Chapter 344 Stay Away from Her
Rufus was caught off guard by Sterling's sudden question. He didn't want to get into his personal life, but Sterling was his boss. Stammering, he replied, "We... we didn't talk much, Mr. Windsor. Please don't get the wrong idea. We're just friends."
Sterling narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Rufus as if trying to catch him in a lie. Coldly, he said, "Just friends? Then why do you have her phone number and WhatsApp? And why do you order desserts from her place every day?"
Rufus felt overwhelmed by Sterling's imposing presence. He quickly explained, "I just like her desserts, so I order them often. As for the phone number and WhatsApp, her staff gave them to me for easier ordering."
Sterling listened, but his displeasure didn't wane. He let out a cold snort, "I'll say this once: stay away from her."
Seeing the icy determination in Sterling's eyes, Rufus shivered, feeling an invisible pressure bearing down on him.
But pursuing love is a right, a reflection of freedom and dignity, not to be constrained by external forces.
Taking a deep breath, Rufus mustered his courage and said firmly, "I'm sorry, Mr. Windsor, but I can't do that. I respect you and this job, but I also respect my own feelings and choices. Work is work, and personal matters are personal. They shouldn't be mixed. Unless there's a valid, work-related reason, I can't comply with your request."
Sterling stepped closer, each step resonating in Rufus's heart, amplifying the pressure. His gaze was as cold as winter ice, and his voice was chillingly clear and firm, "I am her husband."
The words hit Rufus like a thunderclap. He stood frozen, eyes wide in shock, unable to reconcile the imposing Sterling with the gentle Bella who ran the dessert shop. In that moment, he realized the gravity of his mistake.
Rufus's face turned pale, sweat beading on his forehead. Trembling, he stammered, "I'm so sorry. I didn't know she was Mrs. Windsor. If I had known, I would never have done this. I'll follow your instructions from now on."
He lowered his head, unable to meet Sterling's piercing gaze, filled with regret and fear.
After delivering the shocking revelation, Sterling didn't take further action. He simply waved his hand, a silent warning and a signal for Rufus to leave.
Rufus, feeling like he had been granted a reprieve, quickly apologized and almost ran out of the office.
Sterling, however, didn't feel completely at ease. He knew the real issue wasn't his attitude towards Rufus, but the extent of Bella and Rufus's relationship. If they were already close enough to dine and hang out together, the situation wouldn't be so simple.
A cold glint flashed in Sterling's eyes. He wouldn't let anyone get close to Bella.
As Rufus exited the office, he felt like he had escaped a cold abyss, exhaling deeply as if a heavy burden had been lifted. Just then, a senior executive hurriedly pulled him aside, anxiously asking, "What happened? What did Mr. Windsor say to you?"
Rufus's expression was complicated, his eyes darting nervously. He stammered, "I... I didn't know the dessert shop owner Bella was Mr. Windsor's wife. I was interested in her, but Mr. Windsor found out."
The executive nearly fainted, glaring at Rufus with trembling hands, "What were you thinking? How could you be so foolish? Mr. Windsor won't let you off easily. Did he say how he'd deal with you?"
Rufus looked lost and anxious, shaking his head helplessly, "I don't know what Mr. Windsor will do. He might fire me. But he didn't say anything directly. Maybe he'll tell you."
The executive frowned, contemplating how to handle the impending storm. He knew Sterling's decisive nature and the potential consequences. Patting Rufus's shoulder, he advised, "Go back to work. I'll try to smooth things over. But remember, think carefully before you act in the future. Don't make such a mistake again."
Rufus nodded gratefully, though still uneasy.
The executive hurriedly entered the office, his demeanor a mix of tension and appeasement. Cautiously, he began, "Mr. Windsor, Rufus explained the misunderstanding. He didn't know, and now he realizes his mistake. He won't repeat it. Rufus is a capable employee who's contributed a lot to the company."
Pausing, he gauged Sterling's reaction, seeing a slight softening. He continued, "Mr. Windsor, could you give Rufus a chance to make amends? I'm sure he'll be more careful and won't cause any more trouble for you or Mrs. Windsor."
Sterling, seated at his large desk, calmly reviewed company reports, his earlier coldness gone. His gaze occasionally shifted from the numbers to a distant point.
"I never said I would fire Rufus," he began, his voice steady yet authoritative. "As you said, ignorance is not a crime. But this incident must serve as a warning to everyone in the company."
The executive felt slightly relieved but was curious about Sterling's next move. Carefully, he asked, "What do you plan to do, Mr. Windsor?"
Sterling set down the report, his eyes sharp and resolute, "I want everyone to know that Bella is my wife. They can enjoy her desserts, but they must keep a respectful distance from her. Any inappropriate intentions will have consequences."
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