Chapter 79
She smoothly made it to the 66th floor, and the first person she spotted was the secretary, Tessa Vasquez.
On her first visit, Agnes hadn't noticed her; on the second, Tessa wasn't around. So, this was their first real meeting. "Danielle, who's this?"
Danielle quickly filled her in, "She's Mr. Neville's secretary, Tessa Vasquez. And this is Ms. Tudor, who Mr. Neville specifically asked to be brought straight to his office."
Tessa gave Agnes a once-over and said coolly, "I'll take her in right away."
Agnes smiled back, "Thanks."
Tessa just shot her a sideways glance, said nothing, and led the way to the CEO's office.
Watching her walk away, Agnes pursed her lips. Out of the three secretaries, Tessa was the only one who seemed a bit stuck-up.
A gentle knock on the office door, and Leopold's voice came through, "Come in."
Tessa opened the door and respectfully announced, "Mr. Neville, Ms. Tudor is here to see you."
Agnes stepped forward, taking in the office. Leopold was on the sofa, busy with work, and Lydia was at the desk, deep in her homework.
"Agnes, you're here! Come on in!" Lydia was already up and moving towards her before she finished speaking.
This time, she didn't even bother with formalities. Was it because Leopold's secretary was there? Agnes didn't want to overthink Lydia's intentions; it was just her emotions getting the best of her.
Leopold put down his papers and gently scolded, "You need to be polite."
Lydia linked arms with Agnes affectionately, "Mr. Neville, Agnes is about my age. It's better to call her this way, right, Agnes?"
Facing Lydia's eager look, Agnes forced a smile. Even though she knew Lydia meant well, she couldn't shake an odd feeling of resistance.
Agnes nodded and smiled weakly.
Leopold didn't push it and got up from the sofa, "Come in."
Agnes glanced at the scattered work on the desk and finally said, "No, I just came to return something. I'll be leaving now."
Lydia, surprised, tried to stop her, "Agnes."
Agnes ignored her.
"Stop!" Leopold's stern voice echoed behind her.
Tessa, standing off to the side, took a deep breath. Agnes's relationship with Leopold was a real head-scratcher.
Agnes stopped and turned around, "Mr. Neville, is there something you need? I'm in a hurry to get to class. Do you have any objections?"
Right then, Lydia had already opened one of the lipsticks, totally oblivious to the tension in the room. She gushed, "This lipstick is gorgeous! The color is amazing! I don't have these shades yet! Mr. Neville, did you ask Agnes to buy these for me?"
Both Agnes and Leopold were caught off guard.
Agnes was sure she had said she was returning something, not giving a gift. Why did Lydia assume it was from Leopold?
She sneered and looked at Leopold, "That's right, Leopold bought it, especially for you. It's a limited edition, so cherish it!"
Lydia happily put the lipstick into her bag and joyfully ran to Leopold, "Thank you, Mr. Neville, I love this lipstick!" Under Agnes's gaze, she stood on tiptoe and lightly kissed Leopold on the cheek.
Just like the last time she kissed Ethan, Lydia lightly kissed Leopold's cheek.
Seeing this, Tessa quietly retreated to her seat. Her guess was confirmed that Lydia would become Leopold's wife. Despite their ten-year age difference, true love wouldn't care about such a gap.
Only Agnes at the door seemed oblivious. Seeing Leopold and Lydia about to share a sweet moment, she still stood there, unmoving, making Tessa wish she could drive her away.
Agnes stared in shock at Lydia. Lydia was truly unrestrained, daring to kiss Ethan in front of Kelly the night before, and she was now kissing Leopold in front of her today.
At this moment, Agnes seemed to understand the meaning behind Kelly's warning to be wary of Lydia.
Lydia seemed to realize her inappropriate behavior and hastily apologized to Agnes, "Agnes, I'm sorry. It's just a habit. Now that I know you're Leopold's wife, I'll be more careful and won't do this again."
A habit? How many times had Lydia had intimate contact with Leopold?
Had they ever shared kisses like she and Leopold did?
Agnes took a deep breath, a gentle smile appearing on her lips. Her tone was soft but carried a hint of firmness, "I understand you grew up in Talador and had an open mindset, while I grew up in a more traditional environment and held more conservative views. Lydia, I'd appreciate it if you could be a little more mindful next time. It would help avoid any misunderstandings."
Lydia obediently nodded repeatedly, her voice full of compliance, "Okay, Mr. Neville, maybe I should go now and not disturb you."
"That might be best. After all, Leopold is married, and it's not appropriate for you two to be alone together. Let's leave together!" Agnes spoke before Leopold could, a sly glint in her eyes.
Then, Agnes winked at Leopold and playfully said, "Leopold, I'm heading back to school later. Let the driver drop Lydia off on the way."
Leopold said nothing, his gaze sweeping over Lydia, who was packing up her books. He calmly instructed, "Lydia, let the driver take you home."
Lydia looked confused and innocently asked, "Who should I listen to?"