Chapter 546 Not Happy to See Me
After a few seconds, Jesse knocked again. Still no answer. So, he used his room card and let himself in.
The door clicked open.
Before he could even blink, a party popper went off right above his head.
"Surprise!" A bubbly girl jumped out, grinning from ear to ear, holding another party popper.
Jesse froze and blurted out, "Elara?"
"What's with that look? Not happy to see me?" Elara Gonzalez teased, giving him a playful tap on the head with the party popper.
Jesse's voice was flat. "No."
"Then, are you happy?" Elara leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling.
Jesse frowned and took a step back. "I'm just surprised."
Elara pressed on, "Come on, are you happy to see me or not?"
Jesse shrugged, "A little."
"Just a little?" Elara pushed.
Jesse nodded seriously. "Yeah."
Elara looked at his always cool and composed face, her eyes showing a mix of emotions.
She tossed the empty party popper aside and plopped down on the sofa, looking a bit emotional.
"Here for Mark's wedding?" Jesse asked, trying to make small talk.
"Yeah, we were high school classmates," Elara said, her youthful face making her look barely over twenty, even though she was twenty-eight. "We were good friends too. Skipping it would be rude."
Jesse nodded.
Seeing he was still the same, Elara took the lead. "We've met again. Got anything to say to me?"
"Thanks for helping me with my study back then," Jesse said earnestly.
Elara almost wanted to punch him.
"If it weren't for your help, I wouldn't have gotten into Horizon University or landed my current job," Jesse continued, sounding like he was talking to a mentor. "Thank you."
Elara sighed inwardly.
Back then, she was the top student, and Jesse, though not first, was in the top ten. He could've gotten into Horizon University on his own.
But since he said it, she decided to roll with it.
"Really?" she asked.
Jesse nodded.
Elara's eyes lit up, and she blurted out, "Then help me find a job."
Jesse looked puzzled. "A job?"
"Yeah, my last company sucked, and I don't want to go back," Elara said seriously, sighing. "I worked crazy hours, and the pay was lousy."
Meanwhile, the president of the Gonzalez Group, far away in Gedser, felt a sudden sense of helplessness!
Elara frowned. "The worst part is, my boss made me do all sorts of stuff during work hours and even after."
"Have you quit?" Jesse asked, frowning.
"Not yet," Elara admitted, looking troubled. "I haven't found a new job."
Jesse started thinking.
Elara, a grad student, had strong skills and work ethic.
If he brought her into HorizonTech Group, it could work. But would that be playing favorites? After all, this was Daphne's company.
"If you don't have a job for me, it's cool," Elara said, her eyes twinkling. "I'll just stick it out at my current place. Worst case, I'll work myself to death."
Jesse asked, "Are you in Ivrea City?"
Elara shook her head. "Nope, I'm in Gedser."
"Come to HorizonTech Group for an interview next Monday," Jesse decided to keep it professional. "HorizonTech has great benefits. With your skills, you'll do fine."
"Really?" Elara's eyes lit up.
Jesse nodded seriously.
Elara's smile widened, her eyes turning into crescents. "Thanks! When we get back to Gedser, dinner's on me."
"No need," Jesse said coolly, "You helped me back then, so it's only fair I help you now."
Elara didn't push it.
Once back in Gedser, she'd have plenty of time to get closer to him. Mark had already confirmed Jesse didn't have feelings for Daphne, so she was willing to take her time.
"Let's head back to Gedser together tomorrow," Elara suggested, her eyes sparkling.
Jesse nodded.
After sorting things out, Jesse went back to his room downstairs.
If Daphne was the light in his life, giving him hope and warmth, then Elara was his most reliable companion.
Elara was three years younger than him and Mark. She skipped two grades in elementary school and one in middle school, making her the youngest in their high school class.
After high school, he and Mark went to Horizon University, while she went abroad for further studies. They'd met a few times over the years, but everyone was busy, so they hadn't seen each other much.
So Elara's appearance was a surprise to Jesse.
Elara thought he was emotionally clueless. After securing the job, she texted her dad, Harry Gonzalez: [I'm resigning next week, not going back to work.]
Harry didn't text back. He called her directly.
As soon as Elara picked up, Harry's stern voice came through, "What do you mean by that message?"
"I found a new job," Elara said bluntly.
"That's ridiculous!" Harry was furious. "Manage the company for me properly. Do you want to inherit it or not?"
"It doesn't matter," Elara said, unfazed.
Harry was almost livid! What did she mean by "doesn't matter"? This was their family business.
"Why are you suddenly quitting?" Harry tried to calm down. "Is the salary too low, or do you not have enough free time? Tell me, and I'll fix it."
"Didn't you want me to find a boyfriend?" Elara asked.
Harry paused. "You found a boyfriend?"
"I have a target, but I need to quit to pursue him," Elara thought of Jesse's cool yet adorable demeanor, smiling. "He's a bit slow and doesn't talk much, so I have to make the first move."
Harry frowned. "Since when do girls take the initiative? Is this guy reliable?"
"Absolutely," Elara said confidently.
"What's his name, where does he work, where does he live?" Harry started his interrogation. "Send me his info, and I'll check him out."
Elara refused, "I'll bring him home for you to meet after I win him over."
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