Chapter 19
Serena turned her head with some difficulty, only to see a sleepy face staring back at her. “Rina, you’re awake?”
Serena went silent for a moment. “Why are you here?”
“Who else would it be?” Lauren replied matter–of–factly, then suddenly gave a mischievous grin. “Rina, don’t tell me you thought it was Wilson?”
“I didn’t…”
“Then why do you look so flustered? I lanew it! You say you don’t dare think about Wilson, but you’ve secretly been drooling over him!” Lauren wrapped her arms around Serena while laughing gleefully.
‘My Rina is finally growing up. She’s thinking about men now. Tomorrow, I’ll fly to Mailand and get a gender reassignment surgery just for you!”
“You’re getting more and more ridiculous by the day,” Serena said while pushing her off and getting out of bed. Enough already. I need to get to the office.”
“No need. Wilson called me yesterday to come over and told me you’ve got the day off today. He said you should
rest well.”
Lauren added with a smirk, “I have to say, this Quade guy is way too considerate. Justin is complete trash compared to him!”
Serena looked puzzled. “How does he even have your contact information?”
“How would I know? Big shots are just like that.”
“Like what?”
Lauren then lowered her voice, mimicking a deep, commanding tone. “I want all the details on this woman in three minutes!”
Serena was speechless by Lauren’s antics.
“But seriously, what happened to you yesterday? Wilson’s assistant only mentioned you weren’t feeling well ”
“Nothing, it’s just some food poisoning,” Serena didn’t elaborate if she told the truth, Lauren would pester her about it for hours.
Feeling sticky from the sweat, Serena went to take a shower. When she came out, Lauren was already dressed and getting ready to leave.
“Rina I’m off to work now. That stupid boss of mine is blowing up my phone asking why I’m not there yet. I can’t afford to be late again this month.”
“Actually, I think your boss isn’t that bad. You shouldn’t always badmouth him,” Serena said.
“Ugh, the only thing decent about him is his face. Everything else is trash!”
Serena squinted at her. “Oh? So you admit he’s handsome?
“Admit what? I’m leaving!” Lauren grabbed her bag and dashed out, clearly flustered.
After freshening up, Serena went downstairs to a breakfast diner for an omelet. It was quiet at that hour, and the shopkeeper was scrolling on her phone, clicking her tongue at something
“There was a car accident in Nocturna last night. It’s a terrible scene. They pulled the driver out only to find he
#25 BONUS
Chapter 19
was smuggling drugs. He got arrested on the spot–guess he’ll spend the rest of his life in prison.
“Talk about kana, right? Don’t you think so, miss?
Serena just smiled politely as she was uninterested in the news.
The shopkeeper continued to mutter, “What was his name again? Michael… something”
After finishing her meal, Serena received a text from Willow asking her how she was feeling. The two exchanged contact details after Willow had treated her the night before
Serena replied, “I’m fine now, thank you.”
Willow texted back quickly. “No need to thank me. Will dragged me into it so I wouldn’t dare disobey him.”
That was true. The one she really needed to thank was Wilson. She hesitated for a moment as she considered whether to call him.
However, her phone suddenly felt too hot to hold as snippets of last night flashed through her mind. Just then, her phone rang, making her jump.
The caller ID read “Wilson Quade“.
Serena’s hand visibly shook, and she almost dropped the phone. She only answered after bracing herself. “Mr. Quade, I was just about to call you.”
“Oh? Looks like we’re in sync,” he replied, his voice as casual as ever. “From the sound of it, you’re feeling better?
“Yes… I’m fine now. Thank you for everything yesterday.”
Wilson said, “It only happened because of me. If anything. should be apologizing to you–not the other way
around.
“That was part of my job. I just didn’t expect to get caught off guard like that,” said Serena.
“It was still my responsibility. You don’t need to feel burdened. Taking care of you is something I should do.”
His tone was so natural that Serena didn’t let her thoughts wander to places they shouldn’t.
“Mr. Quade, I really am fine now. I was thinking of coming into the office this afternoon.”
Chapter 20
