?Chapter 1626:


    “Hit them,” Bainmanded, his tone icy, fury zing in his eyes. Insulting Christina in his presence? They were practically begging for punishment.


    “W-what…?” the receptionist stammered, her voice trembling as shock rooted her to the spot.


    Several guards instantly stepped forward and pinned both the receptionist and the R&D director in ce.


    “Mr. Jones!” the receptionist cried, panic twisting her features as she met Bain’s murderous stare. “I didn’t do anything! You can’t treat me like this!”


    “Do you have any idea who she is?” Bain’s voice cut like a de. “I treat her with the utmost respect, yet you dared to speak to her that way?” His anger only intensified.


    The receptionist and the director gaped at Christina, shaking violently. Was she really Bain’s partner? Why else would he go this far for her? Had they just crossed the woman destined to stand beside the head of the Jones family?


    “I… I realize I was wrong. Please, Mr. Jones, I’m begging you,” the receptionist pleaded, her voice cracking.


    “Mr. Jones, we had no idea she was close to you,” the director added, nearly sobbing. “If we’d known, we wouldn’t have stepped out of line.” Tears streamed down their cheeks as the full weight of their mistake finally settled over them.


    Seeing Bain unmoved, they quickly shifted their pleas to Christina.


    “Miss, we’re sorry. Please let this go. We won’t repeat our mistakes.” “We didn’t know your status. Please show mercy…”


    Christina’s lips lifted in a cool, mocking curve. Her eyes remained unbothered as she regarded the receptionist. “I offered you a chance earlier, but you chose arrogance. Now that you’re scared, you want forgiveness? It’s toote. Honestly, I preferred the confidence you had before — why not bring that back?”


    She felt no pity for them. They weren’t remorseful; they were afraid of the consequences. If she let them off now, they would only cause another scer.


    “Hit them,” Bain ordered again, his voice chillingly calm.


    Sharp cracks filled the lobby as palms struck skin, red welts rising instantly. Bain didn’t flinch. His expression remained stone-cold, intent on restoring Christina’s dignity. Considering their insults, this was already lenient.


    When the pair were on the verge of copsing from the blows, Christina’s soft voice cut through the noise.


    “That’s enough. They’re too loud,” she said, a faint crease forming in her brow.


    The guards halted immediately. If Christina couldmand even Bain so effortlessly, none of them dared defy her. It was fortunate they hadn’tid a hand on her earlier — or they would be facing the very same fate.


    “Escort them out,” Bain said, each word sharp as ice. “They are barred from every Jones-ownedpany from this moment forward.”


    Hopelessness washed over both of them, their careers and reputations destroyed in a single evening.


    “What have you done?” the director shouted, turning and striking the receptionist. “This is your fault! You ruined everything!”


    Bain paid them no attention. Instead, he gently reached for Christina’s hand.


    “Come. I’ll take you around the office,” he said softly, his voice warm and his touch careful.


    Everyone watching was stunned. Bain had never treated anyone with such tenderness. To him, the woman beside him was a rare jewel — someone priceless, someone he guarded with unwavering devotion.


    Most workers assumed the stunning woman must be Bain’s partner — possibly even his future wife. Once the rumor swept through the building, every woman who secretly admired him felt crushed, their fantasies ended before they’d even had a chance to begin.


    “Did my eyes deceive me? Bain… dating? That photo has to be fake.”


    “Fake? I snapped it myself. They fit together perfectly, like they were meant for each other.”


    “Half the office will be wide awake tonight. Those girls will soak their pillows.”


    “Not only thedies. A few of the men will be grieving too. You think only women hope to marry into the Jones family?”


    “Speaking of that — remember when people imed Bain didn’t like women? Now he’s suddenly topping every ‘Most Desirable Husband’ list, even among men who admire his sess.”


    Inside the employees’ private chat, the gossip exploded like a spark on dry grass. Meanwhile, Bain — the center of all this noise — had no idea what was happening.


    Up in his office, he gestured to the chair across from his desk. “Sit down for a moment. I’ll get some coffee,” he said, stepping out.


    Someone quickly snapped another photo as he prepared the drinks and tossed it into the group chat. “Guess what I just witnessed?”


    “What now? More Mr. Jones secrets? Hurry!”


    “He made two cups of coffee with his own hands. One is clearly for her.”


    “He’s so gentle with her. He really cares. She must be his future wife.”


    “I honestly thought Bain wasn’t drawn to women at all. Looks like his heart already belonged to someone — he just waited for the right person.”


    But the man everyone was whispering about had only one thing on his mind. His entire focus was on his sister, and he was so wrapped up in her that he didn’t notice the curious nces following his every move.


    Bain returned shortly, carrying two steaming cups. “Sorry for making you wait, Bonnie,” he said, offering one to Christina.


    She epted it with a warm smile. “I didn’t wait long.”


    She took a sip, and her eyes brightened. “This is really nice, Bain.”


    “If it suits you, I’ll make it for you every morning,” he replied, clearly delighted by her praise.


    “Thank you,” Christina said softly. She then brought out a small box and set it on the desk. “Mom baked these. They taste amazing — I brought some for you.”


    “Mom’s treats never disappoint,” Bain said, reaching for one.


    Somehow, they tasted even sweeter knowing his sister had brought them. Every bite filled him with a quiet, unhurried joy.


    “Did you only bring these for me? What about the rest?” he asked hopefully.


    “Jordy is swamped today, so I didn’t want to interrupt him,” Christina answered. “Besides, after people caught us at the airport and posted it everywhere, it’s better if I keep a low profile for now. As for Gerry — that’s another situation entirely. If I show up on his set with desserts, his fans will probably swarm me.” She could already picture it: the moment she appeared, chaos would follow.


    Christina didn’t fear conflict. She simply disliked pointless drama. If she could avoid a mess, she would — she had always preferred a quiet life, free of unnecessary storms.


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