Chapter 89
Bailee thought. Never mind. Ruby seems too soft–spoken. She probably doesn’t know how to manage subordinates. I’ll let it go for now and wait till I see Jackson to bring it up.’
Bailee took a deep breath, tightened her grip on the insulated lunchbox, and forced a smile. “Let’s drop it for now. Where is Jackson? Why didn’t he answer my calls?”
Ruby’s gaze lingered on the lunchbox briefly, her gentle smile never faded. “Mr. Sexton had a meeting this morning. He might still be busy. Did you need something?”
Hearing this, Bailee felt slightly less annoyed about Jackson not picking up. She said, “He has been working hard lately, so I made a few dishes and brought them over.”
Ruby raised an eyebrow, her tone meaningful. “You cooked these yourself? I’m sure Mr. Sexton will be very… surprised.”
Ruby’s expression was gentle, but Bailee sensed something behind her words.
Before Bailee could dwell on it, Ruby added, “Mr. Sexton’s meeting isn’t over. Mrs. Sexton, why not leave the lunchbox with me? I’ll make sure he gets it.” Ruby reached out to take it.
Bailee frowned, instinctively stepping aside, “No. I’ll give it to him myself.”
For a moment, the air grew tense.
Ruby didn’t seem bothered by the rejection. She withdrew her hands, keeping her smile. “Well, let me take you to the office.”
She politely gestured for Bailee to follow. As they walked, Ruby explained, “Company rules are strict now. No one can enter the CEO’s office without an appointment. Technically, you wouldn’t be allowed in. But since I’m escorting you, it should be fine. Don’t worry.”
Ruby’s attitude was flawless, her smile warm as she led Bailee upstairs. Yet Bailee couldn’t shake the feeling there was more to her words.
Bailee thought, ‘I’m Jackson’s wife, the one who belongs here. But today, I actually need an escort to enter my company and see my husband. It’s ridiculous.‘
But Ruby’s manner was perfect, her smile consistently polite. Even if Bailee wanted to argue or scold her, it would seem unreasonable.
Suppressing her anger, Bailee followed Ruby into the elevator.
Entering the CEO’s office, Ruby gestured casually toward the sofa. “Mrs. Sexton, please make yourself at home.” Her confident and natural manner made her seem like the host.
Bailee took a seat, her gaze fixed on Ruby, watching as she walked to Jackson’s desk, opened a cabinet, and took out a cup. Then, she poured water and brought it to Bailee.
Setting the lunchbox down, Bailee accepted the glass, hesitated for a moment, then simply said, “Thank you.”
Ruby’s smile remained. “You’re welcome. It’s the least I can do since you rarely visit.”
With that, Ruby returned to the desk, tidying up as she spoke lightly, “I tidy up several times a day, but Mr. Sexton still leaves files everywhere. He’ll ask me to find them later. Mrs. Sexton, sorry you have to see this.”
Bailee’s hand trembled slightly as she gripped the glass, a wave of irritation and unease washing over her.
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Ruby’s words were polite, and her tone was gentle. Everything she did seemed part of her job. Yet Bailee felt Ruby was overstepping, doing more than a secretary should.
What bothered Bailee more was how unusually close Ruby seemed to Jackson. It didn’t feel like a secretary and boss, more like an old married couple.
For a split second, Bailee felt a prick of doubt, but she quickly dismissed it.
She thought, ‘How could that be? If Ruby were young, I might suspect something hidden between her and Jackson. Even well–dressed, she’s clearly in her fifties.
“With Jackson’s status, if he were to have an affair, wouldn’t he choose someone young and beautiful? Why would he be interested in a woman over fifty?‘
The thought left Bailee’s chest tight and her mind unsettled, as if something were blocking her heart. She took a quick sip of water to suppress her frustration, forcing a smile as she asked, “How much longer until his meeting ends?”
Ruby tidied up while glancing at the time. “Should be soon. Mrs. Sexton, you seem anxious. Shall I check on Mr. Sexton for you?”
Bailee quickly waved her hand. “No need. I’m not in a hurry.”
She stood up suddenly, smiling, “Since he’ll be back soon, I’ll make him a coffee. He’s always loved my coffee.” Her eyes sparkled with nostalgia for the good old days.
Ruby’s gaze shifted subtly, a meaningful smile curling her lips. “I’m sure Mr. Sexton will be delighted to have coffee made by you.”
Feeling slightly relieved, Bailee began operating the coffee machine skillfully. “Yes, he especially loves my lattes.”
But Ruby looked surprised. “Latte? Really? Mr. Sexton’s favorite is black coffee, always iced. I’ve even heard him say lattes are too heavy.”
Bailee’s smile froze. Her hand trembled slightly around the cup. “Is… Is that so?”
She thought, ‘Jackson used to love lattes. When did his taste change?‘ Suddenly, she felt as if something had slipped away without her noticing.
Ruby, seemingly unaware of Bailee’s surprise, brewed a black coffee and smiled, “Yes, and he’s quite particular. He only drinks imported beans, dark roast, never above 132 degrees Fahrenheit, and freshly hand–ground each day.
“I make it for him every morning. It’s the only way he’ll drink it. Mrs. Sexton, don’t you think he’s picky?”
Soon, two cups of coffee sat on the desk–one latte, one black. The rich coffee aroma filled the room, yet Bailee felt the air grow heavy and stifling, almost suffocating.
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