Her tears welled up in her eyes.
"Sob… sob… It's not my fault, Caroline. It's not my fault… sob… sob… it's all—"
The whole night, Amber cried in silence, her tears rolling down like a child abandoned in the dark.
Next Morning – Outside Ariadne's New House
Maison De Maître.
I stood before the large estate, jaw slightly parted.
"It's more beautiful than Nancy's mansion," I murmured in wonder.
As I stepped inside, I was awed.
Everything around me was classic, elegant, surreal.
"No wonder I feel like I'm dreaming," I whispered.
Later That Night – Ariadne's Bedroom
"Why, God? After an exhausting day, why can't I sleep?"
I tossed and turned, annoyed. The light of the moon poured in through the large window, bright and silver, reflecting straight into my tired eyes. No curtains. No peace.
Next Day – Office Hours
As soon as I entered, Mr. Jacobs dashed over, breathless.
"Today you must come with us, no matter what! Huff… Huff…"
"Alright, alright! I'll go!" I said, trying to calm him—and myself.
The entire department clapped and smiled in relief.
"Thank you, Ms. Garnier!"
"You're amazing, Caroline Garnier!"
Mr. Jacobs grabbed my hands in gratitude.
"After a year, we'll finally celebrate something without formalities. Thank you, Ms. Caroline."
I smiled politely, though sweat ran down my neck. Something felt… too cheerful.
And then, the energy of the room shifted.
A clique of three women strutted into the office like runway queens.
"Oh my, oh my! What's all this commotion?"
The voice belonged to a woman with a voluptuous hourglass figure, golden-bronze waves cascading down her shoulders. Her makeup was flawless—almost too perfect. Her shirt buttons were unfastened just enough to show the upper cups of her bra and a heart-shaped tattoo nestled between her cleavage. Her fitted mini skirt clung to her curvy hips and thighs. Chewing and blowing a bubblegum balloon lazily, she looked every inch a seductress—not a professional.
Two other women followed. One held both her bag and her own, the other just hers. Pear-shaped, inverted triangle body types, also heavily made-up.
"Mr. Janez Jacobs, right? Looking handsome as always."
"Today you remember my name, Ms. Nari Park," he responded flatly.
She turned her gaze toward me.
"Well, well. Hello, Ms. Secretary of the CEO. I'm Nari Park, Allocation Specialist of the Merchandising Department."
She extended her hand.
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Park," I replied, shaking it. "I'm Caroline Garnier, the CEO's secretary."
She leaned closer with a sudden shift in tone, her perfume strong and musky.
"You do know this is a workplace, right?" she whispered.
"Of course."
"So don't confuse public relations with personal attachments."
She yanked my collar gently, bringing her lips close to my ear.
"Don't try to seduce my future husband—Mr. Charlotte. Consider this a warning, not advice."
And just like that, she pushed me slightly away and strutted off with her entourage.
The room fell silent. Everyone got back to work… but nobody looked at me.
I turned to Mr. Jacobs.
"Who is she?"
Before he could answer, an older female colleague leaned in.
"She's the daughter of the founder of Parkstone Capital—a new finance company that's growing fast. Even faster than most long-established ones."
"Impressive…" I muttered.
Evening – Le Chardenoux Restaurant
After work, we all went to Le Chardenoux—booked by Mr. Jacobs. The HR group, finance group, and other departments were present. The ambiance was cozy and lively.
And, of course, she was there too.
Nari.
She was now sitting right next to the CEO—David Charlotte—pressing her cleavage against him like glue. She giggled, swirled her wine, and tossed her hair like she was auditioning for a drama.
Then she said:
"Please come to my home tonight, Mr. David. I'm feeling… a little ill."
He looked at her gently, smiling with warmth.
"Yeah, I'll come. Don't worry."
I froze mid-sip.
My eyes locked onto his face.
What the fuck…?!