“Damien, there’s no need to be so upset over a secretary,” Emilia’s gentle voice said. Her tone was as pleasant as her name. Sweetly, she offered, “Lunch is on me. Let’s not be upset anymore, okay? Just this once, for me?”
Two seconds later, Damien replied, “Alright.” His tone, though neutral, was far gentler than his previous coldness. Smiling, Emilia suggested, “Then let’s go now.” Their voices then fell silent.
Autumn curled her lips into a bitter smile. She’d always found Damien difficult to appease. Previously, his upset required days of careful coaxing before he’d regain his composure. The process was mentally exhausting; she’d lose her appetite, sleep, and focus until he calmed down. Yet, Emilia had achieved it with a single sentence.
Scott watched Autumn, knowing she’d overheard. He understood her aversion to causing trouble. Yvonne’s dismissal, indirectly caused by Autumn, would undoubtedly weigh heavily on her conscience. Though Yvonne bore the brunt of the punishment, Autumn would suffer a psychological blow. Still, this was the only way to prevent further snooping. He believed Autumn was ultimately responsible for her predicament; constant monitoring would stifle anyone.
Scott summoned Amber Lowe, the head secretary. “The termination will be processed today,” she confirmed. Scott hummed in acknowledgement and departed.
Wednesday was Emilia’s birthday. As instructed, Scott needed to reserve the Havern Restaurant at Bay Plaza and arrange a birthday surprise with the owner. He lacked the time to personally handle a secretary’s dismissal.
Amber, about to return the phone to Yvonne, noticed the caller ID. “Autumn,” she muttered, frowning. After a moment’s recognition, she snapped, “How dumb can you be? She’s just the housekeeper who brings Mr. Caldwell lunch! Was it worth upsetting Mr. Caldwell over her?”
Yvonne, terrified after being caught by the CEO, stammered, “S-She’s not a housekeeper… She’s Mrs. Caldwell…”
“Don’t you have eyes? Did you not see Mr. Caldwell and Ms. Mason wearing matching rings? She is the future Mrs. Caldwell. That’s not even up for debate.”
“But…”
“Enough. Go complete your handover.”
Yvonne silently retrieved her phone. Once Amber left, Yvonne realized the call remained connected. Panic jolted her. “A-Autumn, are you okay? You didn’t hear all that, did you?” She hoped desperately that Autumn hadn't overheard. “Don’t listen to them. You’re not just some housekeeper… I’m so sorry…”
Damien’s secret marriage and ban on Autumn entering his office meant secretaries always intercepted her lunch deliveries, leading to the housekeeper misconception. Autumn hadn't minded, but she hadn't expected to see Damien wearing matching rings with Emilia.
Damien's hands were beautiful; long, fair fingers with defined knuckles—delicate yet strong. A ring on his slender ring finger held an indescribable charm. Autumn had secretly admired them on the rare occasions he wore his wedding ring. She'd assumed he disliked jewelry's restrictive feel, but he simply chose not to wear it.
Autumn said, “Sorry. I can’t help you keep your job this time.” Yvonne, despite their limited interaction, recognized Autumn’s genuine kindness. She'd only wanted to warn Autumn after witnessing Damien’s kindness toward Emilia, driven by genuine concern. Yet, she'd inadvertently ruined everything.
Feeling immensely guilty, Yvonne said, “It’s okay, really. I already told you—I was planning to go home and help my parents anyway. Getting fired doesn’t matter to me. Besides, I was already working on my resignation letter before this.” Yvonne's sincerity eased Autumn's guilt.
Then, Yvonne whispered, “But why did this even happen? You’re Mr. Caldwell’s wife. Why is Damien treating you like this?” Emilia’s free access contrasted sharply with Damien’s exclusion of Autumn. Even maintaining secrecy, he could have presented Autumn as a family friend. Instead, he cruelly rejected her lunch deliveries.