Love Novel 23

Posted by Adminh, ? Views, Released on December 14, 2024

Chapter 23

Lia wan

to take a cab to the office by herself, but Coby didn’t agree and only allowed her to get off early.

Soon, Lia arrived at Ford Group’s Secretary Department.

Lia, it’s you!” Susan Wiles curiously observed her former competitor. While surprised to see her join Ford Group, it somehow made sense.

“Hello, Ms. Wiles. Lia had met Susan a few times at work and admired her unquestionable abilities.

Welcome to the family,” said Susan.

“Thank you.” Lia answered.

The two shared a brief hug

“Ahem.” Owen cleared his throat. “So, you two know each other?”

“Owen, you managed to bring Ms. Phillips onboard?” asked Susan

Owen felt a bit awkward. He hadn’t recruited her–his boss had personally stepped in. Considering how Mr. Ford had treated Lia before, even a fool could tell their relationship wasn’t ordinary.

He never expected his boss would start an office romance. It was a big shock for him.

“Since you know each other, Ms. Wiles, show Ms. Phillips around said Owen.

“Sure, Ms. Phillips, let’s get you acquainted with the place.” Susan suggested.

“Alright, thank you,” Lia replied.

Susan had worked at Ford Group for years. She used to be the chairman’s secretary. When the general manager returned to take over, the secretary position remained vacant, so she temporarily took on the role.

Susan introduced her to two colleagues. “Ms. Phillips, these two are the general manager’s assistants, Millie and Phoebe. This is Ms. Phillips, your new supervisor.”

“Hello, Ms. Phillips. My name is Millie Gates Millie shook hands with Lia.

“Hello, Ms. Phillips. I’m Phoebe Peterson, Phoebe said with a smile.

The two assistants greeted her warmly.

“Hi, I’m Lia. Looking forward to working with you both,” Lia gracefully replied.

That morning, under Susan’s guidance, Lia gained a basic understanding of Ford Group.

It wasn’t until lunchtime that Lia got a chance to rest.

We usually eat on the second floor. The twelfth floor is for executives, and we’re allowed there too, but people rarely go. Your know why” said Busan.

First, it’s pricey. Second, no one wants to dine with the leadership–it’s awkward

“Got it, thank you for the heads–up, Ms. Wiles,” said Lia.

“No problem” Susari

had been eagerly waiting for the new secretary to start so she could return to her original position.

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The secretary department usually leaves one person on duty. Today, it was Millie’s turn. Lia, Susan, and Phoebe waited for the elevator to go to lunch.

Since the building had many floors, the elevator was already crowded by the time it reached them. They had to wait a bit longer

Just then. Coby and Owen approached.

“Mr. Ford. Owen.” The three women nodded in greeting.

Coby’s eyes scanned past the others, landing brielly on a particular woman. Heading to lunch?

Yes. Mr. Ford. The woman answered.

In their boss’s presence, everyone was noticeably more reserved.

“Let’s go together,” said Coby.

Owen immediately understood and activated the private elevator. “All aboard!”

Coby strode into the elevator naturally.

The three women exchanged glances, and Susan entered first.

Thank you, Mr. Ford, she said.

Lia and Phoebe followed quickly.

Standing by the controls, Coby casually asked, “Which floor?”

Susan responded, “Mr. Ford, we’re dining on the second floor. Thank you.”

“Mr. Ford, I heard there’s a new chef on the second floor. Should we check it out?” Owen easily read between the lines.

The boss had never bothered with scheduled lunches before, always having food delivered to his office. But today, at lunchtime, he suddenly called to say he was going to the cafeteria. The only reason Owen could think of was the newly employed Lia.

“Alright, Coby said lightly, pressing the button for the second floor.

He’s heading to the second floor too? Lia snuck a glance at the elevator doors, only to lock eyes with him. She quickly lowered her head, feeling caught red–handed.

Ding! The elevator doors opened. After they exited, Susan and a strolled out slowly.

“Susan, did the second floor really get a new chef? It still tastes the same to me,” Phoebe asked doubtfully.

Tm not sure. Maybe? Ms. Phillips, the food at Ford Group’s cafeteria is excellent and reasonably priced. Definitely worth trying Susan usually dined in the cafeteria when she was in the office.

“Alright, thanks.” Lia wasn’t picky with food. The affordable and fresh meals at the company were much better than eating

OUL

Owen noticed his boss walking slower, clearly waiting for them and signaled to the ladies.

They q

They quickly quickened their pace to catch up.

Ford Group’s headquarters consisted of three interconnected buildings, each with its own cafeteria. This ensured the dining areas were never overcrowded, though queuing was common

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Chapter 23

Coby’s arrival caused a stir. The cafeteria manager hurried over “Mr. Ford, we have a private dining room ready.”

“Treat me like a regular employee,” said Coby,

The manager’s smile faltered slightly. “Understood, Mr. Ford.”

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Normally, there would’ve been advance notice for an inspection. The sudden visit made the manager nervous, prompting him to signal his staff.

Although he said to treat him like a regular employee, it was impossible to do.

Coby lined up like everyone else. Lia and Susan stood behind him, unable to leave their boss alone since no one else dared approach.

What had initially been a long line quickly dispersed, leaving only the five of them.

Though no one stood in their queue, countless eyes were on thein.

The lunch lady trembled slightly as she served Coby, nervously overloading his plate.

When it was his turn. Coby turned to Lia

What do you want to eat

His question immediately drew everyone’s attention to Lia. Her face turned bright red.

Realizing his words were a bit inappropriate, Coby cleared his throat. “Ladies first. You go ahead.”

