Chapter 87
Afternoon tea was soon distributed to everyone in the office.
Glenn picked up the last set–Theo’s–and headed towards his office. Just before entering, he glanced back and gave her a reassuring look.
Through the blinds of his office window, Theo had already noticed the commotion outside. When Glenn came in, Theo didn’t bother to hide his annoyance.
Eyeing the drink in Glenn’s hand, he remarked dryly, “Mr. Carlisle, don’t bother giving that to me. I don’t want it. I’m not like the others–offering me a little treat won’t make me switch sides.”
Glenn let out a light “oh,” then punctured the seal on the cup with a straw, took a long sip, and, with a mouthful of tapioca pearls, replied, “I wasn’t planning to give it to you anyway.”
Theo was left speechless.
Glenn looked at him, exasperated. “Director Shaw, you’re overthinking things. Not everything happens the way you imagine.”
Again, Theo had nothing to say.
Glenn went on, a hint of meaning in his tone, “You know, I never used to like sweets, either. But after I tried them, I realized they’re actually not bad.”
“Director Shaw, you’re a key member of UME’s technical team. You should be open to trying new things.”
With that, Glenn took another sip, turned, and walked out.
Theo was left both frustrated and helpless.
FI
He understood Glenn’s message–it was about Evangeline. He wanted Theo to accept her, to stop working against her.
But Theo simply couldn’t stand her.
Adopting a new technology, even for someone as skilled as him, would take at least six months to master. Yet Evangeline, a homemaker who’d been out of the field for five years, claimed she’d get it done in a month.
Only someone like Glenn would believe such empty boasts.
The more Theo thought about it, the angrier he became. He threw his pen down hard and stormed out toward the lab.
4 10
Chapter 07
After Glenn left, no one dared return their drinks.
After all, Glenn was someone people respected.
Even though there was tension between Theo and Evangeline, Glenn’s willingness to support her changed the dynamic. Before, people returned the drinks to avoid offending Theo. Now, keeping them was a way of not offending Glenn–or- Evangeline.
Somewhat embarrassed, everyone’s attitude toward Evangeline softened. They still avoided helping her outright, but when she ran into trouble, someone would quietly point her in the right direction.
With progress on the tough project, Evangeline could finally breathe easier.
After work, she followed Glenn back to the apartment, changed into an evening gown, and they drove together to the charity gala.
By then, the Whitmore family had already arrived.
Giselle drew plenty of attention the moment she entered. Dressed in a pale pink dress and heels, her youthful beauty quickly caught the eyes of many men. In no time, several approached to introduce themselves.
Giselle walked in with the confidence of a peacock fanning its feathers. She’d been the center of attention back in school, and now, everyone’s admiring stares didn’t faze her at all.
If anything, she found it a bit tiresome.
Most of the men at the gala looked impressive in their tailored suits, but in reality, many were middle–aged, and neither their looks nor their figures compared to the college boys who used to ask for her number.
Still, Winston had reminded her repeatedly before they arrived–the guests at this charity gala were all distinguished, and she needed to watch her words and avoid offending anyone important.
Reluctantly, she forced polite responses to their advances.
After brushing off yet another balding suitor, Giselle’s patience wore thin. She
turned to Winston and Hazel, who were still mingling, and asked, “Dad, are you sure Glenn’s really coming tonight? The gala’s about to start and I haven’t seen him anywhere.”
Chapter 88
