Chapter 158 The Counterfeit Judson
Muttering to herself, Ella only realized there was a man seated at the office desk when she finished her monologue.
Like any other day, he was clad in a hand-tailored black suit, exuding an air of distinction. His profile was chiseled, as if sculpted by an artist's hands.
The moment his gaze shifted her way, Ella quickly averted her eyes.
She placed her bag on her desk and booted up her computer.
Checking her planner and then glancing at the system records, all confirmed the same schedule.
Judson had been incredibly busy lately: meetings all day, lunch and dinner engagements, seemingly preparing to burn the midnight oil for his engagement party next Saturday.
Judson had been engrossed in his work ever since that girl walked in.
"Miss Lowe, my coffee."
His voice was cool and detached as he returned to his tasks.
Ella stood up, "Oh! I'll get it for you right now."
Her demeanor today was cold, causing Judson to glance up at her once more.
Did the girl have a bad start to the day? Had she not seen the message he sent last night?
Leaving the executive office, Ella was met with stares all the way, causing a buzz of whispered gossip among the women once she passed.
Ella didn't care. Let them talk.
In Judson's private pantry, all by herself, she prepared his coffee. Normally, she would add just a touch of milk, but today, a mischievous smirk crossed her lips.
She dropped in three sugar cubes and pouted in annoyance.
He liked it unsweetened; she'd give him sickly sweet.
With the coffee in hand, she returned to the office and placed it in front of him.
"Judson, your coffee."
He looked up to meet her gaze, today she wore discontent plainly on her face.
"Miss Lowe, did you have a rough night?"
Her gaze didn't meet his, her face cold and her pout clear – unmistakable signs of anger.
Ella shook her head, "I slept fine."
It was probably you who didn't sleep well, you jerk.
As Judson felt something was amiss, he took a sip of the coffee, his expression shifting suddenly.
"Miss Lowe, didn't I say no sugar?"
She had done this on purpose, hadn't she? Could she be jealous over his upcoming engagement?
Ella lifted her chin and retorted coldly.
"Judson, don't you think it tastes better with sugar?"
The thought of the marks on her chest, caused by that infuriating man, made her furious.
How much pressure did it take to bruise her skin like that?
Knowing her defiant spirit, Judson took another sweet sip of the coffee.
"Hmm, very sweet, but not bad."
Seeing that he wasn't angry, a look of surprise flitted through Ella's eyes.
Maybe he was in a good mood because of his engagement and didn't want to make a fuss.
But she couldn't swallow her pride and glared at him.
"Judson, how did I get these marks on my chest? Explain that."
A sly grin flickered across Judson's eyes as he glanced down at her chest, that familiar stirring rising again within him.
His Adam's apple tantalizingly bobbed as he teased, "What do you think?"
Could she possibly know? Who would've told her?
Then it hit him. She'd mentioned a hospital visit last night. Perhaps she confided in Darcy, that woman who seemed pretty savvy about these things.
After all, Darcy was a regular on the nightlife scene, and her open looks suggested she had her share of experiences.
Not like this girl, though. Despite being a mother of three, she seemed utterly clueless, an innocent simpleton through and through.
Eula, seeing his smug expression, was beyond frustrated.
With a huff, she couldn't hold back any longer, "Judson, I'm starting to think you're not as genuine as you appear."
