Chapter 643

Juniper almost hurled her coffee at Ernest's smug face, but she managed to hold back just in time, remembering she was at work.

Ernest gave her a sleazy grin and said, "Mr. Eilish, do you hire your secretaries based on their looks? How come they're all so hot? I'm seriously jealous."

"A secretary is the face of the company, so the prettier, the better. But compared to your secretary, mine's got nothing on her in terms of class. By the way, where'd you find this one? How about we grab a drink tonight?" he added.

Juniper felt like she was gonna puke; guys like him made her skin crawl.

Just as Ernest was still ogling her, a cold voice cut through the air, "From now on, the Eilish Group is cutting all ties with the Cox Group."

Juniper was stunned. Was he standing up for her?

It took Ernest a few seconds to process, and then his face turned dark, "Mr. Eilish, what did you say? Why are you canceling our partnership? We've been working together for years, and everything's been smooth," Ernest was totally confused.

"Is it because of this secretary? I was just messing around, I didn't mean anything by it," Ernest suddenly got it. "Wait, is this secretary your... your girlfriend?" Now he was really freaking out.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Eilish, I didn't know she was... Otherwise, wild horses couldn't drag me to say that. Mr. Eilish, I'm really sorry," Ernest was practically groveling.

"Mr. Eilish, please give me another chance." Ernest was almost on his knees. "We've been partners for ten years."

Anthony didn't budge and pressed the intercom, "Terry, come in and show our guest out."

Terry walked in, "Mr. Cox, this way, please."

Seeing it was over, Ernest slumped and left, looking totally defeated.

Juniper was still in shock, snapping out of it a minute later. Did Anthony do this for her? She tried to tell herself not to get her hopes up, but...

"Mr. Eilish, I'm sorry, I..." Juniper started.

"Do you think you were at fault for what happened just now?" Anthony asked.

Juniper thought for a moment and shook her head.

"If you don't think you were at fault, why apologize?" Anthony continued.

"But because of Mr. Cox, he..."

"Our company doesn't work with people who have no morals."

But isn't that just how business is? Do they really care about morals? What Ernest did was just a small thing, right?

Juniper didn't want to be the reason the company lost a partner, but Anthony's actions made her feel incredibly safe. Her heart was racing, and in her eyes, he was incredibly handsome and tall.

"It's okay, you can go now," Anthony said.

"Okay."

Still in a daze, Juniper went back to her desk, a smile spreading across her face. She hadn't fallen for the wrong guy.

After a busy day, Juniper looked up and realized the office was already empty.

She was the only one left.

It was nine o'clock at night. Working overtime on the first day was a bit tiring, but very fulfilling.

The light in the CEO's office was still on; Anthony was still there.

Juniper packed her things. After hesitating, she decided not to bother him. They were just in a boss-employee relationship now.

She walked to the elevator but couldn't help turning back and knocking on the CEO's office door, "Mr. Eilish, aren't you heading out yet?"

She worried he might think she was butting in.

When a girl likes someone, she tends to overthink and stress about everything. Normally, Juniper did whatever she wanted. Even when she was with Douglas before, she didn't worry much.

She thought, 'Have I really fallen this hard for Anthony so fast? Yikes.'

But Juniper didn't mind the feeling.

"Yeah," Anthony replied.

"Do you... often work late?"

"Take care of yourself, Mr. Eilish. You need to stay healthy to keep leading us," Juniper tried not to sound too concerned.

"Sure," Anthony responded coolly.

Juniper thought, 'He probably thinks I'm being annoying.'

Not wanting to be a bother, she said, "Then I'll head out first."

Just as she was about to leave, Anthony said, "Together."

"Together?" Juniper asked, surprised. He wanted to leave with her?

Her heart raced, "Okay."

Anthony got up and put on a long coat, looking effortlessly cool.

He looked so handsome in that coat, so manly.

Juniper instinctively followed him into the executive elevator.

The glass of the elevator was transparent. The dazzling city lights outside passed by as they descended.

Their reflections in the glass looked like one.

They looked like a couple.

Her heart skipped a beat, and her face turned slightly red.

Enjoying this beautiful city with him after work felt so romantic.

Anthony... She had so much affection for him, it felt like it was about to overflow.

Juniper lowered her head slightly, a shy smile forming on her lips.

This smile was like a delicate water lily, incredibly beautiful. In Anthony's eyes, it was more captivating than the city lights outside.

His heart wavered slightly.

They walked out of the company one after the other.

The driver had already parked the car at the entrance.

"Well... Mr. Eilish, good night."

"I haven't had dinner," Anthony said.

Hearing this, Juniper realized she hadn't eaten either. Her stomach growled in agreement.

She touched her stomach, embarrassed.

"So, what do you want to eat? Hot dogs!" She blurted out, "Sorry, that was rude."

"Do you like them?"

"Yeah, I had one as a kid and have been craving it ever since. Mr. Eilish, want to try?"

Anthony usually avoided street food; he had a sensitive stomach.

"Wait here, I'll be right back," Juniper said.

He watched her hop away like a bunny to buy hot dogs and then happily run back, handing him one.

"I bought them, so try it. If you don't like it, you can give it to me," Juniper urged.

Anthony hesitated before taking it.

"Eat it with ketchup," Juniper demonstrated.

She took a bite, showing an incredibly happy smile, "Wow! It's so good, I haven't had this taste in a long time."

Could a hot dog taste that good? Anthony wasn't into food, but her happy expression stirred his appetite. She seemed to love eating and enjoyed everything.

He smiled and, imitating her, took a bite.

It was surprisingly delicious, tender, and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.

With just one bite, he realized he was actually a bit hungry.