Chapter 7: Encounter
Terrence Sterling narrowed his long eyes, staring at her intently. “What were you thinking just now? I want the truth.”
Meredith would by no means speak the truth. If Terrence Sterling found out she had been fantasizing about him, would he just silence her? Consciously composing herself, she replied, “I was thinking about tonight’s dinner.”
Terrence Sterling raised an eyebrow how the hell did she come up with such nonsense. Despite Meredith’s innocent appearance, Terrence Sterling couldn’t shake the feeling that this woman was not showing her true colors. She was cunning.
Gazing at her, Terrence asked, “Do you know why I called you to the Secretary’s Office?”
“I do,” Meredith replied with a sincere facade. “Mr. Shepard said it was because I look plain.”
Terrence Sterling’s mouth twitched. “You really… have self-awareness.” He felt at a loss for words and never before had he had such a compliant secretary.
“You won’t have a chance to have dinner by yourself tonight. Get ready, you’re going out with me,” he ordered.
If Meredith didn’t know Terrence Sterling’s schedule and that he had a dinner appointment that evening, his words could easily be misinterpreted.
“Yes, Mr. Sterling,” Meredith respectfully handed him a freshly brewed coffee.
“Get back to your work,” Terrence Sterling dismissed her.
Meredith quickly left. Back in the Secretary’s Office, Meredith breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that Terrence Sterling truly didn’t remember that night, which was a good thing. Meredith just wanted a job to survive in this city. With no parents, she knew she had to rely on herself, and she never harbored any unrealistic dreams of climbing social ranks or marrying into wealth. She knew how hard she had worked to reach this point.
For an ordinary person, giving their all would still only get them an ordinary life at best. A slight misstep, however, could threaten even this semblance of peace. If she could excel in this job, her future would be much brighter, given the generous salary and benefits offered by Sterling Corporation.
Suddenly, Linda entered. Meredith asked eagerly, “Linda, why isn’t Mr. Shepard here today? Usually, he accompanies Mr. Sterling for social events. I didn’t see him today.”
“Mr. Sterling’s girlfriend is moving in with him, and Mr. Shepard is helping her,” Linda replied. “Didn’t you know? You work so closely with Mr. Sterling, how could you be so oblivious?”
“Mr. Sterling has a girlfriend? Who is she, do we know her?” Meredith was surprised, feeling a fleeting sense of loss she didn’t quite grasp.
“No, but she’s the first woman to move into Thornfield Gardens and she’s likely to be Mrs. Sterling in the future.”
With Terrence Sterling having a woman he cared for, Meredith decided to bury that night’s incident deep inside. Adjusting her emotions quickly, she accompanied Terrence Sterling to the social event that evening.
At the event, since Meredith could not drink much herself, she couldn’t shield Terrence Sterling from too much alcohol. Terrence Sterling always kept his thoughts hidden, even when drunk; his composure was remarkable. Watching on the sidelines, Meredith wondered just how bold she had been that night to overpower Terrence Sterling.
“Another new secretary, Mr. Sterling? This one doesn’t look as good as the last one,” teased Harvey Royce, President of Greenbriar Enterprises. “Shall I find you a few pretty ones? Women are decorations; attractive ones are a sight for sore eyes. Staring at your secretary all day must be a hassle.”
Meredith thought Harvey Royce was sharp-tongued enough, but then Terrence Sterling eventually outdid him. Terrence Sterling glanced at Meredith and casually remarked, “She looks … refreshing.”
How come he didn’t comment on her appearance as well? This was the first time Meredith experienced Terrence Sterling’s sharp tongue.
After three rounds of drinks, the social event was relatively easy-going today, and Meredith didn’t have to do much. If it were a significant event, Terrence Sterling wouldn’t have brought her along.Content is property of NôvelDrama.Org.
At midnight, the event ended, and as his secretary, Meredith needed to take Terrence Sterling home. The fact that he lived in Thornfield Gardens was common knowledge, so Meredith, along with the driver, escorted Terrence Sterling. By the time they arrived, it was almost 1 a. m.
Bearing a strong alcohol tolerance, Terrence Sterling fell asleep as soon as he got into the car. Once they arrived, the driver assisted Terrence Sterling inside, and Meredith’s role was merely supportive.
Together, they managed to get Terrence Sterling to his bedroom on the third floor. Fiona, who lived on the second floor, heard the commotion and excitedly rushed upstairs in her pajamas upon hearing Terrence Sterling’s return.