Chapter 9:
723 Words
Ricard’s gesture of shielding Emily was merely an act of gentlemanly gallantry, but for those with ulterior motives, it carried different implications.
Ella from the Operations Department glared at Emily, her hands clenched. She wished she could wipe the smile off Emily’s face. Ella had gone to great lengths to dress up but hadn’t even caught Ricard’s eye, while Emily seemed to reap all the benefits.
If Ella was considered the second most beautiful in the company, no one dared claim the first spot, but the male colleagues always seemed to prefer Emily. Thus, Ella had always seen Emily as a thorn in her side and wished she could get her kicked out of the company.
After Ricard left, Ella couldn’t resist speaking up. “Emily, you were blushing just now. Are you attracted to CEO William?”
Emily gave Ella a sharp look, but Amile stepped forward. “CEO William instructed me to send an internal email announcing his marriage to prevent any harmful gossip that might cause his wife to misunderstand. Please, everyone, refrain from discussing his private life behind his back.”
Ella, always feeling superior because her cousin was the head of Public Relations, didn’t dare retort when Amile spoke. She could only quietly add to her resentment towards Emily.
After Ricard left, Emily continued playing a few more games before finding a quiet spot to send him a Zalo message: “Take a warm shower and don’t catch a cold.”
“Some individuals resemble dogs, constantly consuming their own filth. If they don’t flirt with men for a single day, they feel utterly uncomfortable.” With no one else around, Ella directly spat out her vulgar words.
Normally, Emily didn’t pay attention to Ella because she genuinely looked down on her, but that didn’t mean she would let herself be bullied.
Emily put her phone into her pocket and stood up, walking towards Ella.
The sudden cold aura emanating from Emily frightened Ella. She stepped back, stuttering, “What... what are you going to do?”
Emily continued to step closer until Ella was backed into a corner. She reached out and grabbed Ella’s jaw, her eyes deep and intense. “Don’t start acting like a mad dog biting people before your teeth have even fully grown.”
Ella sneered, “Ha, even if I’m a mad dog, it’s better than being a shameless woman like you. Look at all the disgraceful things you’ve done. Do you think someone like you can climb into CEO William’s bed? Dream on, darling.”
Emily laughed coldly. “I heard your boyfriend dumped you last month, and you cried like a baby. Now you want to jump into the CEO’s bed? You really have no shame.”
Ella retorted angrily, “What does my breakup have to do with you?”
Emily replied with a smile, “Then what kind of woman I am has nothing to do with you either, does it? Ella, you’re not the only one who knows how to attack people. Don’t use ancient history to tarnish someone’s reputation. No matter how ugly someone’s scars are, it’s not your place to expose them.”
Ella scoffed, “Hmph, you dare talk about those things? Do you believe I’ll spread everything, so everyone in the company knows what kind of person you really are?”
“She’s with me!” A cold, clear voice cut through the air, shocking both Emily and Ella. Emily couldn’t believe Ricard would appear here and felt a bit worried. How would Ricard see her now?
Ella turned pale with fear. “C-CEO William, this isn’t what it looks like. Emily, she...”
Ricard didn’t even spare Ella a glance. He coldly uttered a single word: “Leave!”
Ella’s face turned red and white. She wanted to explain but was too scared by Ricard’s haughty demeanor. She bit her lip, stomped her foot in frustration, and ran off.
Ricard walked towards Emily, looking at her calmly. Emily felt uneasy under his gaze. She opened her mouth to explain, but before she could say anything, Ricard’s captivating voice spoke. “I know you didn’t start it.”
Emily looked up at him, her lips trembling, “But what if I started it? What if I was the one bullying someone else?”
- Writer
