Autumn ended the call and noticed it was already 10 a.m. With her lunch break approaching and all her essential tasks completed, she decided to slack off a bit without officially taking leave. Deloce leaving, she asked Rachel Cruz to keep an eye on things, then headed to the Global Financial Center.

Shortly after she left, Jamie stopped by to assign a task. He needed someone to notify the finance manager to print specific financial statements and send them to the CEO’s office. Naturally, Rachel accepted. “Mr. Lawson, Autumn has a stomach ache, so she went to the washroom. Let me do it.”

“It’s her responsibility. She can take care of it when she gets back,” Jamie replied.

“Autumn just left. Mr. Faulkner’s request shouldn’t be delayed. I’ll do it.”

He glanced at Rachel, his expression knowingly questioning, “Where did Autumn go?”

Rachel silently used Autumn’s bad luck. She hadn’t meant to betray her, but Jamie was too sharp to fool.

“Fine. Autumn’s not in the office,” she admitted. “She’s usually very diligent and has never been late. She only takes leave for important occasions. Mr. Lawson, can’t you just turn a blind eye?”

He shared, “The company has strict policies.”

Rachel hadn’t even taken a sip of the coffee she’d ordered. She handed the drink to Jamie and blinked at him with a sweet smile. “I heard you really like iced coffee.”

Anyone who worked as a secretary knew how to be clever. Jamie continued smiling, “Company policy forbids bribery.”

“It only costs ninety dollars,” Rachel said. “That’s hardly bribery, Mr. Lawson.”

Jamie raised an eyebrow.

“When did Autumn go? If you tell me, I might be willing to settle for this iced coffee.”

“Are you sure?” Jamie smiled warmly, but beneath that smile was a fox’s cunning.

Autumn, working for Dawson, wasn’t a fool. Rachel’s mind quickly shifted gears. She remembered something that had happened often in the past.

Maybe she went to drop off lunch. Autumn used to do that during her lunch breaks. Everyone in the secretary’s office knows that.

“Or she hasn’t done it yet. Today might be an exception—she brought some chicken noodle soup. Maybe someone at home is sick. Shouldn’t you be a little more understanding if that’s the case?”

In truth, Autumn hadn’t brought lunch for anyone. But Rachel didn’t believe Jamie would check the surveillance footage to catch Autumn taking an hour off.

Jamie remembered Damien. Autumn had probably gone to deliver lunch to him. Since she’d married in secret, Rachel wouldn’t know about it.

Suddenly, Jamie felt uneasy. Damien was flaunting his relationship with Emilia for the world to know they were dating. He didn’t seem to care how Autumn might feel.

After hearing Jamie out, Dawson stated in disbelief, “They’re married? What does that have to do with me?” Jamie met Dawson’s cold gaze and flinched at his frosty tone. He mumbled, “Mr. Faulkner, I…”

“Are you going to report what Autumn has for lunch every day now!”

He hung his head after Dawson’s sharp rebuke.

Basson eyed him coolly, “Got nothing better to do?”

Jamie got back to his tasks. He even completed the task Autumn was supposed to handle. Sanders Corporation’s dictatorial head office was located right next to the Global Financial Center.

Adres receiving a message from Olma, Jayden arrived early at the cafe on the first floor of the office building. Over the past few days, Jayden had countless interviews; by now, he was used to them. The industry was full of geniuses, but few compared to Emilia. Today, he would be interviewing her, an even more compelling prospect. Despite his experience, Jayden couldn’t help feeling a little intimidated. Technical talent was what kept his company competitive, and even someone like Jayden had to show respect to a true prodigy.

As he was lost in thought, Emilia Lipire walked toward him. His expression instantly darkened. Satun had received cups of coffee in advance, an app, though she had, of the dish was still being prepared.