After that, Evie curled up on the sofa with a book.
I slipped out to find the restroom.
I wandered around the office floor for a while.
I was visiting Sterling Group headquarters.
When I finally found the bathroom, I was too embarrassed to leave.
I had no idea how to get back.
Luckily, I had my phone. I had to call Alexander.
Alexander saw my name on his screen. He answered, confused. “Evie, what’s wrong?”
“Alexander, I’m lost. How do I get back to your office?” I wanted to sink into the floor.
“Walk out of the restroom. Turn left past the marketing department. Go all the way to the end.”
“Oh, okay. Thanks.” I hung up quickly.
I followed his directions.
I muttered to myself, “Strange. I walked this way before. How did I miss it?”
Then I turned the corner. Alexander was waiting for me at his door.
“Sorry. I got lost.”
“I really need to put a tracker on you. Just in case.”
“...” I wanted to say it was a one-time thing. Instead, I just shut my mouth.
He led me through the open-plan office and into his office.
My only thought was: I won’t get lost next time.
“There’s a restroom in here.”
He pointed to the left.
“Oh. Good.” I felt awkward.
I hadn’t noticed the private bathroom before.
I took another sip of coffee. I made a face. I shook my head and put the cup down.
I couldn’t drink it.
I picked up my book again. After a while, I stole a glance at Alexander.
He was on the phone. I tried to listen while I read.
I didn’t understand a single word.
I had no idea what dialect he was speaking.
I’d make a terrible corporate spy.
Eventually, his incomprehensible language lulled me to sleep.
I fell asleep.
“Evie… Evie…”
“Hmm…” I murmured and turned over.
Thump.
The next second, I rolled off the sofa onto the carpet.
It didn’t hurt. But I was dizzy. For a moment, I had no idea where I was.
Alexander rushed over. He picked me up. “Evie, did you hit your head?”
“Alexander, this bed is shaking.” I looked up at him, still groggy.
Then I saw his face clearly.
I looked around. It took me a long time to realize I wasn’t in bed. I was on the sofa.
The bed wasn’t shaking. I had just fallen off the sofa.
I was so embarrassed. My face burned. I didn’t have the courage to look at him.
“Did you hit anything?”
I shook my head.
“Didn’t sleep well last night?”
“I slept fine. I was just tired from reading. I dozed off.” I was mortified.
I wished he would just pretend nothing happened.
“Go rest in the lounge. I’ll call you when I’m done.”
“No. I’m not sleepy now.” I sat up straight.
Alexander stared at me for a long time.
I felt like I wanted to bury my head in the sofa. Finally, I mumbled, “Go ahead. Don’t worry about me.”
He laughed. He touched my head. Then he got up and walked away.
I kept reading. I yawned every few minutes.
I guess I didn’t sleep well last night after that chicken heist.
Alexander worked for another half hour. When he finished, he looked up. “Evie, let’s go.”
“Okay.” I folded the page corner. I put the book in my bag. I followed him out of Sterling Group.
“What do you want for lunch?”
“Anything is fine.” I smiled. The thought of food perked me up.
“Okay,” he said.
“Let’s go to Elmwood Lane!” I said immediately.
He turned to look at me. He seemed about to say something. But he didn’t. He just took my hand and walked toward the parking lot.
I planned to eat my way down the entire snack street. Finals were brutal. I deserved a reward.
On the way, Alexander’s phone rang. He answered through the car’s Bluetooth. It was Lucas.
“Alexander, we’re at Jiangcheng. We’re just missing you.”
“I can’t make it. Have fun without me.” Alexander’s voice was calm.
“You’re never too busy to eat. We just got here. We’re waiting for you.”
“I’m with my wife. You guys eat. Don’t wait.”
“Evie is here too? Bring her along. I didn’t get to know her last time. That’s settled. We’ll wait.” Lucas sounded excited.
Then I heard curious voices in the background. Is Evie the sister-in-law’s name?
“Let me ask Evie.” Alexander turned to me. “Do you want to go?”
“Will there be a lot of people?” I hesitated.
“Evie, it’s just a few of Alexander’s friends. They all want to meet you.” Lucas’s voice answered for me.
“Okay, fine.” I felt shy.
“Alexander, your wife agreed. Get over here. We’re waiting.” Lucas laughed.
I heard him say your wife. My face turned red again.
“Got it.” Alexander hung up.
Then he said slowly, “If you don’t want to go, you can say no.”
“Huh?” I stared at him. Why didn’t you say that earlier? I already agreed!
Alexander drove us to Jiangcheng.
Jiangcheng was a gourmet complex owned by Lucas’s family. It had several high-end restaurants.
The place was luxurious. The prices were high.
The top floor was private. It was only for the Bennett family’s special guests.
Lucas was on the top floor.
I followed Alexander into the private elevator.
A waiter led us to the private room.
I couldn’t help feeling nervous. It felt like there was a monster behind that door.
“They’re easy to get along with. Don’t be nervous. Order whatever you want. This is Lucas’s place. Don’t be polite. We can leave after we eat.” Alexander looked down at me and smiled.
“Okay.” I nodded. His words helped me relax a little.
I decided I would just eat and keep smiling.
I had already met Lucas. He seemed nice.
If the others were like him, I would be fine. I shouldn’t worry too much.
I tried to comfort myself.
When Alexander opened the door, I saw a big group. It wasn’t just a few people.
There were handsome men. And there were some beautiful women too.
I later learned that besides Alexander, everyone else had brought a date or a temporary girlfriend.