The maid rushed to Audrey's side with a mix of concern. She reprimanded her, "Ms. Parker, you need to rest! Mr. Parker has been worried sick about you and has arranged for your transportation."The maid continued, "You know how important your father's image is, being the mayor of Ventropolis. And Mr. Harrison... he's just an assistant, nothing compared to your status. Your father would be livid if he knew about your association with him. Your sister's recent issue isn't helpful, too."She sighed, "Mr. Parker had plans for you with Mr. Jardin, but that's off the table now, given his marital status. However, I think Mr. Parker means you could marry Mr. Jardin if you're willing."Audrey clutched her chest, coughing weakly, "I can't be Mrs. Jardin. My illness forbids me from living a normal life."The maid, determined to reassure Audrey, said, "Don't worry, Ms. Parker. Your father will find a solution. With your beauty, you'll be the pick of any suitor."Audrey simply replied, "I hope

Blake suddenly became angry. She looked into Kevin's eyes and demanded, "What do you mean I lack basic decency? Kevin, look at me. Do you actually have feelings for me, or is this all just an act?"Kevin remained silent, but his eyes betrayed him. Blake's heart plummeted with the realization.She had a bittersweet smile on her face. She sank onto the bed, resignation in her posture. She said, "I should've known. Someone like you with someone like me... it was never going to work, was it? Was there an ulterior motive from the start?"Shakily, she asked, "What do you want from me, Kevin? I know you don't really care, but I have feelings too. I don't toy with people's feelings like you do."Tears brimmed in Blake's eyes as she stared at the unresponsive Kevin. His usual decisiveness now appeared cold and indifferent.'Even if Kevin was using me, couldn't he at least pretend? Just saying 'I like you' would've been enough. But he didn't even do that... Maybe he really likes Ms. Parker.

Confused, Blake opened her work email. A notification about permanent positions caught her attention. Only three staff members were mentioned, one each from the Creative Design and Marketing Departments and Blake.Blake blinked in disbelief. She thought, 'My name is on the list!'In the background, the secretary's office buzzed with chatter."It's okay, Susan. There's always next month," one voice soothed."Exactly! It's those with connections who get ahead. Us regular folks just can't compete," another added bitterly."I can't believe how shameless some people can be."Blake tried to ignore them, but their words were too loud, too pointed.The group was consoling Susan, painting her as a victim.Frustrated, Blake slammed her desk and stood, "Enough! If you have something to say about me, say it to my face. I'm not putting up with this!"Tears streaked Susan's face as she turned to Blake, slapping her across the face.Susan said angrily, "You don't deserve this, Blake. You're

Kevin looked at Madelyn intently, his eyes holding back his thoughts. He stood up, staying quiet. He never really thought of Madelyn as Mrs. Jardin.Kevin was just following Zach's orders, even though he did not really want to. In a different time, Kevin could have been Zach's devoted general, unwavering in war.Perceptive to Kevin's feelings, Madelyn addressed him, "Mr. Harrison, your look says it all. I know you disapprove of me. I overheard part of your conversation. You and Zach are using women as pawns for your ambitions. Isn't that akin to exploitation?"Her voice chilled as she continued, "Whether or not you have genuine feelings for Blake, I advise you to keep your distance. It's not about suitability; it's about worthiness. You don't measure up to someone like Liam.""Don't repeat Zach's mistakes," she warned, sounding protective, almost maternal.Before leaving his office, she added, "I'll discuss Blake's situation with Zach. After all, he listens to everything I say now

Blake sprinted to the upstairs conference room and noticed Kevin was not in his office. Her haste stirred curiosity in the department, but no one dared to ask. Blake's closeness to Madelyn kept them at bay.The office was alive with gossip. Some said Madelyn had scolded Kevin in the secretary's office. Others whispered about Zach's plan to fire his longtime assistant. The wildest rumor was Blake pressuring Kevin to marry her.Blake went to the ninety-ninth floor and saw Kevin coming out of Zach's office, holding some documents. He ignored her as he passed.'He's ignoring me!' Blake fumed internally.Blake impulsively seized Kevin's tie, drawing surprised stares from nearby colleagues. Kevin had underestimated Blake's boldness at work.In a dim corridor, the motion-sensor lights flickered on, then off. The emergency sign cast a faint green glow. Blake looked into Kevin's eyes as she held his necktie.Kevin's voice shattered the quiet, "Do you even know what you're doing?"Blake's