billion book
Chapter 4
The PR job in an investment banking company sounded good, but everyone knew it was just schmoozing and booze.
Who would have thought that he would lump her in with the PR folk? He didn’t think last night was arranged by Mr. Percy, did he?-
Everett’s words burned Dorothy’s cheeks, but she had to swallow her pride for the time being because others were present. She couldn’t leave just yet.
She needed this job badly. She needed the money for her mother’s medical bills.
Now that the atmosphere was cooling down, Mr. Percy quickly put on a cheerful smile. “She’s always been an assistant, Mr. Lopez. I just thought since you and Dorothy are both from Havenbrook, you might have something in common. That’s why I asked her here. If you’re unhappy, I can tell her to leave.”
With that, he shot Dorothy a look.
She was about to leave when Everett spoke, “Sit down.”
“Dorothy, didn’t you hear? Mr. Lopez asked you to sit.”
Barely sitting down with a straight back, Dorothy got a harsh stare from Mr. Percy, urging her to pour wine for Everett.
She reached for the wine bottle, but his big hand blocked the glass.
“Mr. Percy, if you want to last in Prosperity Consortium, underhanded methods won’t work. I’ve been following the Harmony Ventures project. The Prosperity Consortium is in a tight spot. Submit a request to replenish funds as soon as possible and try to minimize the loss.”
Everett was undoubtedly giving Mr. Percy an ultimatum. His furrowed brows indicated his displeasure.
“Right, right, Mr. Lopez. This was my mistake. Next time, I will…”
“There won’t be a next time.”
With that, he left the room with his secretary, leaving no dignity for anyone, without giving her a second glance.
When he left, Mr. Percy’s anger finally erupted. He directed it all at Dorothy.
“What did I bring you here for? Can’t you even smile? Did Mr. Lopez come here to see your cool face?”
“Mr. Percy, being a drinking buddy isn’t part of an assistant’s job. I wasn’t trained for that.”
“You’re talking back now? Do you know how much effort I put into arranging this dinner? Usually, I think you’re pretty and efficient, but you’re useless when it counts! I should fire you!”
After venting, Mr. Percy glared at her and stormed out.
This was the most embarrassing experience Dorothy had encountered since she started working.
She thought she would cry, but apart from a slight sting in her eyes, there were no tears. She knew when she entered this field that the lower her rank, the humbler she had to be.
She just didn’t expect Everett to be so cold. She thought… she thought with their connection, and knowing that it had been her last night, he would at least give her some dignity.
Turned out that the rumors about him being difficult were true.
While walking to her hotel room in her heels, her phone rang in her bag. It was Karen.
“Why did Percy kick you out of the work group for Team 3? What happened?”
“Nothing.”
“Did your beauty trap fail?” Karen was sometimes quite sharp. “I always thought it wouldn’t work on someone as celibate as Mr. Lopez.”
Dorothy forced a smile. “Celibate?”
If he was celibate, then who was the man who tormented her last night?
“I’m just saying that’s the impression he gives. Mr. Lopez does have a love interest. It’s someone he’s been in love with for many years.”
Karen’s casual remark reminded Dorothy of the tattoo on Everett’s collarbone.
“0825”
It was clearly a date.