing."
Previously, Janelle's team had been short one member, yet she still secured the Aleen Group qualification. Now that they were fully staffed, they were bound to win the project eventually.
Amber felt rage burning within her. Everything was going wrong for her, while Janelle's path seemed smooth sailing. She called Westin again.
Westin & His Secretary
Westin was currently showering. His phone lay on his young secretary's bed. Hearing it ring and seeing it was Amber, the secretary hung up immediately. She touched her belly.
"Son, you must be good. Mommy's future success depends entirely on you." She then deleted the call record.
Westin emerged from the bathroom, got into bed, and hugged her.
"Take good care of our son. I won't treat you badly in the future." All she wanted was money, right?
The secretary gently embraced him back. "Mr. Rovella, it's not about the money. I truly like you." Her eyes brimmed with affection.
This gave Westin an immense sense of achievement. Who would have thought Westin, in his fifties, could have a young woman in her twenties so infatuated with him! His damn charm!
"Mmm, I love you too," Westin said, pinching her breast. "This has gotten bigger."
"Wasn't that your doing, Mr. Rovella? You kneaded it bigger." In bed, the secretary perfectly catered to Westin's tastes. Men loved younger women, especially those who were adventurous and knew how to please a man.
Back with Amber
Having her call hung up, Amber was close to exploding. What could be so important? He never used to hang up on her. No matter how busy, he always explained. Was he really with another woman?
Seeing Amber's distress, Lillie hugged her. "Mom, don't panic. Maybe we're overthinking it. Dad's just busy. Hasn't he always loved you?" If not, he wouldn't have treated Madalyn that way. They drove Madalyn mad together.
"Mmm, I'll have someone investigate." She couldn't rest without knowing.
Project Progress
With Jiang Chao on board, the project team's progress accelerated significantly. Before 5 PM, they had finished all the day's work.
Watching Jiang Chao's efficiency, Kevin realized he must be the legendary master he knew of. Seeing Kevin stare while he drank coffee, Jiang Chao smiled, "What's up?"
"Master, could you sign something for me? I've always admired you."
"..." Though a bit awkward, Jiang Chao signed. "Remember to keep it confidential. Too many people try to find me."
Kevin nodded vigorously. "Master, don't worry! I'll definitely keep it secret."
After Work & Espionage Attempt
Before 5 PM, Janelle's entire project team clocked out. After they left, someone sneaked into their workspace, trying to steal project data. However, they found the computers were completely locked and inaccessible. The would-be thief had to leave silently. Looks like stealing the data this way won't work.
Evening Plans
After leaving the company, Janelle drove Jiang Chao back to his hotel. Jiang Chao loved hanging out in nightclubs; it was his habit. Finding it boring alone, he wanted Janelle to join him.
"Little Junior Sister, it's been ages since we drank together. Come on, let's hit a bar!" She drank fiercely; drinking with her was always fun.
"Alright." Jiang Chao had made time to help her. He only wanted to drink; she couldn't refuse.
They had dinner together. During the meal, Janelle called Sara.
"Aren't you feeling down lately? I'm going clubbing tonight! Want to join?" With one thing after another since returning, she hadn't properly spent time with Sara.
"Sure! Which bar? You and Erik?" Wasn't Erik always with her lately?
"No. I'll send you the address. Come directly. I'll introduce you to someone."
After hanging up, Janelle remembered Erik had mentioned wanting dinner tonight. But she'd already eaten.
That man would probably explode.