+25 BONUS
Charlotte held up the file folder in her hand. “Honey, I’m actually here on real business. It’s not what you’re thinking.”
Mandy let out a scoffing laugh, her expression dripping with skepticism. “If it’s legit, why didn’t you book an appointment? Don’t try that with me. I’ve seen this move before–showing up with a folder to make it look like you’ve got official business, hoping I’ll wave you through. That trick’s ancient. Everyone tries it”
That was when it clicked for Charlotte.
“So that’s why,” she thought.
Apparently, women showing up under the pretense of “business” to get close to Sean was a regular occurrence. No wonder the receptionist was so defensive.
But Charlotte wasn’t offended. Honestly, she found the whole thing kind of entertaining. The girl was clearly just doing her job –and doing it with a bit of flair.
With a half–smile, Charlotte decided to play along. “Outdated, huh?”
Mandy huffed and rolled her eyes. “Obviously. I once fell for that exact move. Let someone through and almost got fired for it. If it weren’t for the fact that my cousin is Mr. Jasper’s personal assistant, I’d be out of a job. I still got docked half a month’s pay over it, though. So don’t even think about sneaking past me this time. I’m not falling for it again.”
“Pfft-” Charlotte couldn’t help it. She burst out laughing.
She studied the girl in front of her, now even more amused. “So, your cousin works directly for Mr. Jasper?”
“Yup”
Mandy kept going, still trying to talk her out of it. “Look, I get it–Mr. Jasper’s ridiculously handsome and has that whole mysterious vibe. Girls fall for him all the time. And honestly, you’re really pretty too. But he’s just not into your type. The guy’s dream girl list is a mile long. You and me? We don’t stand a chance”
Charlotte almost laughed.
She never imagined she would be mistaken for one of Sean’s fangirls.
“So, what you’re saying is… you’re one of them too?” she asked with a teasing smile.
Mandy, totally sincere, nodded without hesitation. “Absolutely. But I’m not crazy–now I’m way out of his league.” She gave Charlotte a once–over. “But you? You’re stunning. You could have your pick of men. t waste your time here. Our CEO’s already taken. He’s with Miss Stone.”
Charlotte’s smile faded slightly. “Miss Stone?”
Mandy nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, Megan Stone–the daughter of the Stone family. She’s the CEO of a listed company, super young, successful, beautiful… She and our CEO are a perfect match. Like, seriously, they’re made for each other.”
“Is that so?” Charlotte’s tone cooled.
Mandy noticed the change in her expression and assumed her words had hit home.
“That’s why you should just let it go.”
Just then, Charlotte’s phone vibrated.
She glanced at the caller ID.
It was Sean’s assistant, Sam. The very same “cousin” Mandy had been name–dropping.
Charlotte’s lips curved into a teasing smile. She held out her phone so Mandy could see the screen. “It’s your cousin Want to answer it?”
Chapter 407
Mandy’s eyes widened in shock. “You… you know my cousin?”
Charlotte answered the call, then handed the phone to the stunned receptionist.
Mandy took it, still eyeing Charlotte suspiciously.
On the other end, Sam’s voice came through clearly. “Miss Riley? You called me—what’s the matter?”
Mandy’s expression was full of confusion. She kept her eyes on Charlotte. “Hi Sam… it’s me.”
“Mandy?” Sam sounded completely thrown. “Why are you answering Miss Riley’s phone?”
Mandy blinked. “So… she actually does know the CEO?” she muttered.
+25 BONUS
There was a pause on the other end before Sam spoke again, his voice tight. “Mandy… please don’t tell me you stopped her at the front desk.”
