Chapter 2 He Was Going To Send Her Away

The sky had already gotten dark outside. Valerie got up when she saw Edwin come out of his office. The other secretaries gave her sympathetic glances.

As soon as he was seated in the car, Edwin closed his eyes to rest them. Then, he said, "I was informed by HR that you had checked the employment agreement two days ago."

Valerie's heartbeat sped up, but she maintained her composure. "I can't remember the exact date I started working here. I need it to update my residency status."

Edwin opened his eyes and looked at her profile, smiling slightly. "I thought you didn't like working for me anymore and were planning to resign."

"No. It was an honor to be your secretary."

Valerie fought to stay calm, but her thoughts were a jumbled mess.

Edwin said nothing more, but her heart continued to race.

She was indeed planning to resign and leave. Recently, working for Edwin had never been more challenging, and she decided that the best course of action was to resign as quickly as possible.

Five years ago, she wanted nothing more than to be his wife, but she knew now that it would never happen.

"We're here, Mr. Layfield."

Valerie was snapped out of her train of thought when the car stopped in front of the Grandness Hotel.

The manager of the hotel had some staff wait outside the establishment so that they could welcome them as soon as they arrived.

After she had collected herself, Valerie accompanied Edwin to the elevator. She pushed the button for the top floor where they could see the night scenery through the massive French windows.

When the elevator doors opened, Valerie was immediately hit with the offensive odor of someone's perfume.

Brent had light brown hair and green eyes, and the collar of his shirt was unbuttoned. He approached Edwin to give him a hug.

However, Edwin stepped to the side to avoid his arms.

Then, Brent's attention focused on Valerie.

His eyes lit up in an instant. He grasped her hand and remarked, "Edwin, what a lovely lady you brought here."

Brent's hand then slid up to Valerie's arm.

Valerie resisted the need to run away by clenching her teeth and bearing through the nauseating experience.

Edwin showed no more reaction than a little frown before walking inside as though he did not see what Brent was doing to her.

Brent took this as encouragement and draped an arm over Valerie's shoulder.

With her smile not leaving her face, Valerie tried to get away from him but failed.

She tried to catch Edwin's eyes several times, but the man ignored her each time. From time to time, he would respond to the gushing praise of the executives who accompanied Brent.

Everyone sat down, and Brent settled across from Edwin with his arm still on Valerie. "Edwin, I want your secretary. How much should I offer to poach her from you?"

The atmosphere became a little awkward. The executives at the table studied Edwin's face, dreading lest he should take offence.

Valerie's hands began to clench unconsciously.

"Her?" Edwin cocked an eyebrow as he stared at Valerie. "She's been working for me for five years. I don't think she'll settle for a small amount of money."

Understanding dawned on everyone's faces.

Edwin had probably gotten tired of her.

Suddenly, everyone was smiling lecherously.

Valerie inhaled deeply before meeting Edwin's cold gaze.

When Brent leaned in to kiss her, she turned her head to the side.

Edwin's eyebrows shot up at this.

"Let's drink first, Mr. Clark."

Forcing a smile, Valerie poured wine into a glass and handed it to Brent.

Everyone watched them quietly, intrigued.

Brent laughed in delight and took the glass of wine, purring, "You're a sweet one, aren't you?"

Valerie's grin broadened under Edwin's intense gaze. When Brent emptied the glass, she refilled it.

"Please drink more."

The men around them hooted as Brent downed the liquor without hesitation.

Then, Valerie deliberately spilled wine on his clothes.

"Oh! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"

Valerie kept apologizing, her face flushing in embarrassment.

Instead of getting mad, Brent grabbed her wrist and said, "It's fine, honey. It's just a shirt. I'll just change in the lounge. Why don't you come with me?"

Valerie did it to distract him, but she had no idea that the bastard would ask her to go to the lounge with him.

She turned to Edwin in panic.

"Oh, do you need your superior's permission first?" Brent reached for Valerie's chin before looking at Edwin with a playful glint in his eyes.

Without batting an eye, Edwin reclined in his chair and sipped from his wine glass.

"You ruined Brent's shirt, so you should go help him,"

Edwin declared without hesitation.

Valerie clenched her jaw tightly.

Before she could completely register Edwin's response, Brent wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her up from her seat.

She was surrounded by men, all of whom looked at her with scorn in their eyes. None of them showed any intention of helping her.

A wave of nausea washed over Valerie before she was pulled out of the room.