Chapter 722

"Forget it. Just leave it as is," Anthony changed his mind.

Juniper looked stunning in anything she wore, always managing to be the most dazzling person in the crowd, the focal point of every man's gaze.

Her radiance couldn't be hidden by a change of clothes; her beauty would shine through even if she wrapped herself in a tattered blanket.

Moreover, he shouldn't interfere with her freedom to dress as she pleased. That would be too controlling and petty.

"Okay," Juniper nodded.

The restaurant was just upstairs.

As soon as they entered the elevator, Juniper's mind vividly replayed the scene from last night where she clung to Anthony and groped him.

Her ears turned bright red.

But it wasn't from shyness; it was from shame!

What she did last night could be considered sexual harassment. How could she do something so disgusting? She despised herself!

She felt utterly embarrassed and wanted to hide away to calm down.

Anthony glanced at her through the mirror, seeing her head lowered and her slender fingers tugging at the hem of her red lace dress.

Was it because of what happened last night? Did she regret it?

Was it really just an accident? Was it really just because of the alcohol and not from the heart?

Were all the things she said about liking him just drunken words that couldn't be taken seriously?

The more Anthony thought about it, the more his chest tightened, a dull ache forming.

He really wanted to grab Juniper and forcefully ask her if she truly meant it when she said she liked him.

Love made people sensitive, anxious, and uncertain. One moment he was sure, but the next he completely doubted himself, thinking it was just wishful thinking.

Emotions swung like a roller coaster, oscillating between the highest highs and the lowest lows.

Finally, they exited the elevator.

Juniper let out a quiet sigh of relief.

"Mr. Eilish, you're here," a portly, overweight man approached.

Such an expensive suit looked almost comical on him, a waste of good fabric, nlike Anthony, who was tall and dignified.

Juniper smiled. "Mr. Mather."

"This must be Juniper. Mr. Myles was just singing your praises over the phone, saying you're not only beautiful and talented but also have a great tolerance for alcohol. It's great to finally meet you today. You are indeed very beautiful."

Odis Mather's greasy, short, fat hands grabbed both of Juniper's hands, holding them tightly, his intentions to take advantage of her quite clear.

Juniper tried to pull her hands back. "Mr. Mather, you're too kind."

"Not at all. You're so beautiful. No amount of praise is too much." Odis's greedy eyes roamed over her.

He thought, 'She's so beautiful. Look at that chest, that slim waist and curvy hips. She doesn't look like a secretary at all; she'd be the star of any nightclub. How amazing it will be to sleep with her.'

Juniper felt uncomfortable under his gaze but maintained her smile.

Anthony was even more displeased, his face darkening.

But Odis was too smitten with Juniper to notice Anthony's expression.

He eagerly pulled out a chair. "Juniper, sit next to me. Mr. Eilish, you don't mind if I borrow Juniper, do you?"

Before Anthony could refuse, Juniper had already agreed with a charming smile, "Of course not. It's an honor to sit next to you, Mr. Mather."

Anthony's face darkened further. 'She knows Odis is trying to take advantage of her, yet she still accepted. Is sitting next to me so unbearable for her?'

Odis was overjoyed' "Great. Please sit."

"Juniper, what a lovely name," Odis said, his eyes lecherous, deliberately using a familiar tone that was nauseatingly slick.

Juniper almost threw up.

"Juniper, what do you usually eat to maintain yourself so well? Look at that face, that skin and those hands, so smooth and delicate." Odis reached for her hand.

Juniper discreetly pulled her hand back.

"What perfume are you wearing? It smells wonderful and I love it." Odis leaned in to sniff her neck, rubbing against her.

Juniper couldn't take it anymore, her skin crawling, and gently pushed against Odis' shoulder.

She could feel Anthony's gaze from across the table, like the calm before a storm, as if he was about to come over and hit Odis.

Juniper said, "Mr. Mather, let's eat."

"Alright. This fish is a local specialty, very tender, just like you. Try it," Odis offered her some fish.

Juniper didn't want to eat anything he touched, feeling disgusted. "Sorry, Mr. Mather, I'm allergic to seafood."

"It's fine. Just one bite won't hurt. I'll feed you. Open up," Odis brought the fish to her mouth.

Juniper declined, "I'm really allergic, not even a bite, Mr. Mather."

"It'll be different if I feed you. If you have an allergic reaction, I'll take you to the hospital." Odis was relentless, almost prying Juniper's mouth open.

"Mr. Mather..." Juniper frowned, pushing his hand away.

Across the table, Anthony slammed his wine glass down, the entire room shaking with his imposing presence.

Odis finally snapped out of it, realizing he had gone too far in front of Anthony.

His scalp tingled. "Mr. Eilish, I'm just being enthusiastic, wanting Juniper to try our local specialty, no other intentions. Juniper, if you don't want to eat fish, try something else. The food here is all very good."

"Thank you," Juniper's face didn't look too good.

Dealing with greasy men like Odis was the worst part of socializing! And Odis was particularly over the top.

Anthony's gaze was also displeased as he looked at her.

Juniper knew what he was upset about, but she didn't want this either.

Anthony's phone rang, and he stepped out to take the call.

As soon as he left, Odis quickly moved closer and asked, "Juniper, how much do you make now?"

"That's a company secret," Juniper guessed what he was about to say and didn't want to answer.

Odis said, "A secretary can't make much. No matter how much it is, I'll pay you ten times what the Eilish Group does if you come work for me."

'As a secretary or to be kept by him?' Juniper thought in disgust.

She hadn't even eaten yet and already felt like throwing up.

Odis continued, "Don't feel bad about it. Job-hopping is normal. With the Eilish Group's strength, they won't have trouble finding another secretary."

Juniper retorted, "Mr. Mather, you won't have trouble either."

"Finding a secretary is easy, but finding one as beautiful and well-built as you is hard. My company may not be as big as the Eilish Group, but you're working to make money, right? A higher salary is what matters."

"Don't talk about career development; that's all uncertain. Ten times the salary! If you make me happy, twenty times isn't out of the question!"

Odis was sure that with such a high salary, Juniper would agree immediately, but she shook her head and said, "I'll think about it."

Juniper wouldn't consider it; she just wanted to avoid him. Once this dinner was over, she wouldn't have to see him again.

Odis said, "What's there to think about? Give me your contact information, and let me know when you've decided."

"Mr. Mather, this isn't appropriate right now."

Odis urged, "Hurry, while Mr. Eilish isn't here."

"Mr. Mather..."

Odis was about to grab her phone when Anthony walked in.

Seeing them tussling, Anthony coldly said, "Come here and sit next to me."