Chapter 4 The Unspoken Understanding Between Them

Jaynie's voice was sharp with exasperation. "You're the top performer in this department. If you won't follow up on the case, do you think those idle chatterboxes will handle it instead?"

Without waiting for a reply, she pivoted and strode out.

Natalie clutched the documents tightly, unease creeping in.

Connor was here for business talks with Vera, which meant he'd be in the meeting as well-and she wasn't ready to face him just yet.

Natalie instinctively turned toward Kaitlin, a faint hint of desperation in her expression. "Kaitlin, could you present instead? You've done this more than I have, and I'm still getting the hang of it. If everything goes smoothly, dinner's on me..."

"Absolutely not!" Kaitlin slammed her folder shut, her tone laced with mockery. "Someone like me could never match your brilliance. I wouldn't dream of stealing the spotlight from you. We simple girls don't stand a chance against those who've mastered the art of maneuvering their way up."

She shot Natalie a cold glance before joining another group, slipping into an easy conversation with them, her words carrying a distinct edge.

Since starting at the company, Natalie and Kaitlin had never seen eye to eye.

Kaitlin always had a need to flaunt her skills, carrying herself with an air of superiority, while looking down on Natalie-the outsider who had grown up in an orphanage after losing her parents.

What made things worse was that in terms of academics, competence, and even looks, Kaitlin simply couldn't measure up. Among the staff, Natalie was the only one who truly stood out.

Jaynie's public praise had clearly struck a nerve.

With a quiet sigh, Natalie tightened her grip on the documents and made her way to the conference room. She rapped lightly on the door.

"Come in."

Stepping inside, her gaze landed on Connor, focused on the papers in front of him. Vera was perched comfortably on the armrest of his chair, holding a small dish of chocolate mousse, feeding him a bite while chatting about the documents.

Their familiarity was unmistakable-the ease, the shared glances, the unspoken understanding between them.

It wasn't just physical closeness. It was something deeper, a connection that couldn't be feigned.

Natalie inhaled deeply, ready to shatter the seemingly perfect moment.

"Miss Dawson, the files are prepared."

Vera didn't shift from her position, merely gesturing toward the seat opposite her.

"Take a seat. Mr. Bailey will be here shortly."

With that, she scooped up another spoonful of mousse, offering it to Connor once more.

This time, his fingers brushed against her hand, gently pushing it aside. The movement was effortless but deliberate.

"That's enough," he murmured.

The casual intimacy between them felt like a sharp sting, and Natalie's chest tightened.

An impulse surged through her-to reject the unexpected burden being placed on her.

"Miss Dawson, I actually came here today to submit my resignation-"

Before she could finish, the door swung open. Caleb Bailey strode in with an air of confidence, his voice ringing out.

"Pleasure to be here, Miss Dawson. Thanks for the invitation!"

His eyes landed on Connor, and for a brief second, his expression stiffened. "Mr. Hughes, to what do we owe the honor of your visit?"

Caleb's eyes flickered to their seating arrangement, noting how Vera remained casually perched on the arm of Connor's chair, unfazed by his abrupt entrance. The intimacy between them was evident.

With a calm smile, Vera set the dish aside and straightened. "I'm not particularly well-versed in these matters, so Connor was kind enough to accompany me. I hope that won't be an issue, Mr. Bailey."

Caleb wasn't foolish-he instantly grasped what was happening. His lips stretched into a forced grin.

"Not at all! It's a privilege to have Mr. Hughes offering his insights. A real privilege."

Though his expression remained friendly, there was no hiding the tension beneath. "Miss Dawson, given how close you are to Mr. Hughes, a heads-up would have saved us all a lot of trouble."