MIDNIGHT FLOWER

CHAPTER 16 : BREAKING THEM APART

“And let’s not forget our dear Jenny,” she said, her tone sickly sweet. “She’s always there for Shau, isn’t she? I mean, where would Shau be without his lovely assistant? Jenny, you must be exhausted with all the work you do for him.” Veronica’s voice oozed with false concern. “Why don’t you tell us about your… special duties?” she added, her gaze sharpening as she set her trap.

A few of the colleagues exchanged awkward glances, sensing the tension in her words. The atmosphere shifted slightly as everyone waited to see how Jenny would respond.

Shau glared at Veronica, and glance to Jenny with worry.

Jenny, however, wasn’t fazed. She smiled politely, knowing full well what Veronica was trying to do. Slowly, she set her drink down and stood, her movements calm and composed. All eyes were now on her, but she didn’t shy away from the spotlight.

“Well, Ms. Chen,” Jenny began, her voice smooth and confident, “I wouldn’t say I’m exhausted at all. In fact, working for Mr. Zhang has been a pleasure.” She glanced at Shau, offering him a genuine smile, which he returned with a look of quiet admiration. “He’s always been incredibly professional, and I’m more than happy to help him succeed in his new role.”

Veronica’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, but Jenny wasn’t done.

Jenny continued, her tone playful yet pointed, “it takes a lot to support someone in a position like Mr. Zhang. It’s not just about doing tasks—it's about understanding the nuances of leadership, helping to manage priorities, and making sure everything runs smoothly. Shau is a remarkable leader, and I’m glad I can play a part in his success.”

Veronica’s eyes flashed with irritation, but she forced a laugh, clearly struggling to maintain her composure. “Of course,” she replied, her voice strained. “You’re absolutely right.”

“But I’m sure Mr. Zhang would manage just fine even without me,” Jenny's smile never wavering. “He’s more than capable.”

Shau, who had been silently watching the exchange with a bemused expression, finally spoke up, his voice light but carrying an undertone of amusement. “I couldn’t have said it better myself,” he said, raising his glass toward Jenny. “Thank you for all the hard work, Ms. Gonzales. It doesn’t go unnoticed.”

The group followed suit, raising their glasses again in Jenny’s direction, offering her sincere smiles and nods of approval. Even those who hadn’t been fully aware of the tension before were now clearly on Jenny’s side, impressed by how effortlessly she had handled the situation.

Veronica, meanwhile, seethed quietly, her plan to undermine Jenny having blown up in her face. She let out a sarcastic laugh, trying to mask her frustration, but it was clear to everyone that Jenny had come out on top in this round.

As the night continued, Veronica found herself increasingly sidelined in conversations, while Jenny, managed to win over more of the group. And though Shau tried to keep the peace between the two women, his eyes lingered on Jenny far more than they did on his so-called fiancée.

The night continued, with the group growing more relaxed as the drinks flowed. Conversations bounced around the table, with everyone discussing the company’s future under Shau’s leadership, sharing stories about the party, and making plans for the coming weeks. Yet, underneath the lively chatter, the tension between Shau, Veronica, and Jenny remained like an undercurrent, unseen but ever-present.

At one point, Veronica excused herself to the restroom, leaving Shau and Jenny seated across from each other, a quiet moment settling between them.

“I’m sorry about her,” Shau muttered, his gaze dropping to his glass. “She can be… intense.”

Jenny shrugged, swirling the drink in her hand. “It’s fine.”

Shau looked up at her, admiration flickering in his eyes. “You're so beautiful.”

Jenny gave a small smile, her tone light.

Veronica returned to the table, her eyes immediately flicking between them. Sensing the subtle shift in the air, she plastered a bright smile on her face and looped her arm around Shau again, reclaiming her position at his side.

“Did I miss anything?” she asked, her voice dripping with forced cheerfulness.

Shau shook his head, taking a long sip of his drink. “Nothing important.”

The evening began to wind down, with the group preparing to leave. As everyone said their goodbyes, Veronica made sure to stay close to Shau, her hand possessively resting on his arm.

“See you all tomorrow,” Veronica called out cheerfully, her eyes briefly landing on Jenny before she and Shau made their way toward the door.

As the others filed out of the bar, Kier sidled up to Jenny, giving her a knowing look. “Jealous?”

Jenny sighed, giving him a tired smile.

Kier chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, just know you’ve got people on your side.”

They both headed out into the cool night air, the weight of the evening still hanging over them.

As Shau dropped Veronica off at her home, the ride had been mostly quiet, with Veronica scrolling through her phone, oblivious to Shau's restless thoughts. His mind was elsewhere—he couldn't stop thinking about Jenny. The way she had handled Veronica at the bar earlier had only made him more drawn to her, her confidence and grace fueling his desire.

