"You..." Gazing at Alex''s icy expression, I felt a sudden surge of grievance. I didn''t know why I was so emotional, but I had a strong urge to cry.


    I turned to leave his office. Standing outside, I took a couple of deep breaths


    before ncing back at the firmly shut door.


    "Cold-blooded monster!" I muttered in frustration.


    Back in my office, I was still in a sour mood. Yet my colleagues seemed unusually excited. "Guys, look at this! This is shocking news!"


    "What happened?" Sam sat up straight, eager not to miss out.


    "Zegler Corporation has gone bankrupt!"


    "What?" Even I couldn''t stay seated. I got up, rushed to Bailey''s desk, and stared at herptop screen.


    "They''ve been exposed for selling unqualified products disguised as legitimate ones. The owner, Ronald, had relied on his wife to build his empire. Guess what? He cheated on her and drove her to madness once he got rich!"


    "Wow, this is no ordinary scandal!" Bailey''s eyes were full of disbelief. They didn''t know the mistress'' identity or the drama behind it all. Hence, it was just some sudden gossip to them. As for me, I felt both relieved and astonished. How did Alex and the Watsons pull this off so quickly?


    "The gossip''s wild, but... aren''t we working with Zegler Corporation?" Sam looked confused. "If they''ve gone under, what''s going to happen to the coboration?"


    All eyes turned to me. For a moment, I was unsure of how I should exin the issue. If I told the truth, they might misunderstand things. Yet I''d feel guilty if I lied.


    "What are you all crowding around for?" Just as I was in a dilemma, Oliver entered and interrupted the chatter.


    "Nothing much." Everyone quickly dispersed. Seeing his sullen face, I asked, "What''s wrong? Did something happen?"


    "Yeah." He nodded, looking grim. "There''s an issue with the purchasing of materials in Sulford. Mr. Hastings wants two office assistants to join me in sorting it out."


    The way his gaze keptnding on me made it clear that I was one of Alex''s


    chosen candidates. Bailey volunteered for the other spot.


    "Pack up, we''re heading to Sulford this Friday."


    "That''s so soon!" L''s voice over the phone was full of surprise. "It''s only Monday today."


    I nodded, sounding upset. "This trip might take a while. We won''t get to see each other for quite some time again. We usually meet up every day, but now..." I heaved a sigh


    "What''s the matter? Can''t live without me?" she teased. "Serena, you''re a grown


    woman. You''ve got to learn to sleep alone, you know."


    Her yful tone amused me. "I don''t want to, and I never will."


    "But... even if you''re in Sulford, we can still meet every day."


    "What do you mean?" I asked, puzzled.


    "Sulford''s my hometown, and I haven''t returned for six months. I


    want to just take some time


    couch potato at home before bing a corporate ve. Looks like get to keep youpany there, huh?"


    My eyes immediately lit up. "For real?"


    "Of course." L sounded a little proud. "My mom has been nagging at me."