<b>Chapter </b>323 A Title
That night, they yed well past 10:00 pm, <b>finally </b>parting ways because they had to work the next day.
Charles didn’t touch <b>a </b>drop of alcohol all night. Every time someone offered him a drink, he just said, “I’m driving Ms. Hoven <bter</b><b>.</b>”
So eventually, Emelle couldn’t say no to his <b>offer </b>to drive her. He pulled up right in front of her hotel.
Emelie hadn’t mentioned where she stayed, but these guys, one by one, <b>somehow </b>knew.
She was already thinking about finding a new ce.
But this hotel was top–notch–safe, with housekeeping and breakfast <b>included</b>, and super convenient for work. It was simply the best choice in terms of value.
Thinking about it got her annoyed. If not for these <b>guys</b>, she wouldn’t have to go through all this trouble.
Emelie unfastened her seatbelt and grasped the <b>door </b>handle, pausing before she called out, “Mr. <b>Davis</b>. ”
Charles had ditched his jacket and was d in a form–fitting sweater that subtly highlighted his muscr arms and chest.
But when he spoke, his charm had a restless, slightly daring edge as he asked, “Hmm? Are you inviting me upstairs for a visit?
“Not tonight. It’ste, and it’s just the two of us. It wouldn’t be quite appropriate, unless you’re willing to give me some kind of title first”
Emelie waspletely immune to his casual flirtations by now.
“Mr. Davis, I’ve turned <b>you </b>down clearly and multiple times, but you seem to brush it aside. I believe everyone has the right to like and pursue whomever they choose <b>without </b>interference.
“But if that <b>pursuit </b><b>causes </b>difort for the person being pursued, <b>that’s </b>not okay, <b>right</b>?!RêAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only
Charles listened, his expression unreadable. “Are you saying my pursuit bothers you? How exactly? I thought I was actually doing you a favor.”
“Because of your pursuit<b>, </b>at Swanson Corporation, I’m no longer just the executive secretary. I’ve been branded as ‘Mr. Davis’s girlfriend‘, and it’s be a topic <b>of </b>office gossip. That’s not what I signed up for.”
Charles found a lollipop in the console and popped it into his mouth. “I promised you I’d quit smoking, so now I’m all about the candy.”
Emelie couldn’t recall ever asking him to quit smoking. He always seemed to be trying to forge some kind of imaginary connection between them.
Charles rolled down the window, letting the night breeze tousle his hair,
“Being associated with me isn’t necessarily <b>a </b>bad thing. It tends to make them treat you better and think twice before causing any trouble.
“<b>In </b>the <b>adult </b><b>world</b>, connections can make a big difference in how smoothly things go. You see where I’ming from, Ms. Hoven?”
Emelie couldn’t refute this well–known unspoken rule,
But just because she couldn’t argue didn’t mean she had to ept it.
Sensitive to how situations unfolded, she was certain Charles’s antics would spell trouble.
“Mr. Davis…
Charles leaned his arm out the window, casually resting it on the ledge, interrupting her, “Do you know why Justina’s been giving you a hard time?”
Emelie hesitated, then shook her head.
She’d nned to figure it out tomorrow, but from his tone, it seemed he knew.
“I did some digging for you. Turns out, Mr. Swanson’s previous secretary went on maternity leave, and Justina filled in temporarily.
“She thought she had <b>a </b>shot at the permanent position until you came along and took what she thought was rightfully hers.”
“So that exins her little power ys? Emelie understood now.
Charles casually slid the lollipop back into his mouth, chewing on the stick with a smirk. “I set her off by pursuing you. You might not have noticed, <b>but </b>she’s been throwing shade
about you to the other assistants.”
Emelie frowned. “See, this is the trouble <b>you’re </b>causing me, Mr. Davis ”
Charles replied <b>earnestly</b>, “Let me make it up to you with something <b>else</b>.”
Emelie thought to herself that if he dared to suggest offering himself aspensation, she’d really lose her temper.
<b>Luckily</b>, Charles stayed on topic. “You were impressive at Cloudex Corporation, but here at Swanson Corporation, you’re new and haven’t proven yourself yet.
“If you can quicklynd a big project, you’ll establish your footing, and no one will dare pull these petty stunts on you.”
Emelie perked up. “Mr. Davis, are you talking about Swanson Corporation’s ongoing negotiations with the Citadel Group? charles peber a thumbs–up. <b>“</b>That’s right, Ms. Hoven. You’re sharp as always.”