After watching Veronica disappear into her house, Shau pulled out his phone and quickly typed a message to Jenny:

"Are you home yet?"

It didn't take long before her reply came through.

"Yes, just got in."

A small smirk formed on his lips as he typed again, unable to suppress his feelings any longer.

"l can't stop thinking about you. I don't even want to wait until tomorrow to see you. I want to come over right now... just to eat you, baby."

Seconds felt like minutes as he waited for her response. His pulse quickened when his phone buzzed with her reply.

"Sure, daddy. I'll wait."

A rush of adrenaline surged through him as he read her message. The engine roaring to life as he made a sharp turn, heading in the direction of her place.

His thoughts raced as he drove, anticipation building with every mile that passed. The city lights blurred outside the window as he sped through the streets, eager to be with her, to feel her presence, her warmth, her energy. All the tension from earlier seemed to fade into the background, replaced by the thrilling knowledge that soon, she would be in his arms.

When he finally arrived at her place, he parked outside and hurried to her door. His hand hovered for a moment before he knocked, barely able to contain his excitement. The door swung open, and there she was— standing in the soft glow of her apartment, a hint of a smile on her lips as she looked at him.

Neither of them spoke for a moment, the air between them thick with unspoken tension. Then, without a word, Shau stepped inside, his hands already reaching for her as the door clicked shut behind him.

Their lips met in an intense, heated kiss, the desire they had held back all night now exploding between them. Jenny's hands tangled in his hair as she pulled him closer, her body pressed against his. Shau's breath was ragged as he whispered against her lips, "I want to have you all night..."

Jenny's voice was low, teasing. "Eat me whole now, daddy."

Shau, not wasting a moment, pulls Jenny into a passionate kiss, his hands tangled in her hair. She responds eagerly, her arms wrapping around his neck as they stumble into the apartment. Without breaking the kiss, Shau guides Jenny towards the couch, his hands roaming her body. He pushes her down onto the cushions, climbing on top of her and deepening the kiss.

Jenny's breathing quickens as Shau's hands explore her body, her fingers tracing patterns on his back. She runs her hands through his hair, pulling him closer, as she feels his arousal growing against her. Shau, unable to resist any longer, begins to kiss Jenny's neck, making his way down to her chest. He eagerly unbuttons her shirt, revealing her lacy bra.

Shau can't help but let out a low growl as he takes in the sight of Jenny's chest. He lavishes attention on her breasts, teasing her n*****s with his teeth and tongue. Jenny arches her back, moaning with pleasure as Shau's skilled hands and mouth send waves of sensation through her body.

Shau's hand trails down Jenny's body, slipping under the waistband of her pants. He can feel her heat radiating through the fabric, and he eagerly pulls her pants down, taking her underwear with them. Jenny lifts her hips to help him, her legs spreading eagerly as Shau settles himself between them. He leans down to kiss her again, his tongue delving into her mouth as he rocks his hips against hers.

Jenny gasps into the kiss as she feels Shau's arousal pressing against her, and she wraps her legs around his waist, pulling him closer. Shau obliges, grinding his hips against hers as he reaches down to stroke her wetness. Jenny moans, arching her back as Shau explore her, teasing and circling his fingers between her legs.

Shau can feel Jenny trembling with desire beneath him, and he knows she's ready for him. He lines himself up with her entrance, pausing for a moment to savor the feel of her body against his. And then, with a thrust of his hips, he sinks into her, filling her completely. Jenny cries out with pleasure as Shau fills her, her nails digging into his back as she pulls him closer.

Shau begins to move, his hips rocking back and forth as he establishes a steady rhythm. Jenny meets his thrusts with her own, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. Shau's hand snakes down between them, his fingers finding Jenny's c**t once again. He circles and teases, the pressure building inside her with each thrust.

Shau can feel Jenny's pleasure mounting, her moans growing louder and more frequent. He increases his pace, driving deeper and harder into her. Jenny's legs tighten around his waist, her heels digging into his lower back as she urges him on. Shau's fingers move faster, expertly coaxing Jenny towards her release.

With one final thrust, Shau pushes Jenny over the edge. She cries out, her body trembling with the force of her orgasm.

"Your orgasm only belongs to me, baby."

"Yes, daddy." Shau feels her clenching around him, her muscles pulsing in time with her pleasure. He continues to thrust, riding out Jenny's orgasm until she relaxes beneath him, spent and satisfied. Shau slows his pace, his hips continuing to move as he chases his own release.

Jenny lies back on the couch, her breathing heavy and her body flushed with pleasure. Shau looks down at her, his eyes dark with desire. He can't resist the urge to claim her again, to feel her body trembling beneath him. He pulls out slowly, savoring the feeling of her warmth around him. Jenny whimpers at the loss, but her eyes are heavy with desire.