He stepped back behind the three women, with Owen following his lead and chiming in. “Yes, you go first.”

“Thank you, Mr. Ford.” After expressing their thanks, the women picked their food and went to find seats.

Lia, did you hear Mr. Ford ask what you wanted to eat? He’s surprisingly thoughtful, Susan teased.

Lia was mortified. She glanced back nervously, relieved to see that Coby hadn’t followed them.

“Lia, was Mr. Ford really asking you what you wanted? He’s so considerate!” Phoebe was even more excited than Lia.

“I think Mr. Ford just meant for us to go ahead and pick our food Lia tried to explain.

“Still, that’s really sweet of him! Phoebe couldn’t calm down.

“Even if Mr. Ford is sweet, he’s not someone we can dream about Don’t forget the first rule of the secretary department.” Susan reminded her, bringing her back to reality.

“You’re right. Let’s eat.” Phoebe sighed.

“Ms. Phillips, I’ll add you to our company group chat. There’s also a separate chat just for the secretary department, where we arrange gatherings and keep in touch privately,” Susan said.

“Alright, thank you, Ms. Wiles, Lia replied.

Lia took out her phone and opened the messaging app, noticing few unread messages from Coby.

Lia, how’s work?]

Lia, where are you laving lunch?]

[Busy?]

D

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Lia had been busy learning from Susan all imorning and hadn’t checked her phone. She hadn’t realized he had sent her several messages at different times.

She stole a glance in his direction.

Coby finally caught her looking at him, clearly pleased. He was cut out for a secret relationship,

Lia quickly looked away and focused on her food to cover her embarrassment.

[Are you blushing? He sent another message.

Lia stifled a smile. Just eat your food!!

Come to my office after lunch.]

“Why? Does he have work instructions?” Lia wondered.

[Okay] She texted back.

“Lia, why are you smiling? Did your boyfriend message you? Phoebe asked with a mischievous grin.

“No, don’t overthink it, Lia quickly replied, scrolling through the newly added group chat. “I was just checking the group

chat

“Do you have a boyfriend, Lia?” Phoebe asked.

Phoebe, must you be so nosy?” Susan teased, playfully poking Phoebe’s forehead.

Im just curious!” Phoebe suddenly noticed someone approaching and whispered, “Susan, Lia, Mr. Ford is coming this way.”

Coby stopped by their table. “Prepare a report with suggestions for the cafeteria”

Yes. Mr. Ford, the woman replied.

“Whew, Mr. Ford is so intimidating. My heart races every time he gets close, Phoebe said, clutching her chest dramatically.

“Rule number one of the secretary department: no romantic intentions toward the boss. Violation leads to termination. Susan reminded.

“Don’t scare me, Susan. I wouldn’t dare. I know my place, Phoebe said, feeling properly chastised.

Susan noticed Lia’s silence. “Lia, what’s on your mind?”

“Im thinking about suggestions for the cafeteria, Lia replied, though her thoughts were more on the first rule.

Susan had mentioned it earlier that morning, and Lia knew her relationship with him was already breaking the rules. She needed to be cautious during this period.

“Don’t worry about it now. Let’s finish eating,” Susan said.

After lunch, Lia went to the general manager’s office and knocked on the door before entering.

“Mr. Ford, you wanted to see me?” she asked.

He raised an elegant brow, stretching lazily. “Yes, conk here.

“Alright Lia approached, unsuspecting

“Why are you standing so far away?” he asked, slightly dissatisfied

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Lia moved a bit closer.-

He shook his head and walked toward her himself.

Sing on the edge of his desk, he looked directly into her eyes. “Why didn’t you reply to my messages?”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Ford. I didn’t check my phone. She hadn’t ignored him intentionally.

He wasn’t really upset. “Getting along well with your colleagues?”

“Yes, very well, she answered.

“But not with me: Coby commented.

“Are you referring to work?” Lia asked, thinking it must be a professional matter.

H

“My wife got a job and forgot about me.” He gently wrapped his arms around her, causing Lia to blush and squirm. “What? Can’t even let me hug you now?”

Coby admitted he’d asked her to come to the office partly for selfish reasons, but it seemed his wife didn’t want to talk to him much

“Mr. Ford, it’s not appropriate with everyone watching,” said Lia

“They don’t know,” Coby replied.

This clandestine relationship was truly inconvenient–everything had to be done in secret.

Leaning his chin on her shoulder, he whispered in her ear, “Be good. Give me a hug

Why does he suddenly seem so childish? Lia obediently hugged him.

“Want to nap here during lunch? Coby asked.

“Mr. Ford. I’ll just use the lounge. If she stayed here, and people found out, she wouldn’t be able to explain.

“You should take a good nap.” He didn’t push when she refused. After all, they’d agreed beforehand.

“Alright. You should rest too. I’ll head out now. Lia got up and was about to leave.

He gazed at her intently. “Ms. Phillips, you forgot something.”

Lia hesitated, then leaned forward to lightly kiss his cheek before pulling back quickly. “Happy?”

He pointed to his lips.

Lia murmured softly. “Mr. Ford, secretary rule number one: no romantic thoughts about the boss.

“But I can have romantic thoughts about my wife, right? With a firm hand, he pulled her closer, lifting her onto his desk. Startled, her hands braced against the surface.

“Mr. Ford” Lia gasped.

He tilted her chin with his fingers, his lips curling into a teasing smile. “Just one kiss.”

Ten minutes later, Lia came out, blushing.

“Lia, aren’t you resting? Why is your face so red? Are you sick? I have cold medicine if you need it, Millie asked, concerned after bumping into her.