Chapter 40 How Well Do You Know Your Husband?

Claire's POV

Vivian's expression changed, and her look toward me shifted. "I hadn't considered that," she admitted. "If I put myself in those shoes, I'd likely act out of self-interest. After all, I'm no saint. It seems I'm still lacking in my understanding of human nature!"

Vivian said with a laugh. "Claire, you don’t talk much usually, but when you do, you make a lot of sense!"

"I’m not necessarily right," I said with a light laugh. "But Colin always reminds me to be cautious and to keep my wits about me. He also said that those who rise to high positions often have a difficult journey, indicating they are far from simple as they appear."

"Oh, your husband's become your life coach?" Vivian teased, and I proudly boasted.

"Of course, Colin knows so much!" I couldn't hide my pride. "Vivian, you know, I've often seen him browsing international websites. He can understand several languages and even cares about politics and economics."

"What?" Vivian was incredulous.

She thought for a moment and said, "When I first met Colin, I was struck by the sense of authority and presence he radiated. If I hadn't known he'd been in a fight and in jail, I would have thought he was an extraordinary character.

Claire, how much do you really understand your husband?"

I was taken aback. "These are just your speculations. Colin is just an ordinary person. Why such a sudden question?"

Vivian quirked the corner of her mouth, "Just making small talk! The way you put it, he sounds so intriguing, I'm actually getting curious about him now!"

I smiled naively, but on second thought, I realized I didn't know much about Colin. Other than the fact that he'd been to prison and had no family left, there seemed to be nothing more.

...

The very next day at work, I was called into the office by Jayden.

I felt somewhat uneasy, while Jayden looked at me kindly and smiled. He was extremely courteous, asking his secretary to bring me coffee and sitting quietly across from me, taking me in.

"So, you're Claire," Jayden said with a light laugh. "I’ve heard about the go-getter in the sales department. You landed the Nelson account in just your second month. I've been looking forward to meeting you, and today I finally get the chance!"

"Mr. Simmons, you are too kind." I put down my coffee cup, maintaining a demeanor neither servile nor overbearing,

"Actually, you could meet with me anytime. However, with your busy schedule, and considering my performance, I'm really not that remarkable in the sales department."

Jayden narrowed his eyes and gave me another once-over:

"Not only are you beautiful, but you also have a way with words. A few sentences and you've handled everything perfectly, downplaying your own achievements, truly talented. No wonder my niece is so wary of you."

I just smiled without saying anything, uncertain if Mr. Simmons's words were genuine.
Jayden fiddled with the gold ring on his finger, his smile sly, "Claire, I've asked you here today because there's an assignment, I want you to handle."

I looked up at him.

"For some time now, our company has been looking to break into the diamond and jewelry market," Jayden explained calmly, "but it's a tough segment to crack, with more monks than porridge. Everyone is watching it, and we don't have any particular advantages, so we've had no choice but to watch others make money."

"The sales department has recently lost two key members, taking many clients with them, and the market situation is quite dire."

"So, a few of us shareholders discussed it and decided to promote capable and accomplished young individuals."

My brows furrowed slightly, my heart pounding intensely.

Jayden watched me with a smile, a hint of complexity in his gaze, "We all unanimously agree you’re the right fit for the vacancy."

"Mr. Simmons, are you saying..."

"You're capable." Jayden enunciated each word. "Having you develop the diamond and jewelry market is most fitting."

My eyes shifted, suddenly filled with a sense of unease.

"We've all seen the sales plans you’ve previously put together – they are impeccable," Jayden commended me. "Your achievements speak for themselves, and your abilities are outstanding; no one wants to miss out on a talent like you!"

"Claire, if you successfully develop the diamond and jewelry market, the board won't just have you lead a sales team. They're prepared to promote you directly to sales manager to take over Peter's position. What do you think about that?"

...

After I walked out of Jayden’s office, I caught my breath with a few deep inhalations to slow my racing heartbeat.

I patted my face, a frown deeply etched between my brows, my mind a blank slate yet overflowing with chaos.

I was new to the corporate world and had been relying on instinct to handle everything. I couldn't fathom what Jayden was thinking.

The lure of the sales director position was significant, and I found the prospect of breaking into the Rock pack market to be an exciting challenge.

But was it an opportunity or a hazard?

I sighed, aiming to return to my desk to ponder it over when someone approached, dropping a cold sneer my way.