Chapter 2058


    Chapter 2058


    Jaylene, dressed in a white silk blouse with her hair loosely tied back, exuded a refined elegance with


    her pearl earrings. She appeared with two people who were carrying bags of what seemed to be high-


    end cosmetics and perfumes, judging from the packaging.


    With a gentle voice, she addressed the gathered employees, "Sorry to interrupt, everyone. We''ve all


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    been busy since returning to work, and it''s rare for US all to be together like this. Today, with Ste


    joining US, I thought it''d be a good opportunity to give you all some small gifts.’


    Ste internally mused, ''I bet those "small gifts" are likely an attempt to win over their hearts. Now I


    know that Julia had brought me here just for Jaylene to showcase this.''


    The announcement of gifts naturally excited everyone, leading to a round of apuse and a lively


    atmosphere.


    Ste nced at the gifts and thought, ''Those are indeed cosmetics and perfumes. They are not


    extravagantly expensive, but not cheap either. They are certainly within the affordable range for the


    rest.''


    Regardless of personal interest, everyone expressed gratitude and admiration for the gifts.


    This lipstick shade has been sold out at the counters. I thought I''d never get it. Thank you!"


    I just saw a review of this foundation the other day, and now I have it. You have great taste!"


    My mom always uses this perfume. She''ll love it."


    "Jaylene, you really went all out."


    Jaylene graciously epted the thanks. She said, "It wasn''t much. These are just trinkets to me,


    picked up while shopping for bags with a friend. I thought you''d all like them, so I bought some."


    The mood slightly shifted as people exchanged looks, their smiles dimming a bit. However, Jaylene


    seemed oblivious. Her gaze met Ste''s across the room, and she smiled knowingly.


    Ste, uninterested in watching the act any longer, turned to leave. Before she could, Julia jokingly


    said, "Is it a trend now to bring gifts on the first day? If so, I''m looking forward to what Ms. Hall has


    prepared for US."


    Julia''sment turned everyone''s attention to Ste.


    Gift-giving was not customary. But with both being daughters of the Saun family and vying for control of


    Caline, they were expected to build their ownworks of support. Gifts were a basic tactic to gauge


    who could be swayed and who could not, depending on how they were received.


    Ste had prepared gifts but had not nned to distribute them so soon. She wanted to get to know


    everyone better before offering anything to avoid seeming too ingratiating. But now she was forced to


    make a move.


    Withoutmenting, Ste''s smile faded slightly.


    Jaylene, still smiling, said to Ste, "Ste, don''t mind them. I just got these on a whim. Pick a couple


    for yourself to celebrate your first day."


    Ste politely declined. "No, thank you. My skin''s been sensitivetely, and I can''t use makeup. Better


    leave it for everyone else."


    She paused, then sheepishly said, "Actually, I''ve also prepared something for everyone. Unlike


    Jaylene, who meticulously found out everyone''s preferences for beauty products, I was a bit careless


    and didn''t ask as thoroughly. My gifts are more generic, so I am a bit hesitant to give them out."


    This sounded like an excuse to some as if Ste had made up a reason on the spot to avoid giving


    anything.


    At Jaylene''s subtle cue, someone chimed in, "Ms. Hall, it''d be rude of US to be picky about gifts from


    you. We''re all quite curious about what you''ve prepared."