Likewise, Liesel did the same this time.
She gazed at Jeffrey, and her voice came out soft. “I will not and have never targeted Natalie. Jacob and I are divorced, and I won’t get involved with whatever’s happening between them.
“I was chosen to attend the ceremony and dinner party tonight because I was the head of the resort project, and he needed me to interact with the guests.
Her heart clenched ever–so–slightly after delivering the next line. “After tonight, Jacob’s plus–one will only ever be Natalie.”
For the last three years, Liesel had served as Jacob’s secretary and had always been his to plus–one at every dinner party or auction. However, tonight would be her last time.
go-
After receiving her guarantee, Jeffrey no longer pursued the matter. He wore a duplicitous smile and said, “You could’ve started the conversation with that, Liesel. All I ever wanted was to be fair to Nat.”
Liesel was expressionless like she had no intention of entertaining him. Unperturbed by her indifference, he chuckled as he watched her exit the room.
His
gaze
landed on the zip and straps on the back of her dress. His eyes slowly darkened with a devious plan.
No matter what Liesel promised, it would never be as effective as embarrassing her in public. Frankly, he didn’t believe a word that she had said.
What he did believe was that after embarrassing herself tonight, Jacob would never bring her to another social event. Instead, Natalie would smoothly take her place.
At last, Liesel returned to the dinner party venue. As she slowly maneuvered through the crowd, she glimpsed the encircled Jacob and couldn’t contain her laugh.
As though sensing her, Jacob turned in her direction and met her smiling eyes. Her gaze sparkled, and her eyes were devoid of her usual aloofness. This time, there was a hint of warmth in them.
Then, she deliberately raised her hot drink and cheered at him.
He instinctively raised his brows.
“You’re not only turning a blind eye as he drowns in a pool of people but also openly provoking him, huh?” Elijah’s nonchalant voice sounded in her ears. He looked playfully at her, and his eyes betrayed his excitement.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 41
“I initially thought Jacob had gone cuckoo and would bring his newly appointed secretary as his plus–one for an event like today. Surprisingly, he made the right and logical choice.”
Liesel sipped on her juice. Her mouth was filled with sweet grape flavor. She smiled with what seemed like delight. “He hasn’t gone cuckoo; whatever decision he made previously shows that he’s been cuckoo,”
Elijah shrugged and countered her. She lowered her gaze and was left speechless.
The two stood side by side and both looked at Jacob. Liesel asked, “You’re the decision- maker of Hardin Group. Why haven’t you been mobbed yet?”
Amused, he said, “Because the recent changes in the Hardin family are still new. I’ve always been keeping a low profile, so rarely anyone knows me yet. Those who do know I don’t like being pestered at events like this.”
Although Elijah held a prestigious position at the moment, his volatile demeanor and hints of mischief made him seem like a privileged troublemaker. That was why he could afford to be so laid back.
His words brought a grin to Liesel’s face. While they were chatting with laughter, they were suddenly shrouded with a tall shadow.
A man’s low voice rang. “What’s so funny, guys?”
