Chapter 416 The Appearance of Sable
                    Just as Anna was feeling a mix of anxiety and frustration, she heard Qiana's voice from the living room, "Anna! What are you doing hiding in your room? Come out and keep your aunt company!"
Anna rolled her eyes, feeling extremely impatient. This so-called "aunt" was actually a distant relative. A few years ago, her family had come into some money, and ever since the Powell family went bankrupt, they hadn't been in touch. Now, for some reason, they decided to start visiting again.
Despite her reluctance, Anna forced herself to go out. She saw a middle-aged woman in the living room, dressed flamboyantly, chatting animatedly with Qiana. When the woman saw Anna, she immediately greeted her with a beaming smile, "Anna, you've grown so much! You're getting prettier by the day."
Anna managed a forced smile and said, "Hi, Aunt."
The woman didn't seem to mind Anna's cold attitude and continued to chat with her about everyday things. Anna was annoyed but couldn't show it directly, so she awkwardly played along.
She kept glancing at her phone, hoping Bella would send her a message or call, giving her an excuse to leave this stifling situation. However, her phone remained silent.
Anna silently vowed that once this ordeal was over, she would find a chance to explain everything to Bella.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains. Sable was already dressed and ready, wearing a sleek, professional outfit that made her look both competent and feminine. Sterling, on the other hand, was in a sharp suit, looking handsome and commanding.
They rode together to the office building, the bustling streets and hurried pedestrians outside contrasting with the calm and harmony inside the car.
Sterling hadn't originally planned to bring anyone along; he was used to handling everything on his own. However, he realized that Ryan and Sable had become indispensable to his travels.
Ryan was an efficient assistant, quickly grasping Sterling's intentions and executing tasks with high efficiency. Whether it was data analysis or project planning, Ryan provided professional advice and solutions, saving Sterling a lot of trouble in his busy work life. Sable, on the other hand, was his reliable help in his personal life.
Soon, the car stopped at the office building's entrance. Sterling and Sable got out and walked into the towering structure.
As soon as Sable stepped into the company, she became a striking presence. Her beauty, figure, and outstanding demeanor instantly drew the attention of many men.
They cast curious and speculative glances, wondering if there was something more between Sterling and his beautiful secretary.
In this complex and ever-changing society, people often view others through a lens of suspicion, especially when it comes to relationships between men and women.
Despite Sterling's reputation for fairness and integrity in the company, there were still many who gossiped behind his back, believing that pure relationships were rare.
Sterling's office in this branch was far less spacious and luxurious than his office at the Harborvale headquarters. The limited space meant that Sable didn't have her own office and had to share the same room with Sterling.
Sable felt somewhat uncomfortable. She was used to working independently outside Sterling's office, enjoying a relatively free space. Now, sharing a room with him made her feel like she was working under a watchful eye, forcing her to be constantly cautious.
Sable tried to stay calm, but her inner tension was hard to hide. Every time she looked up at Sterling, she would quickly lower her head, afraid that her actions might displease him.
Even when other female employees cast envious glances her way, Sable could only respond with a bitter smile.
Sterling soon noticed Sable's unease. He paused his work and looked at her, "What's wrong? Still not used to it?"
Sable lowered her head and replied in a small voice, "A little, but I'll get used to it soon."
Sterling smiled gently, "Sable, you've always been excellent. I believe you'll adapt to this new environment quickly."
Sterling walked over to his desk and sat down gracefully, then instructed Sable, "Get me some dessert and coffee."
Sable immediately understood. She knew Sterling's preferences and also realized that his visit here wasn't really about managing this relatively insignificant branch.
Sable nodded slightly and decided to personally go to Bella's dessert shop instead of ordering online. This way, she could ensure the quality of the dessert and also reduce the time spent alone with Sterling, giving her nerves a brief respite.
Putting on a relaxed expression, Sable walked out of the company. Soon, she arrived at Bella's dessert shop. Bella recognized her immediately, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. She thought to herself, "Didn't Sterling say he didn't bring anyone? Why is his secretary here?"
"Hey there, what can I get for you?" Isadora, who had come in early today, greeted her warmly. The shop was still quiet with few customers.
Sable smiled and glanced around the shop before her eyes settled on Bella, who was carefully wiping the counter. She said softly, "Mr. Windsor would like a dessert and an Americano."
Bella paused slightly upon hearing Sable's words, then nodded woodenly, "Alright." A strange feeling stirred in her heart.
Bella had always known that Sable was beautiful and had an outstanding demeanor, but hearing Sable so familiarly mention Sterling's preferences made that odd feeling even stronger.
Bella couldn't help but wonder about the relationship between Sable and Sterling. Was it purely professional? Or... Bella didn't dare to think further, fearing her thoughts might be too absurd and unrealistic.
Isadora, busy with her tasks, didn't notice the subtle change in Bella's mood. She skillfully prepared the dessert and coffee as Sable had requested. Sable stood quietly by, waiting.
Once the dessert was ready, Bella took out a neatly folded suit from under the counter. It was something Sterling had left at her place.
Bella had already decided to return the suit to him today, and now that Sable was here, it was the perfect opportunity to send it back.
"Could you give this to him?" Bella said, handing the suit to Sable.
As she handed over the suit, Bella felt a slight unease because she had carefully placed a pair of underwear in the inner pocket, wrapped in a bag. She hoped it wouldn't fall out on the way, as that would be incredibly embarrassing.