Chapter 88
Bailee took a deep breath, forcing down her anger. Arguing with receptionists felt beneath her, so she cut straight to the point. “Enough. I’m done arguing with you. I’m Jackson’s wife. Let me in now.”
The receptionists‘ expressions shifted instantly. They exchanged uneasy glances, full of doubt. “You’re Jackson’s wife? Can you prove it?” one of them asked.
Bailee snorted, honestly amazed. She thought, ‘Since when did I need proof of my identity?’
Not wanting to waste more breath, she sighed, “Fine, I’ll just call him right now.”
As she took out her phone and dialed, the receptionists grew nervous, whispering among themselves, “She does carry herself well. Could she really be the CEO’s wife?”
“The CEO’s wife never comes here. Why would she come today?”
“If it’s really her, did we just offend her? Will there be consequences?”
They looked increasingly uneasy.
Bailee watched their panic with a cold smile. She thought, ‘I’m going to tell Jackson how unprofessional these receptionists
are.‘
But the call rang only twice before it was cut off. Her face darkened, and she called again. This time, the call was rejected after just one ring.
Seeing the receptionists‘ uneasy looks turn to smirks, Bailee grew even more annoyed. She thought, ‘If Jackson doesn’t pick up soon, I’m really going to get mad.’
On her third try, Jackson’s phone was off entirely.
The receptionists sneered, “Oh, she looks so confident, but the CEO is not picking up?”
“Is she actually dialing, or just bluffing?”
“Scammers are bold. Calling the CEO? Let’s see you get through.”
Humiliated but clinging to composure, Bailee said, “Jackson must be busy. Call his secretary, Ethan Foster. Have him bring me in.” She should’ve done this from the start instead of wasting time on these receptionists.
But instead of taking her seriously, the receptionists burst into laughter. “Ma’am, how old is your intel? If you’re trying to seduce the CEO, at least know what’s up first.”
“Ethan hasn’t been the secretary for a long time. It’s Ruby Walter now.”
Bailee’s expression tightened. “What? Ruby Walter?” Jackson never told her he had changed his secretary.
Just then, a group of well–dressed, dignified people emerged. Leading them was a graceful, gentle–looking woman.
The receptionists greeted the woman with respect. “Ms. Walter.” Their attitude was far more respectful than with Bailee.
Bailee looked over in curiosity and saw an elegant, good–shaped woman around fifty years old walking gracefully forward. She thought, “This is Jackson’s new secretary? She’s not young. Why would he hire someone her age as his secretary?‘
“Why are you gathering here during work hours?” Ruby’s voice was solt.
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Chapter 88
12 65 Vouchers
One of the receptionists glanced mockingly at Bailee and said to Ruby, “Ms. Walter, perfect timing. This woman claims to be the CEO’s wife and insists on going upstairs to see him.” Her tone dripped with sarcasm.
Ruby’s gaze settled on Bailee. Their eyes met. The air grew thick with unspoken tension.
Bailee studied Ruby carefully. Though older, Ruby was gentle and attractive, with a soft smile. She didn’t look like a typical CEO’s secretary, more like someone delicate who needed protection. Yet Bailee felt she had seen Ruby somewhere before.
Bailee wondered, her mind spinning, ‘When did Jackson hire a female secretary?‘
Early in their marriage, to reassure Bailee, Jackson had promised never to get close to other women. He even replaced all his secretaries with men to show his loyalty. That was why she had trusted him all these years. But when had things changed?
“How long have you been here? When did you become Jackson’s secretary?” Bailee asked.
Ruby didn’t answer directly. Instead, she stared at Bailee with a smile and asked politely, “You are…”
Not getting a reply, Bailee felt annoyed, but Ruby’s polite manner left no room for offense. Bailee said plainly, “I’m Bailee Perry.”
Ruby raised a slim eyebrow, her smile deepening, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Oh, it’s you,” she said, drawing out the words without acknowledging Bailee’s identity.
Ruby subtly signaled to the receptionists and the others behind her. They immediately understood and stepped away, leaving Bailee and Ruby alone.
“Hello, Mrs. Sexton. I’m Ruby Walter, Mr. Sexton’s… secretary.” Ruby emphasized the word “secretary” meaningfully.
Glancing at the eavesdropping receptionists, Ruby said gently, “The receptionists are all new, and they didn’t recognize you. Please don’t hold it against them. They’re just trying to make a living. If they lost their jobs over something so trivial, they’d be heartbroken.”
Ruby’s voice was soft, every word pleading for the receptionists.
The receptionists looked at Ruby with gratitude.
But Bailee felt a heavy weight in her chest, like an invisible rock pressing down. She had identified herself, and the receptionists could’ve verified it. Instead, they insulted and mocked her. They were clearly at fault.
Yet Ruby’s words made it seem that if Bailee pursued it, she would be petty and deliberately targeting them. It made Bailee feel offended.
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