Shau, still feeling desire coursing through his veins, helps Jenny to her feet. She stumbles slightly, her legs still shaky from her powerful orgasm. He leads her to the bed, their lips meeting in another passionate kiss as they move. Once they reach the bed, Shau pushes Jenny down onto the mattress, his body covering hers.

Jenny looks up at Shau with desire in her eyes, her legs parting eagerly as she feels his weight settle over her. Shau wastes no time, his hips moving back and forth as he teases Jenny's entrance. He can feel her heat, her wetness making him throb with desire. He rocks his hips back and forth again, his hard length sliding against her folds. Jenny moans, her fingers digging into the sheets as she writhes beneath him.

---

As the first light of dawn crept through the curtains, the air in the bedroom was thick with the scent of intimacy. Shau and Jenny lay tangled in the sheets, their bodies still warm from the night they shared. Jenny nestled her head against Shau's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

After a moment of comfortable silence, Shau turned his gaze down to her, brushing a stray hair from her face. “Baby,” he said softly, his voice a low murmur, “I know things are complicated right now with my family, but I promise you this, I will fix everything between me and the chairman.”

Jenny looked up at him, her eyes searching his.

“I can’t keep pretending that everything is fine. You mean too much to me to let my family’s issues come between us.” He paused, concern etched on his features. “I don’t want you to feel caught in the middle.”

She felt a swell of warmth at his words, reassured by his determination. “Just know that I’m here for you, no matter what happens, daddy.”

A faint smile crept onto his lips as he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “We’ll figure this out together.”

As they settled back into the tranquility of the moment, Jenny felt a sense of hope wash over her, mixed with the lingering intensity of their night together. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to drift into a peaceful sleep, comforted by Shau’s presence beside her.

---

SHAUN GROUP

In the chairman’s office, tension filled the air as Shau sat across from his father. The chairman, stern and visibly upset, tossed a photo across the desk. “Explain this,” he demanded.

Shau glanced at the picture without much reaction. In the photo, the two stood close, looking through a rack of dresses. Jenny, laughing at something Shau said, held up a sleek gown — the one he had bought her for the company party. Their chemistry was undeniable, and even a stranger could have mistaken them for a couple.

The next picture captured an intimate moment from the night of the party. Shau and Jenny, caught in a stolen kiss, stood in the dimly lit lobby of the venue. Their faces were close, lips pressed together, lost in the heat of the moment when they had disappeared from the event. The angle of the photo showed them unaware of prying eyes, their affection exposed to the camera.

The other photograph was even more telling. Shau’s car was parked outside Jenny’s apartment, the clock on the corner of the image indicating it was well past dawn. The implication was clear — he had spent the night, or at least most of it, at her place.

Instead of looking concerned, Shau let out a short laugh, leaning back in his chair.

“You think this is funny?” the chairman growled. Shau stared at the chairman, his jaw tight as the older man spoke again, unaware of the depth of his relationship with Jenny. The chairman sighed, leaning back in his chair. “You’re a man, and Jenny’s attractive. But you have a responsibility now. You’re engaged to Veronica. You can’t keep fooling around with an employee. I don't even want other employees to know about this.”

Shau’s fingers clenched into fists beneath the desk.

“I’m going to reassign Jenny. It’s the best thing for both of you. I don’t want this distracting you from your future with Veronica.”

At the mention of Jenny being replaced, Shau’s expression darkened. His eyes flashed with a cold determination as he leaned forward, his voice low and dangerous. “Don’t touch her. Don’t even think about it.”

The chairman was momentarily taken aback by the sharpness in Shau’s tone but quickly recovered. “You need to focus. This thing with Jenny is a distraction. Today, you and Veronica will go and pick out your rings. You need to—”

“I’m not marrying Veronica,” Shau interrupted, his voice firm. The words hung in the air between them, heavy and final. The chairman stared at him, the weight of the declaration slowly settling in.

“What did you say?” The chairman’s voice was low, filled with disbelief.

“I’m not marrying Veronica,” Shau repeated, more resolute than ever. “This engagement was never my choice, you knew that, and I’m not going to go through with it.”

The chairman’s face hardened, but Shau remained firm, no longer willing to be pushed into a future that wasn’t his own. He wasn’t going to let anyone, not even his father, control his life anymore. Not when it came to Jenny.

As Shau continued his tense conversation with the chairman, the sound of heels clicking against the floor echoed through the hallway. The door to the CEO's office opened, and Veronica confidently walked in, her usual aura of control filling the room.

Out in the hallway, Jenny, who had been busy organizing reports at her desk, looked up at the sound of the door opening. She caught Veronica's eye and Jenny hesitating, she still managed to greet her professionally, “Good afternoon, Ms. Chen.”

Veronica didn’t respond right away. Her sharp, narrowed eyes trailed over Jenny, scrutinizing her as if trying to find a weakness.