Chapter 17 Lillian's Illness
Lillian left the CEO's office feeling dejected, only to unfortunately run into Taylor and Kayla who had just returned from lunch. They were taken aback and then retreated to the secretary's office.
Lillian hadn't eaten lunch yet, so instead of going back to the office, she took the elevator to the cafeteria.
Back in the office, Kayla said to Taylor, "Ms. Reed, she was in the CEO's office again over lunch. We have no idea what she was up to this time. What's her relationship with Mr. Sinclair anyway?"
Taylor looked pensive. "Considering how her relative was groveling to Mr. Sinclair yesterday, they mustn't be close."
She continued, "But then she told them to go have lunch during their free time once they got out of the car, which sounds more like something a relative would say."
"Do you mean to say, Lillian and Mr. Sinclair are relatives?" Kayla asked, covering her mouth in shock, "Do we still need to isolate her then? What if she complains about us to Mr. Sinclair?"
Taylor laughed coldly, "If they were really relatives, why would Mr. Sinclair assign her as a third-rate secretary? I think this is a calculated move by her and her aunt, trying to leech off Mr. Sinclair for their own gain!"
Kayla nodded as if a lightbulb went off in her head and then buttered up, "They're delusional! In our company, only you are worthy of Mr. Sinclair. You've been through crises together, but what has Lillian done? She's deluding herself if she thinks she can compete with you for Mr. Sinclair's attention."
The words of encouragement delighted Taylor. She smiled proudly and said, "You're exaggerating. I'm nothing special. How could I ever be a match for Mr. Sinclair?"
"How could you say that? You know, every time Ms. Samantha comes by, she's tough on us, but she's really kind to you."
"Is that so? I hadn't really noticed."
"Yes, I think Ms. Samantha likes you a lot."
Taylor's lips curved into a satisfied smile. Her affection for Alexander was no secret at the company. After working by his side for five years, he must have been aware of her feelings. She had been waiting for him, but his answer had never come. Another year was about to pass, and she didn't want to wait any more. She no longer wanted to watch him from afar. She wanted to take their relationship further.
Therefore, she was determined to eliminate anything that stood in the way of her happiness, and Lillian was the first obstacle!
When the afternoon work shift started, Taylor loaded Lillian with an abundance of tasks—each one more demanding than the last.
"Finish all of these before you leave," Taylor commanded.
Lillian flipped through the files and said, "Ms. Reed, I'm afraid I can't finish all of this before the end of the day."
"Then you'll have to stay late! Mr. Sinclair needs these by tomorrow!" Taylor rolled her eyes and walked away.
Lillian unscrewed her thermos and took a sip of chicken soup, then popped a cold remedy. She hadn't rested since the night before and was also sick, which left her feeling utterly exhausted. As she looked at the towering stack of files in front of her, she rubbed her forehead in distress.
"Ms. Scott, are you busy right now?" Lillian asked her colleague, Amy Scott.
Amy glanced up, gave a nonchalant nod, and looked back down at her work.
Lillian then turned to another secretary seated beside Amy. As soon as the woman caught Lillian's gaze, she hurriedly averted her eyes.
Lillian sighed quietly. So this is what being ostracized felt like? Luckily, they had always been indifferent to each other, so it wasn't heartbreaking for her.
But why were they isolating her? Had they really listened to Taylor and become her accomplices?
Lillian didn't want to dwell on it and got to work. By the time she was ready to leave, she had only finished half of her tasks. Watching her colleagues head out, she felt a wave of discomfort and laid her head down on the desk. Her body felt cold and her head was heavy. She wanted to close her eyes and rest, but the thought of unfinished work spurred her on, and she continued to labor.
Alexander had left the office earlier to attend a dinner and didn't get home until nearly nine in the evening.
"Mr. Sinclair, you're finally back," Kelly said, rushing over.
"What's the matter?"
"It's so late, and Lillian hasn't returned home yet."
Alexander paused his ascent up the stairs, his voice deep and low, he asked, "What?"
He had only scolded her at noon, and now she was throwing a temper tantrum and hadn't returned home all night!
Kelly spoke anxiously, "I've been calling her, but she's not answering. It's a long way from the subway station to our house, and I'm worried something might have happened to her."
"Kevin, take the car and look for her on the road." After giving the order, Alexander continued upstairs.
Kelly fretted, "Kevin, Lillian was sick this morning. What if she faints on the way and runs into some trouble?"
"Kelly, don't worry, I'm on it right now," Kevin quickly headed out.
About an hour later, Kevin called Alexander, "Mr. Sinclair, I've found Ms. Hill. She was working overtime at the office. We're on our way back now."
"Alright, I've got it," Alexander said, his face grim as he hung up the phone.
Kevin drove swiftly; glancing in the rearview mirror, he saw Lillian looking weary and asked with concern, "Ms. Hill, you haven't had dinner yet, have you? Should I stop and get you something?"
"Thank you, but I don't want to eat," Lillian said weakly, her eyes closed.
Kevin didn't respond. After a while, he heard the sound of her breathing from the back seat.
Upon arriving home, Kevin woke Lillian and urged her to get out of the car.
Seeing her return, Kelly rushed over and asked, "Where have you been? I tried calling you, and I was so worried!"
"Kelly, I'm sorry. I was working late at the office, and my phone was on silent. I'm really sorry for worrying you," Lillian apologized quickly.
"It's okay, come and eat," Kelly said, pulling her hand toward the kitchen.
Lillian, feeling under the weather, ate only a little before setting down her utensils.
"Lillian, go upstairs and talk to Mr. Sinclair," Kelly said.
"Why? It's normal for me to work late," Lillian replied with distaste.
Kelly countered, "You didn't come back, and it was Mr. Sinclair who sent Kevin to look for you. See, he does care about you."
Lillian scoffed internally. Alexander had mocked her earlier that day. How could he possibly care about her? She didn't believe it.
While they were talking, Kevin came in and said to Lillian, "Ms. Hill, Mr. Sinclair is in the study, he's asking for you."
"I feel terrible, can he tell me whatever it is tomorrow?"
"Ms. Hill, we all follow Mr. Sinclair's orders, and we hope you do the same," Kevin said sternly.
Lillian, unable to refuse, reluctantly went upstairs.
The study door was ajar. She knocked lightly twice at the doorway and then pushed the door open to enter.
"Mr. Sinclair, what do you need to see me for?"
Alexander lifted his eyelids to glance at her and asked sarcastically, "You’ve got some nerve, staying out all night! Are you giving me attitude?"
Lillian, once again wronged, was furious yet mustered her energy to respond, "I was working overtime tonight. You’ve got the wrong idea!"
