Chapter 4 Seven Times
1009 Words
For the sake of her three kids and the mystery surrounding her father's suicide, Emily stepped into the elevator and returned to her department to report in.
This time, Eason didn't give her any trouble.
But she knew this wasn't his style. Eason had finally gotten the upper hand and wouldn't let her off easily.
Sure enough, after work, at the welcome party her new colleagues organized, the sly fox revealed his claws again.
In the private room at the bar, Eason ordered a lot of expensive imported alcohol, and the fruit platters and food were all top-notch.
His assistant had already informed Emily that it was tradition for newcomers to foot the bill for the welcome dinner.
After everyone had their fill, the waiter brought in the bill. Eason gave him a knowing glance, directing it straight to Emily.
"Wow! Over sixty grand!"
Eason gloated, watching Emily and expecting her to be humiliated.
But Emily didn't panic at all. She didn't know how this unreasonable tradition started. Maybe past newcomers had given Eason face out of respect for Downton Group, but she wasn't about to indulge him.
Holding the bill, Emily feigned excitement and then pulled out her phone. She started recording a video of the bill while pretending to be deeply touched.
"Hey ladies, can you believe this? My manager spent all this on the department's welcome dinner just to help me fit in. I love this company!" she smiled and handed the bill to Eason.
Then, in front of everyone, she posted it on Twitter, adding a caption as she did so.
The room was stunned, and Eason didn't know how to react.
His assistant quickly intervened, whispering urgently, "Emily! It's tradition for the newcomer to foot the bill for the welcome party... How can you make the manager pay?"
Emily pretended to realize her mistake and opened Twitter again. "Sorry, let me correct that... Oh, it already has a hundred likes. Well, I guess I'll have to explain to my followers now... I just started the job, haven't even received my first paycheck, and my manager is making me pay... How do I explain that Downton isn't exploiting its employees?"
By the time she finished, Eason's face was dark with anger. He hissed, "Enough! I'll pay."
This tradition of making newcomers pay was something he established, not a company policy. It was okay to boss around in private, but if this got out, it would be a severe violation. The resulting bad publicity could easily get him fired.
Emily smiled sweetly, "Thank you, manager."
Seeing Eason pay the bill with a furious look, Emily finished her drink cheerfully and then headed to the bathroom.
The alcohol must have affected her more than she realized, as she found herself feeling dizzy and struggling to recall the room number of their private area upon her return.
As she reached the area where their room should have been, Emily peeked through the tiny windows on the doors, looking for her colleagues.
Suddenly, she saw a familiar figure in a lavishly decorated room.
A tall man sat on the sofa with his back to her, wearing a white shirt that hung loosely around his waist, revealing his muscular back, a long scar, and a fierce wolf tattoo.
It was him!
The irresponsible gigolo!
Emily's heart pounded, and she clenched her fists, her breathing growing heavy.
The last time she saw him was in the car. She wasn't prepared and didn't have a chance to say anything before he left. Now, the man who had changed her whole life was right in front of her!
As she looked at him, memories flashed through her mind...
After waking up in the hospital, she missed her father's last moments, only seeing his cold, stiff body in the funeral home.
At the funeral, relatives and friends all accused her of being shameless and even tried to drive her out.
Then, she got pregnant before marriage with no money, was forced to undergo checkups in a rural clinic, and suffered immensely.
She nearly bled to death from giving birth to triplets, hovering at death's door...
All of this was thanks to that man!
Even though she now saw her triplets as a blessing, it didn't absolve him of his wrongs.
Emily took a deep breath, clenched her fists, and pushed open the door to the private room, addressing the man on the sofa in a cold voice, "Hey, buddy, we have some scores to settle!"
"Hey, this is a private room. Don't barge in!" a bodyguard in the corner barked.
The man made a gesture, and the bodyguard immediately shut up and retreated quietly.
Emily was speechless. Gigolos could afford bodyguards?
It seemed like he had been enjoying his life these past few years!
The man put on his shirt slowly and turned around, still wearing that black half-mask...
The mask covered the upper half of his face, revealing his thin lips and a pair of piercing blue eyes that looked like a starry sky, glittering mysteriously.
If it weren't for the unique tattoo on his back, Emily might have doubted she had the right person, given his commanding presence.
The man looked at her, puzzled by her sudden intrusion.
Emily took a deep breath and introduced herself, "Looks like you don't remember me. Four years ago, I was drinking in K13. My friend hired you to keep me company..."
She hadn't barged in just to vent her anger.
She wanted to provide her three kids with a better education and life, but her current trial period salary couldn't cover those costs. Seeing how well-off he seemed now, maybe she could get some compensation to solve her immediate financial problems.
She didn't care if he remembered her or not. After all, with his job, he must have entertained countless rich women and couldn't possibly remember each one.
Before she could finish, the man narrowed his eyes and smiled knowingly, "You have a pretty mole on your chest. That night, we did it seven times..."
- Writer
