Chapter 104: Meeting with Audrey

Words : 1291 Updated : Sep 19th, 2025

Chapter 104: Meeting with Audrey Augustine slid into the back seat of his car, the door shutting with a soft thud. As the vehicle eased into motion, he pulled out his phone and tapped Anne’s name. The call connected after just two rings. "Hello?" Her voice came through the speaker, soft and sweet with a sultry undertone that instantly made his grip on the phone tighten. The warmth in her tone sent a jolt down his spine. "Are you missing me?" she added in a teasing whisper. He cleared his throat, shifting slightly in his seat, crossing one leg over the other to steady himself. "You have no idea," he said, his voice dropping to a low, gravelly murmur. "I’ve been thinking about you all day." "Then try to come home early," she said playfully. "I have a surprise waiting for you." His pulse spiked. "A surprise?" A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "What surprise?" "If I told you now, it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?" she teased. Augustine chuckled softly. "Alright, alright—I’ll be home as soon as I can. But that’s not why I called," he added, trying to sound more composed. "I’m heading over to the Sphere Group’s branch office. Just wanted to check in and let you know. If anything comes up, you call me immediately." "I will," Anne replied gently. "But don’t worry about me so much. Just focus on your work. I’ll be waiting for you at home. See you tonight." "See you tonight," he echoed, holding onto her voice for a moment longer before finally ending the call. The smile lingered on his face as he slipped the phone back into his pocket, already counting down the hours until evening. As the call ended, Anne tucked her phone away and made her way to the manager’s office. The woman, in her late thirties, had a warm, open expression—the same kind she’d worn during the interview. Anne immediately felt at ease. "Miss Anne, please, have a seat," the manager said, gesturing to the chair across from her desk. "Thank you." Anne sat down, her eyes briefly drifting to a half-packed carton on the floor, filled with personal items—framed photos, books, and office supplies. "Are you leaving?" she asked, curiosity flickering in her tone. The manager nodded with a relaxed smile. "Yes, today is my last day. I handed in my resignation two months ago." "Oh," Anne said, a bit surprised. "Any particular reason?" "My husband is relocating overseas for work, and I’ve decided to go with him," she replied with excitement. "That’s wonderful. A new beginning," Anne said genuinely, her lips curving into a warm smile. "Enough about me. You came to see me. How can I help you?" Anne explained the situation calmly. "The client’s requirements are pushing the limits. With the current shortage of workers at the factory, it’s nearly impossible to meet deadlines. We’ll need overtime to get things done—but that means we’ll also need approval for extra pay." The manager listened attentively, nodding along. "Understood. I’ll pass it along to the finance team for approval. It may take a little while. But you can also speak with the new manager about it—she is joining tomorrow." Anne gave a small, polite nod. "Got it. I’ll follow up with her then. Thank you for your help." The manager smiled again. "You are doing great, Anne. Keep it up." Anne stood and gave her a grateful smile before turning to leave. Later that afternoon... Anne arrived at a cozy café just a short walk from the Crescent Hotel, where Audrey worked as a receptionist. As soon as Anne walked in, Audrey was already there, sitting at a corner table with an exuberant grin and a wave that lit up the room. Anne smiled warmly and made her way over. "Look at you," she said as she pulled out a chair and sat across from her. "You are glowing." Audrey’s cheeks turned a soft pink. "Stop it," she giggled. "It’s true," Anne teased with a smirk. "That boyfriend of yours must be working some kind of magic. You’ve got that post-vacation, totally-in-love glow." Audrey leaned in with a playful gleam in her eyes. "Oh, don’t you think you’re the same? Every time I see you, I’m amazed—your beauty keeps getting better. Clearly, married life suits you. You are glowing with love." With a playful laugh, Audrey reached over and pushed a small carrying bag toward Anne. "I got you a little gift," she said cheerfully. Curious, Anne eagerly pulled the bag closer, her eyes bright with anticipation. "What is it?" Just as Anne’s fingers brushed against the bag, Audrey quickly stretched out her hand to intercept, gently holding Anne’s hand to stop her from opening the package. "Not just yet," Audrey said with a coy smile. "Save it for when you get home." Anne raised a brow, her instincts prickling. Audrey’s smile had a little something extra behind it—something secretive. But instead of pushing, she leaned back and shrugged. "Alright, fine. I’ll wait." "Good," Audrey said with a wink, eyes twinkling. "Now, let’s order something to eat." She raised her hand and flagged down a nearby waitress. "Two lattes and one plate of crackers, please," she said casually. The waitress gave a nod and jotted the order down. Audrey turned back to Anne with interest. "Do you want to add anything?" Anne shook her head lightly. "That’s enough for me." As the waitress disappeared, Audrey leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "So... you said you had something to share. What’s the news?" A wide smile broke across Anne’s face. "I got a job." Audrey lit up. "That’s amazing! Where?" "At the same company where Augustine is the CEO." Audrey blinked. "Wait—seriously? Are you working as his secretary?" Anne laughed softly. "No, actually. I joined as the project lead." "Even better!" Audrey reached across the table, clasping Anne’s hands in excitement. "I’m so happy for you. And since your husband runs the place, I’m sure no one would even dare mess with you." Anne smiled but shook her head slightly. "Well... that’s the thing. No one knows we are married—not yet." Audrey’s grin faltered. "What? Why not?" Her tone sharpened, her eyes narrowing. "Don’t tell me he is just like Denis, not in favor of making the relationship public." Anne chuckled. "No, no. It’s not him—it was my idea." Audrey looked puzzled. "Yours?" Anne nodded with a mischievous spark in her eyes. "Lorie is his secretary." Audrey’s jaw dropped. "You mean—that your stepsister?" "The very one," Anne said, her smile tightening. "She is still trying to get Augustine’s attention, even though she knows he is married. And here is the best part—she doesn’t know I am his wife. And she even dared to warn me to stay away from him." Audrey burst into laughter, shaking her head in disbelief. "You’ve got to be kidding me." "I figured... why not let her dig her own grave first?" Anne said with a sly grin. "Then I’ll let her know who she has been messing with." Audrey clapped her hands together, clearly enjoying the drama. "Oh, this is going to be so good. I can already see her jaw hitting the floor when she finds out." They laughed together. Coffee and snacks were served. The comfort of catching up felt effortless as Anne and Audrey sank into the kind of deep, easy conversation that only true friendship brings. They laughed, traded stories, teased one another, and sipped their drinks slowly, munching on the crackers. But the mood shifted in an instant. Anne froze mid-sip, her fingers tightening around the cup. Her eyes locked on someone entering. "Mrs. Beaumont?" she muttered, her voice just above a whisper.

Chapter 104: Meeting with Audrey

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