Chapter 132 You Are Not Allowed to Call Her Lily
In the CEO's office, Alexander stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, deep in a phone call.
Shae waited for him on the sofa. She was captivated by his imposing shoulders, compelling voice, and definite leadership.
After more than twenty minutes, Alexander ended the phone. Shae walked over and said with concern, "Alexander, you work so hard."
Alexander sat in the chair and replied casually, "I'm used to it." Then he looked up at her and asked, "Why haven't you gone for lunch?"
"Alexander, I want to have lunch with you!" Shae leaned forward on the desk, smiling at him.
Alexander frowned slightly and pushed her away, saying, "Have lunch by yourself. I have a social engagement this afternoon and won't be going."
Feeling unhappy about the nudge, Shae could see a hint of annoyance in his expression, and her face revealed a look of sadness.
"Alexander, do you really dislike me?" Shae asked, feeling aggrieved.
Alexander replied calmly, "No hard feelings, Shae. You're overthinking it."
Shae lowered her head, thought for a moment, and then said sadly, "Alexander, I always remember the past when you took Amy out to play and brought me along. We were inseparable. Now that Amy is gone, you dislike me and want to abandon me."
"Shae, I still see you as my sister, just like before," Alexander said, feeling a pang in his heart as she mentioned the past with Amy.
"Really? Don't you dislike me?" Shae tilted her head and asked.
The siblings had the same habit of tilting their heads. Whenever Amy tilted her head to act cute or question him, he found it endearing and couldn't refuse any of her requests.
For a moment, he thought it was Amy standing before him. Coming back to his senses, he smiled and said, "I'm not sick of you. You've grown up, but you still overthink things."
Shae quickly fetched his coat and helped him put it on, saying, "You know I'm sensitive, yet you still say those things to me."
Alexander said, "Some things need to be said, even if you're sensitive. Today, having lunch with you is to celebrate your new job. From now on, have lunch with your colleagues. My marital status is on the down-low at work, but Lily is here, and she would feel uncomfortable."
"Lily? I thought you would call her Ms. Hill at work," Shae said, a bit jealous.
"Don't sweat it. Just remember what I said," Alexander said, tapping her head.
Shae deliberately shrank her neck, looking obedient. "I understand."
Shae thought to herself, 'You remind me that you're married and want me to keep my distance. But I won't! I'll bring up Amy at critical moments. When you think of Amy, you won't be angry with me.'
Shae and Alexander took the elevator down to the first floor. As they walked out side by side, they saw Lillian and Shirley returning with coffee, smiling as they walked towards the company.
"Lily!" Shae called out to Lillian. Alexander frowned at her with displeasure.
Lillian slowed down and lost her smile.
Shae walked up to Lillian, smiling. "I hope I didn't scare you by calling you that. I heard Alexander call you that, so I followed suit."
She asked enthusiastically, "Alexander and I are going for lunch. Have you eaten with us?"
Lillian glanced at Alexander, forcing a smile. "I've already eaten. You two have fun."
"Then Alexander and I will go. Don't be jealous," Shae said playfully.
Lillian glanced at Alexander again, who remained calm, saying, "I won't be jealous if you have lunch together." With that, she linked arms with Shirley and walked away.
"You mustn't call her Lily again!" Alexander glanced back at Lillian and said to Shae in a stern voice, "You either call her by her name or Ms. Hill, but you cannot call her Lily!"
"Alright, I understand," Shae replied, quickly following him as he strode ahead.
In the elevator, Shirley said angrily, "Shae is really two-faced. If she's worried about you being jealous, she shouldn't go out to lunch with Alexander!"
"That's Alexander's choice," Lillian said, equally upset.
"You just said you didn't care, so why are you so angry?" Shirley teased.
Lillian glanced at the mirror beside her and firmly denied it. "I'm not angry but stating the facts."
But in her heart, she felt very sad and gloomy. 'Why does Shae get to call me Lily? I hate her calling me that!' she wondered.
In the afternoon, the news that the new intern secretary, Shae, had lunch with Mr. Sinclair spread throughout the company. At the same time, Shae's mysterious identity was revealed —Shae and Alexander had grown up together!
The gossip reached the logistics department, where Taylor leaned on a mop, reading the company chat. She sneered. "Lillian, you have many rivals! I will help you leave!"
In the executive office, everyone was busy with their work, unaffected by the gossip. After work hours, Shae and Alexander returned from lunch, and she bought coffee and juice for everyone.
She carried two cups of juice and said to Kaitlyn, "Kaitlyn, this is for you and Ms. Hill. I'm sorry for being late. It won't happen again."
Giving her no face, Kaitlyn said directly, "I know your relationship with Mr. Sinclair. Mr. Sinclair specifically instructed me not to give you special treatment. I hired you, and I hope you don't embarrass me. Show your capability at work. Could you not bring these things to us? Ms. Hill and I won't give you special treatment. You were late, so your salary will be docked according to the rules. Ask Shirley about your afternoon tasks. You may go now."
Lillian felt very pleased! 'Kaitlyn, you truly care for me!'
Despite being reprimanded, Shae didn't get angry and still smiled. "Kaitlyn, it won't happen again." With that, she turned and left.
"Ms. Hill, I'm off with Mr. Sinclair for a social engagement this afternoon. You'll handle the work. I've sent today's assignments to your email. Print them out and submit them tomorrow," Kaitlyn said, checking the time. "March is coming soon. I plan to have you learn two more foreign languages. During your break, buy some beginner books."
"Alright!" Lillian replied, perking up.
Seeing her serious demeanor, Kaitlyn found it amusing and added, "Keep a few bottles of hangover medicine in your drawer. Sometimes I forget to buy them."
"Got it," Lillian agreed.
Alexander came out of the office and said to Kaitlyn, "Let's go."
Lillian watched them and suddenly called out, "Mr. Sinclair!"
"Do you need something?" He stopped and turned to look at her, a hint of expectation in his eyes.
Lillian lowered her eyes, her long lashes fluttering like fans. She looked up and softly said, "Drink less during your engagement. Luke doesn't like the smell of alcohol on you."
