Chapter 738
Lillian's nose bumped into a solid and broad chest, causing a sharp pain in her nasal passage.
She instinctively blinked and wrinkled her nose.
Just as she was about to apologize, she recognized the familiar and pleasant scent of cedarwood.
She realized she was still very familiar with Jackson.
After fourteen or fifteen years of companionship, everything about Jackson had become ingrained in her, so even after being apart, she could instantly recognize him by his scent.
What Lillian didn't know was that Jackson felt the same way.
He had initially frowned, ready to push away the person who had clumsily bumped into him.
However, as soon as his large hand touched the woman's rounded shoulder, the familiar feeling made him recognize his beloved Lillian without even looking down.
Jackson's deep eyes sparkled as he moved his hand from Lillian's shoulder to her lower back, pulling her closer when she tried to step back.
With a look of surprise on his usually aloof and noble face, Jackson asked, "Lillian? What brings you here today?"
Lillian, who usually avoided him like the plague, had voluntarily bumped into his arms.
The employees in the lobby and by the elevator, who had been expecting the unfortunate person who bumped into Jackson to be thrown out, were now gasping in shock.
What was going on?
Had their usually aloof Jackson changed?
Especially the company security guards who had just been ordered to escort Lillian out.
Seeing Lillian bump into Jackson, they were already preparing to apologize to Jackson for their negligence and quickly pull Lillian away.
But they couldn't understand what was happening now.
Lillian looked up from Jackson's arms, her small, upturned nose red from the bump, and her clear eyes filled with tears, making her look even more captivating.
"Let go."
Jackson didn't let go. Instead, he raised his other hand, gently brushing Lillian's red nose with his long middle finger.
"Why are you in such a hurry? Did it hurt? Let me see."
As Jackson reached to lift Lillian's chin, she was still in a daze from the bump.
She hadn't expected to run into Jackson so coincidentally and in such an embarrassing manner.
Terry, who was following Jackson, hadn't expected such a dramatic scene to unfold in just a few seconds.
Noticing that everyone was secretly watching, Terry felt the need to remind Jackson.
"Mr. Frane, perhaps you should invite Mrs. Frane to your office to talk?" Terry whispered.
He actually meant to say, "Be mindful of your image."
Lillian also came to her senses, noticing the surroundings. She gently pushed Jackson away and rubbed her nose, which was slightly itchy from his touch.
"I'm fine."
With Lillian no longer in his arms, Jackson felt a void. He turned and gave Terry a sharp look.
Terry immediately shut up and quietly stepped aside.
The two security guards by the elevator were in shock, feeling as if the sky had fallen.
Although Terry had spoken softly, they were close enough to hear.
Terry had called this beautiful woman "Mrs. Frane"!
The two security guards exchanged glances and quickly slipped away behind Terry, fearing that Jackson might kick them out at any moment.
Terry glanced at them but quickly looked away, not paying much attention.
He assumed the two guards had just come down in the same elevator as Lillian.
After all, he couldn't imagine that Jackson's beloved would be violently escorted out of their own company.
"Are you here to see me? Let's go upstairs." Jackson smiled and extended his hand to Lillian.
Lillian glanced at her watch. It was already after work hours, and their dinner appointment was soon.
Clearly, Jackson thought she had come early for their date.
Noticing the many eyes on them, Lillian said to Jackson, "I think I'll stay down here."
Lillian had previously worked as a secretary in the executive office. She wasn't well-known in other departments, but she was familiar to most in the executive office.
Going upstairs would inevitably lead to encounters with former colleagues and questions.
Seeing this, Jackson didn't insist and nodded.
"Then wait for me in the lobby. I'll go upstairs to get something and be right back."
He turned to instruct Terry to have the front desk staff serve Lillian some coffee or tea.
Lillian tugged at Jackson's sleeve. "No need to trouble them. I'll wait outside."
After the recent incident, Lillian didn't want to stay in the lobby and be the center of attention.
She let go of Jackson and walked outside.
Jackson, in a great mood and eager for their dinner date, didn't think much of it.
Terry, understanding Jackson's mood, immediately pressed the elevator button.
Just then, the private elevator doors opened.
Jackson stepped in, and inside was Ronnie, who had just escorted Star to the underground parking lot.
Seeing Jackson, Ronnie quickly greeted him and was about to step out.
This was Jackson's private elevator, but he allowed senior executives to use it.
Occasionally running into Jackson, they would usually step aside, but today Jackson was in a good mood.
Jackson nodded slightly at Ronnie. "No need."
Ronnie was momentarily stunned, realizing Jackson was letting him stay in the elevator. He felt elated.
Ronnie thought, 'This must be because I took good care of Star, and Jackson is now treating me kindly.'
But it seemed too quick. He had just escorted Star to the parking lot a couple of minutes ago. Had the news already reached Jackson?
Perhaps Star had called Jackson as soon as she got in the car?
Thinking this, Ronnie decided to seize the opportunity to make a good impression on Jackson.
"Mr. Frane, Don't worry, Ms. Price's hand injury was treated. It's just a minor scratch and will heal quickly.
"I've also dealt with the two people who hurt Ms. Price, ensuring they won't enter Star Group again to avoid upsetting her."