Chapter 24
Jessica said, “Our company’s designers are all pretty good. But looking for designers at Fashion Week, wouldn’t that be…”
“If they were famous, we couldn’t afford them. If they weren’t, we don’t want them. Madame Mayhem does things her own way. She posts designs whenever she’s in the mood, and they’re bought out almost instantly,” Joshua explained.
He continued, “That’s why the only way for us to hire her is to track her down personally and negotiate. That way, we’d have better chances at success.
“Our flight is at dawn the day after tomorrow. You don’t need to come to the office tomorrow. Just stay home and get ready. Sylvaria is very cold, so bring more clothes. The itinerary will be sent out later.”
“Have you both finished the design drafts I asked for last time?” Zachary asked, reclining into the couch with a tired posture as he glanced at Eric.
Eric glanced at Jessica, and Zachary’s gaze followed, snapping her back to her senses.
“Yes, they’re ready.” Jessica’s voice trembled.
In truth, she hadn’t prepared anything at all. She had been so caught up with dealing with that shameless pair the last few days that the task had completely slipped her mind.
“Ms. Lockman, am I that terrifying?” Zachary asked.
Jessica had no response to that. She pursed her lips together and shook her head.
Off to the side, Joshua hid a laugh behind his fist.
Eric quickly said, “Mr. Jones, don’t take it the wrong way. Jessica just isn’t used to work being this formal and rigorous. Naturally, she’s nervous.”
Zachary said nothing. He merely signalled for them to leave with a wave of his hand.
Jessica quickly gathered her things and followed Eric out of the CEO’s office. She had barely stepped out when Zachary sent her a message. “Come up before lunch.”
“Alright, Mr. Jones.” Jessica had no idea how else to address him. After all, she had to
maintain a professional demeanor at the office.
Zachary’s eyes darkened as he looked at the name he had saved her contact as-“Honey”. Then, he stared at the “Mr. Jones” in her reply.
At noon, as soon as it was lunchtime, Jessica quietly slipped into the elevator while everyone else went to the cafeteria.
Joshua had already registered her biometrics for the elevator, allowing her easy access in and out. It was something she hadn’t expected.
“I’m heading down for lunch, so you’re going in alone.” Joshua chuckled, leaving Jessica standing there, blushing.
She tugged at her dress, still looking a little ill at ease. Then, she knocked on the door.
“Come in.”
Jessica eased the door open and was greeted by the inviting smell of food. “Mr. Jones, you
wanted to see me.”
She spotted the secretary she had seen at the hospital last time, Susan, crouching by the couch, setting up disposable cutlery.
Zachary casually took Jessica’s hand and guided her to the couch. Once Susan finished setting
up, she left the office and shut the door behind her.
Zachary said, “There’s no need to be so tense. You don’t need to call me “Mr. Jones” when
there’s no one else around.”
Still, she didn’t know how she couldn’t be nervous when she was sneaking off just for a meal.
“Okay.” Jessica had to constantly remind herself that she was already married. There was no need for her to be scared; she just needed to act naturally.
But the more she reminded herself of that, the more nervous she became.
She was so nervous that she only snapped out of her thoughts when Zachary placed a steaming bowl of soup in front of her.
“Thank you.” She scrambled awkwardly.
“Am I pressuring you?” Joshua took a sip of his soup and tilted his head toward her.
“No.” Jessica shook her head.
“You aren’t acting like yourself.” Zachary pursed his lips together and continued to eat.
He remembered how fierce she had been when they spoke a few days ago. She had once stormed into his office, called him by name, and looked ready to pick a fight at the slightest provocation.
Now, after their marriage, she seemed like a timid little rabbit, speaking so cautiously that she could barely get her words out.
