Chapter 693

Juniper zeroed in and kept grinding away.

All she had left was her job now.

Mira had pulled a fast one on her again, sneaky as ever. But Juniper was onto her tricks and ready to clap back. Still, it messed up their work, which sucked for both of them.

She had no clue what she did to tick Mira off. It felt so unfair to be targeted for no reason.

The day dragged on forever, not 'cause of the workload, but 'cause she had to keep an eye on Mira.

Juniper was too wiped out to stay late. She just wanted to clock out and crash at home.

"Is Mr. Eilish here?" A familiar voice called out.

Juniper's head snapped up.

It was Hera, Anthony's college buddy.

No, now she was his girlfriend.

And Hera seemed to notice her too, their eyes locking for a second.

Juniper felt a bit awkward, but that was just her being petty. They were a legit couple, a perfect match. What right did she have to be jealous?

She felt like she had turned into some bitter side character and hated herself for it.

Hera looked a bit surprised to see Juniper there.

Hera thought, 'Did Anthony set this up, or did she get here on her own? Being close has its perks. Even if they're apart now, they could easily spark things up again, especially since Anthony clearly hasn't forgotten her.'

A wave of panic hit Hera, making her feel suffocated.

Hera didn't want Juniper hanging around Anthony, but she felt helpless 'cause she couldn't mess with his work. That would just piss him off.

"Juniper, is Mr. Eilish in his office?" A colleague shouted over.

Shouldn't she know if Anthony was in? Why ask Juniper?

But Juniper answered, "Yeah."

Juniper was actually his secretary, which meant they had even more contact. Hera felt more and more uneasy. But she kept a warm and friendly smile. "Thanks. I'll go find him."

"No problem."

As soon as Hera walked into the office, the female colleagues started gossiping.

"Who is she? Mr. Eilish's girlfriend?"

"Why do you think that? Just 'cause a woman is looking for Mr. Eilish, she's his girlfriend?"

"Well, has any woman come to see Mr. Eilish alone before? And she was so confident, didn't even ask to be announced. She definitely has the vibe of a girlfriend. And look at her, totally high society, so elegant and classy."

"Yeah, even her perfume smells expensive."

"I remember her now. I just saw her in a magazine yesterday. She's a famous neurologist abroad, from a family of doctors."

"Wow, isn't that like a princess? And she's so accomplished herself, a female doctor in magazines. All those words together, they just shine."

"She's not just any rich girl; she matches our Mr. Eilish perfectly."

"Yeah, a prince and a princess."

"Some Cinderellas should stop dreaming and wake up."

Mocking glances were thrown Juniper's way.

"At least Cinderella was kind. Some people don't even qualify as Cinderella."

"Exactly, what kind of Cinderella juggles two guys and uses tricks? She's more like Cinderella's stepmother."

"Face it. Getting played by a playboy is already lucky enough. Don't dream of becoming the queen of the Eilish Group."

"Yeah."

Juniper knew those words were aimed right at her. She just couldn't wrap her head around why some folks had to be so nasty and bored.

Juniper thought, 'Do they really get a kick out of trash-talking and seeing others suffer? Is it more satisfying than eating?'

But food was delicious, while their words were just toxic and gross.

Juniper couldn't help but glance at the CEO's office and thought, 'What are they doing in there? Probably making out like any other couple, right? Is Anthony happy to see her? Now that they're all public at work, is marriage next? Seems about time. Just her being here makes my mind go wild. I'm really a jealous mess, and I hate it.'

Meanwhile, Mira was watching her like a hawk.

She couldn't miss that look of disappointment. Juniper definitely had a thing for Anthony.

Mira thought, 'What right does she have? Does she deserve it? A chick who flirts with two guys at once has no right to like Anthony. Even liking him is an insult. It's like a stain on the moon, something I can't stand.'

Mira only admired Hera, not envied her, 'cause she was realistic. She had a one-sided crush on Anthony and never thought she could be with him. Hera could help him in status and career; he should marry someone like her.

Mira wouldn't mess it up; she'd genuinely wish him well. But Juniper? No way!

"Hey, am I interrupting?" Hera knocked twice and walked in.

Anthony didn't expect her and frowned. "Why didn't you give me a heads-up?"

He didn't like mixing personal stuff with work, becoming office gossip, and especially didn't want Juniper to see it.

But Anthony didn't want to admit the latter reason.

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you beforehand." Hera felt a bit let down but still joked with a smile, "So, did you miss me?"

"Come on, I've been thinking about you all these days. You're too cold and heartless." Hera joked, but it was really to hide her true disappointment.

Anthony asked, "Do you need something?"

"Can't I just come to see you for no reason?"

Anthony reminded, "I'm working."

"I know, so I came right before you get off work, so it wouldn't mess with your day."

Anthony said, "Next time, let me know first. Let's meet at a restaurant."

"Why can't I come to the office? Afraid someone might get the wrong idea?"

Anthony's frown deepened.

"I was just kidding. Don't take it so seriously. You never used to be this uptight. You know, frowning like that will give you wrinkles and make you look old?" Hera sat down and continued, "I came to tell you some good news. Nora's condition is starting to improve."

Anthony's frown finally eased, and a hint of joy appeared in his eyes. "That's great. When will she fully recover?"

Hera replied, "It might still take some time, but her emotions are more stable now, so I'm thinking of cutting back on her meds."

Anthony said, "If possible, that would be best. Those meds mess with her other bodily functions."

"Yeah, I'll do my best."

"Thanks."

Hera teased, "Mr. Eilish, a thank you from you can't just be words. You should show some real action, like treating me to dinner or something."