Chapter 23
Alex got yanked along by her, pushing open the conference room door and heading straight out.
The two of them were chatting and laughing, not even giving her a glance.
Harper felt a chill in her heart as she gathered the documents on the table.
Just then, her stomach growled a few times. By now, she was definitely hungry but no one cared.
In the end, Emily was the one standing by Alex’s side, and for the past five years, it seemed she had always just been his assistant.
She hugged the documents and walked out of the conference room, heading back to her desk.
At that moment, Travis was passing by and noticed the lights still on inside. He pushed the door open and walked in.
“Why are you still here?”
Harper poured herself a cup of water and said lightly, ‘Mr. Lavien asked me to organize the meeting notes.”
Travis was surprised. “Does it have to be done today?”
Harper knew well that the meeting notes could easily be done tomorrow; it wasn’t urgent work. But since Alex had assigned it, she had to comply.
“Recently, I find it harder and harder to understand him. He keeps doing ridiculous things. Travis frowned as he said.
He had known Alex for many years. Alex was always decisive and very capable. This was something he admired. He had stayed at the Lavien Group because he felt he could achieve more there.
Later, Harper joined the company.
At first, he didn’t pay much attention to Harper. Besides being pretty, she seemed like an inexperienced young girl.
But soon, Harper proved herself with her abilities.
He remembered clearly that it was a bid for a foreign company. Many companies, both domestic and international, were participating.
The Lavien Group also sent a team to bid, led by Travis. At that time, Harper was just an intern.
Even with the Lavien Group’s strong capabilities, the competition was intense.
As expected, many companies offered high prices to secure the resources of this overseas company.
the secure and
But it also meant that the company’s costs would increase, and profits would decrease significantly. For the Lavien Group, securing the resources wouldn’t be meaningful.
So, Travis decided to give up on the bid.
At that moment, the unknown Harper stood up and confidently said she could secure the company at a low price..
The price she mentioned was far below the company’s budget.
At first, Travis didn’t take her seriously, even thinking she was a bit arrogant.
But Harper signed a guarantee. If she couldn’t secure the resources, she would take full responsibility.
Travis was moved by her boldness and decided to give her a chance.
Unexpectedly, Harper proposed a series of plans, including advanced technology, service commitments, and differentiation advantages, completely winning over the bid manager.
From that moment, Harper truly established herself in the company and was specially promoted to the secretarial department by him.
Hearing his words, Harper didn’t respond but showed a smile.
Seeing this, Travis didn’t ask further. After working together for several years, they understood each other’s temperaments well.
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He had clearly seen Alex and Emily leave together earlier. The two of them went out for dinner, leaving Harper to work overtime. Wasn’t Alex being a bit too much?
But he couldn’t bring himself to say
He smiled wryly, making a helpless expression.
“Do you want something to eat? I can order takeout for you.”
It was late, and she probably hadn’t had dinner yet.
“Thank you, but I have some bread here.”
She turned down Travis’s offer.
Harper was independent and rarely owed anyone favors.
Travis didn’t push it, said goodbye, and left.
The office quieted down again, and Harper buried herself in work.
Time passed, and she lost track of how long she had been working.
Suddenly, a lunchbox appeared in front of her.
Harper looked up and saw Caden leaning against the desk, his narrow eyes
studying her.
“They’re having dinner together, leaving you here to work hard?”
His tone was as nonchalant as ever.
Coincidentally, he had seen Alex and Emily enter a restaurant while dining with a
client.
Feeling a pang of something, he ordered takeout and came to the Lavien Group.
Harper rubbed her tired eyes.
“Mr. Elikin, do you need something? I’m busy.”
Her tone was calm, her expression serene.
Caden pulled up a chair and sat directly across from her.
“Work is never–ending, but you always need to eat. Don’t worry, I promise there’s no poison in it You won’t get sick.”
He raised an eyebrow, gesturing to the takeout in front of her.
Harper was really hungry and didn’t hesitate to open the box and start eating.
Her movements were elegant. The light above her head cast a soft glow, giving her a halo–like effect.
“How much longer will you be working?”
Harper pressed her lips together. “Almost done.”
“Alright, I’ll wait for you.”
He leaned back in his chair, looking relaxed.
“No need, I’ll take a cab home.”
Caden furrowed his brows deliberately, shaking his head. “No, no, no. I can’t let a beautiful woman go home alone. It’s too dangerous. I’m a very gentlemanly
man!
Harper finished eating and ignored him, continuing her work.
She typed quickly on the keyboard, focused, completely disregarding Caden across from her.
Soon, she double–checked the document before sending the final version to Alex and shut down her computer.
“Let’s go,” Harper said and stood up.
Meanwhile, Alex and Emily were still in the middle of the dinner.
“Alex, where will we live after we get married?
Emily rested her chin in her hands, looking at Alex with deep affection.
Alex currently
lived in the villa that was supposed to be his and Harper’s marital home. Naturally, Emily didn’t want to live there, so she asked him.
She didn’t want anything Harper had used.
Just then, Harper’s email notification chimed.
Alex didn’t open the document and just glanced at the time. It was 10:30 PM.
She had worked overtime until this hour.
“Let’s go.” Alex quickly put down the wine glass he was holding.
Emily was stunned. Why leave so suddenly? They hadn’t finished talking.
But Alex was already putting on his coat.
Feeling puzzled, Emily still got up, gathered her things, and followed Alex.
Alex got in the car, turned around, and headed straight for the company,
Emily was even more surprised. “Alex, this isn’t the right direction.”
“Back to the office.” Alex’s tone was cold.
Why was he going back to the office? Emily glanced at him but didn’t dare to ask.
Soon, the car stopped in front of the company.
At that moment, Harper and Caden walked out side by side.
The night wind blew, messing up a strand of hair by Harper’s temple.
Suddenly, Caden stopped, turned to face Harper, and gently fixed the stray hair, zipping up her coat.
His actions were considerate and tender.
The car door opened, and Alex got out, striding over with a firm tone, “Harper, get in the car!”
