Chapter 5 He Had Someone In His Heart

Jonny's sarcastic words cut deep, as sharp and piercing as a knife straight to Emilee's heart.

Her hand shook, prompting her to set her wine glass down on the table.

Her lips pressed tightly together, she fell into a heavy silence, fully grasping the implication behind Jonny's words.

A select few secretaries, aside from their administrative tasks, were often expected to attend corporate events, entertain clients, and sometimes, they were expected to sleep with clients.

Being a young female secretary, Emilee was acutely aware of how easily her role could be misconstrued.

Today, Laurie was so eager to curry favor with Jonny. Emilee shuddered at the thought of Jonny discovering she was the woman from the previous night's event.

Would he suspect it was an arrangement by them to gain favor with him?

A wave of humiliation washed over Emilee, so intense it nearly knocked her off her feet.

Jonny's intense gaze clung to her relentlessly.

Each time she dared to look up, his cold, penetrating eyes met hers.

The urge to flee surged within her, but she remained rooted.

She couldn't risk her job, not with her mother in the hospital relying on her to cover the medical bills. She needed this job, no matter what.

Emilee clenched her fists, averted her gaze, and remained rooted to the spot, her body rigid.

"Mr. Owens, you can't be serious!" Laurie chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood. "Xastin Company holds a stellar reputation. We certainly don't burden our secretaries with such tasks. Surely, that's part of the allure in acquiring us, isn't it?"

Jonny observed Emilee, a subtle smile playing at the edges of his lips.

He lifted his wine glass towards Emilee. "Well then, please take a seat."

Emilee returned to her chair. However, she remained silent afterwards, her face devoid of any smile.

Seeing Emilee as quiet as a mouse, Laurie fumed internally.

The lavish meal was meant to win over her boss, Jonny-not to have Emilee displease him.

Laurie topped off Emilee's wine glass to the rim.

"Mr. Owens, Emilee is quite young and understandably a bit timid around someone of your stature. Please be patient with her."

With those words, she handed the glass to Emilee.

The message was clear. She expected Emilee to drink as a form of apology to Jonny.

Following the previous night's events, Emilee was averse to drinking.

Nonetheless, Laurie forced the glass into her hand.

"What are you waiting for? Down it! You're already late, so a glass of wine should make up for it. You didn't touch your drink earlier. No wonder Mr. Owens seems displeased."

Under Laurie's coercion, Emilee reluctantly lifted the wine glass again and faced Jonny.

"Mr. Owens, allow me to propose another toast."

As she brought the glass to her lips, the sharp scent of alcohol made her stomach churn, but she shut her eyes, bracing herself to swallow it all.

Yet, a hand intervened, stopping her.

Emilee's eyes fluttered open to find Jonny's face mere inches from her own.

He leaned forward abruptly, snatching the glass from her grip.

With a resonant "bang," the glass clattered onto the table, splashing its contents over the edge.

"If you don't want to drink, just say so."

Jonny's words cut through the air, leaving Emilee feeling as though she had blundered once more.

She tightened her fists, her eyes darting away from his piercing gaze.

Whenever she was around him, embarrassment cloaked her like a second skin.

Noticing Jonny's displeasure, Laurie hurriedly interjected, "Mr. Owens, I'm sorry. Emilee isn't quite used to drinking. Maybe she could join you for something else instead?"

Jonny pulled out a handkerchief and began wiping his hands.

His voice was deep, resonating with a frosty detachment. "I'm here for business, not games. Don't let this happen again."

With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the handkerchief onto the table and exited with resolute strides.

Once Jonny had departed, Laurie's restraint gave way, and she turned angrily towards Emilee.

"What's going on with you, Emilee? You're usually so forward with men. Even my husband isn't immune to your charms. Why the act now?"

With those harsh words hanging in the air, Laurie stormed out, the door slamming behind her with finality.

Emilee, drained by the tumultuous events of the last two days, found herself unable to muster a response. She gathered her composure and slipped out quietly.

As she stepped into the cool embrace of the night, the crisp breeze seemed to sweep the cobwebs from her mind.

With hours still left in the evening, she made her way back to the office, resolved to catch up on some overdue work.

During the ride back, Emilee glanced at her phone and spotted a new update from Laurie on social media.

"Mr. Owens keeps to himself and seems uninterested in romance, completely indifferent to the charms of women. I can't figure out what might please him. I'm really worried he might grow unhappy with some of our team and decide to make big changes at the company!"

He was uninterested in romance and indifferent to women?

Emilee remembered how insatiable he had been with her the previous night.

That certainly didn't match Laurie's description.

Then, Emilee noticed a reply under Laurie's post.

"Mr. Owens isn't indifferent to women; he's just very discreet about his private life. Rumor has it, he's devoted to a long-time love!"

Her fingers hovered over the screen as she pondered that comment.

A long-time love...

Images from the previous night flashed in her mind.

Jonny pressing close to her, his muscular chest bare and his breathing heavy, a silver chain with a star pendant hanging around his neck and catching the light.

Though Jonny had stripped down completely, he hadn't removed that necklace.

It was a fine piece, undoubtedly feminine in style.

Clearly, it was a gift from a woman.