"No, no, no." I quickly waved my hands. I wasn''t some saint. "In that case, who''s going to be the team leader of the R&D department?"


    "You already know the answer," Alex replied while taking his oatmeal.


    So, it was definitely Scarlett. I was genuinely happy for her. "Can I go back to the R&D department, then?"


    "Why?"


    "I... I think Scarlett is incredibly organized, and she has a sharp eye for things. I want to learn from her and gain some experience."


    Alex seemed a little surprised by my response. "Have you thought it through?" I nodded. "Yes."


    By the time we arrived at the office, the official personnel appointment had already been announced. Scarlett stared at the bold title on the notice, her eyes turning red.


    "Scarlett." I put down my bag. "Congrattions."


    "You''re the one I should be thanking." She quickly walked up to me with gratitude. "Serena, I know you must have helped me behind the scenes."


    Her gratitude felt too heavy, making me hesitant to ept it so easily. I simply waved my hand and said vaguely, "Come on, it''s all because of your own abilities. Starting today, I''m working under you."


    "Are you not going back to the head office assistant''s office?" Scarlett looked at me in surprise.


    "I want to follow you and learn for a while. You don''t mind, do you?"


    "Of course not." She smiled. "The R&D department will be working closely with Schneider Group until the coboration isplete. We could really use someone like you."


    And just like that, I settled into the R&D department as Scarlett''s assistant. Unexpectedly, Patricia ended up bing my assistant.


    We were deep in discussion over a proposal when Oliver suddenly walked in. "Serena, someone''s looking for you."


    He didn''t say who, but the way he said it gave me a clue. I frowned slightly. "I have some things to finish up first. Can it wait?"


    If Alex was looking for me at this time, it probably wasn''t urgent.


    "Well..." Oliver looked a bit troubled. "Mr. Hastings is already waiting downstairs."


    I nced at him in confusion. "Downstairs? But I''m working. What does he want?"


    Oliver looked like he was in a dilemma.


    "Go on, Serena." Patricia quickly slid


    myptop


    5 in front of her.


    hotted. You should go.


    handle the rest of this." C BY


    And so, under the curious gazes of my gossip-loving colleagues, I braced myself


    and walked out.


    his


    Guessing that Alex wouldn''t be in office, I went straight to the front entrance. Sure enough, I found him sitting in his car, leaning back with his eyes closed.


    "How did you know I was here?" he asked without opening his eyes.


    "I guessed." I looked at him. "What''s so urgent?"


    "Nothing." He suddenly sat up and started the engine. "We''re going to the Hastings residence for dinner."


    I sighed but didn''t put up much resistance.


    After all, I hadn''t seen Mom in a while. And getting to leave work early without sneaking around was a rare opportunity.


    When we arrived at the Hastings residence, Mom seemed to be great Spirits. But the moment she


    saw me, her eyes turned red ve


    "Serena, you''re here."