Chapter 551 Need Your Permission
"Yeah," Jesse said casually, "I'll handle things for you from now on. Need anything, just holler."
Elara thought Jesse was a bit naive and asked, raising an eyebrow, "Are you for real?"
Jesse nodded. "Yep."
Elara pushed, "Aren't you worried I might mess up your chances of finding a girlfriend?"
"Not looking for one," Jesse replied bluntly.
In his life plan, it was all about the company's growth and future. Marriage and kids? Not on his radar.
Elara's eyes twinkled. "Alright then, from today, you're my nominal boyfriend. To everyone else, we're a couple."
"If you ever find someone you like, just tell me," Jesse said earnestly, thinking he was looking out for his old friend, "I'll step aside."
Elara bit her lip, trying to hide her smile.
She couldn't help but wonder how Jesse ended up as the president of HorizonTech Group. He seemed a bit clueless.
"If other girls said the same thing to you, would you agree?" Elara asked.
"I'd only agree to you and Ms. Murphy," Jesse was clear about who he trusted—Daphne and Elara. "The rest don't matter."
Elara nodded, feeling a bit more at ease.
But she knew Jesse didn't have feelings for her. He was just doing this to help her out or make her happy.
But that was fine. They were already a pretend couple. How hard could it be to make it real?
"Next month, come with me to meet my parents," Elara suggested cautiously, "They've been worried since I quit my job and moved in with friends. Bringing you home will ease their minds."
"Sure," Jesse agreed.
Elara picked up her fork again and happily resumed eating.
If she had known Jesse was this easygoing, she wouldn't have hesitated so long while abroad.
"By the way," Jesse suddenly said.
Elara had just taken a bite, her eyes sparkling, "Yeah?"
"HorizonTech Group has a no-dating policy between bosses and employees," Jesse remembered the rule and told Elara upfront, "Even though we're faking it, it's still against the rules. How about you join the Murphy Group?"
Elara paused.
Jesse explained, "This rule's been around for ages. When Ms. Murphy was dating Benjamin, he had to resign too."
"Can't it be changed?" Elara asked, testing the waters.
Jesse was firm. "Nope."
Elara suddenly lost her appetite. If she worked at the Murphy Group, she'd only see Jesse after hours, which wasn't much time to build a relationship.
"I'll think about it," Elara said, picking up her phone, "You eat first, I need to make a call."
Jesse glanced at her but didn't think much of it. "Okay."
A moment later, Elara stepped out to the balcony, took a deep breath, and made the call.
The phone rang a few times before a gentle but slightly distant voice answered, "Hello, Elara."
"Daphne, it's me," Elara scratched her head, feeling a bit awkward. "I need a favor."
Daphne replied, "Sure, what's up?"
"Does HorizonTech Group really ban relationships between bosses and employees?" Elara asked.
"It used to, but I'm not sure about now," Daphne said, "I'll check with Jesse. He's the one in charge."
"He told me it's still a no-go," Elara said, her voice a bit shaky. "I want to know if this rule is set in stone or if it can be changed."
There was a pause on the other end.
Elara felt a bit anxious. "Daphne?"
"Do you have feelings for Jesse?" Daphne asked, curiosity in her voice.
"I want to go after him," Elara admitted, not holding back.
Daphne thought for a moment. "I'll talk to Jesse about the company rules in a few days. I'll see if we can get that rule changed. Just hang tight."
"Awesome!" Elara was instantly excited, "Thanks a ton."
"Jesse can be pretty stubborn. Even I have to listen to him when he's in work mode," Daphne advised, "If you want to pursue him at the company, you might need to come up with some good ways."
Elara grinned, "Got it."
After hanging up, Elara felt a wave of relief.
She trusted Daphne, especially since her uncle Richard always spoke highly of her.
Elara went back to the table, feeling upbeat. Jesse noticed and started talking about work, "Check out the Murphy Group, the Winston Group, and other big companies. See if there's one you'd like to join, and I'll set it up."
"No rush," Elara said, still hoping to join HorizonTech Group.
Jesse was confused. Why the sudden change in her attitude?
"I've been working overtime too much, and I'm mentally exhausted," Elara lied convincingly, "Now that I've quit, I want to relax for two weeks. I'll think about work after that."
Jesse thought for a moment. "Alright."
"Come shopping with me tomorrow," Elara said, looking at him. "That's the first thing you need to do as my boyfriend."
Jesse wanted to refuse, thinking about his workload.
Before he could say anything, Elara added, "Don't even think about saying no. It's your first day as my boyfriend."
"Work," Jesse hesitated.
"We'll handle it together when we get back," Elara insisted.
"But," Jesse stammered.
"No buts," Elara said, pretending to be stern.
Jesse was suddenly taken aback.
Even he didn't know why he instinctively felt a bit scared when Elara got assertive.
Daphne had a much stronger presence, but even she sometimes had to listen to him.
"Don't worry, I'm pretty capable," Elara assured him, "Even if it delays your work, I can help you catch up when we get back."
Jesse pressed his lips together and eventually agreed.
He trusted Elara's skills but still didn't let her help him with his work.
After dinner, Elara wanted to clean up, but Jesse took over, not letting her lift a finger.
Watching Jesse busy in the kitchen, Elara stood at the doorframe, smiling, feeling that life was sweet. "Jesse."
"Yeah?" Jesse asked.
"I want to do something, but I need your permission," Elara said slowly.
Jesse finished washing the last dish, dried his hands, and came over. "What is it?"
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