Chapter 18

Tandy doesn’t easily pick up the phone unless it’s something important.

He answered immediately.

Angelia took the opportunity to come down.

“What? That’s impossible. I personally negotiated with Adele for this product. How could she be allergic? I’ll come back immediately.”

Sammie hung up the phone and headed towards the stairs, where she saw Angelia.

“Angelia, there’s an urgent matter at the company. I’ll contact you later.” Sammie said, got into her car, and quickly drove away.

Angelia watched Sammie’s car leave and realized she couldn’t stay there.

Sammie would come to bother her, Amanda Charles would come to bother her, Neville also knew she lived there.

Soon, Lillian and her mother Ariel would also come to bother her.

Sooner or later, they would stir up her life.

She went to the Ocean Department Store and got out of the taxi, hearing a honking sound.

She instinctively looked towards the source of the sound and saw Jerome leaning on the car door, looking at her for a while.

Angelia ran over apologetically, “I’m sorry I’m late.”

“It’s only 9:20. You’re not late. Get in.” Jerome opened the passenger door.

Angelia got in, and he helped her close the door, very gentlemanly.

He went around the front of the car and sat in the driver’s seat.

Originally, she should have opened the car door and driven.

She felt sorry.

Compared to Whitfield, she was far worse.

Jerome’s phone rang, and he glanced at the caller ID and answered.

“Jerome, Sammie has arrived. Should our people leave?”

“Stay and play with him.” Jerome said simply and hung up.

He took out a file from the storage box and handed it to Angelia.

“Take a look.”

Angelia took it suspiciously.

“What is it?”

“A proposal for a game development project. After reading it, tell me what you think.” Jerome said in a businesslike manner.

Angelia flipped through the proposal.To be honest, she doesn’t play games much on a regular basis.

Besides working, she also has to take care of her children, and she’s exhausted every day, so she doesn’t have time to play games.

At the last alumni meeting, it seemed like an alumnus mentioned something about games.

She finished looking at the proposal and closed it, “I think the surface data looks good, but the market valuation is too high and too idealistic.

I remember that many top-up payments come with gifts, and the accounts are very virtual.

As for the real situation, it’s best to ask the internal people, they know best.”

“This is a good suggestion. I’m going to give you this project. You can establish a game company and own five percent of the shares,” Jerome said in a deep voice.

Angelia looked at Jerome in shock, “Give it to me?”

“What’s wrong, no confidence?” Jerome looked at her, “I don’t have cowards on my team.”

“It’s not that I don’t have confidence, I don’t have experience in the gaming industry, nor do I have experience in capital listing or management,” Angelia said frankly.

Jerome smiled bitterly, “What about doing your best? You’re really deceiving me.”

Angelia was stimulated and didn’t want to back down before even starting, “I will do my best.”

Jerome’s eyes flickered, and his expression was serious, “Detroit has several large game companies, so the company will be established in Detroit. Is that okay?”

Neville and the Green family are also in Detroit.

Five years ago, she left with a lot of pain, but since they found her, she has no reason to retreat.

It’s not her fault, they should be the ones avoiding her.

“No problem,” Angelia said firmly.

Jerome’s gaze deepened.

“Do you need to consult your husband’s approval?”She really wanted to be away from Sammie, who now made her feel scared subconsciously. After all, women’s physical strength cannot be compared to men’s. She had wanted to move out, saying “I can make my own decisions.”

Jerome spoke gently, “I can arrange for you to stay in the staff dormitory. Your position will be my assistant and vice president, with an annual salary of 1.5 million Dollar. Deducting one million, you will receive 20,000 Dollar per month and the remaining amount will be given as a year-end bonus. The contract needs to be signed for three years, and you will have statutory holidays off. If you need to travel, you can make a request.”

The position of vice president with an annual salary of 1.5 million Dollar was beyond her wildest dreams. Jerome had given her 200,000 Dollar and she was already satisfied. “I…” Angelia hesitated. Jerome saw her hesitation and said, “Your annual salary will increase by 50% based on your performance.”

It wasn’t that she thought the money was too little, but she was worried that she couldn’t do the job well. Sometimes, it wasn’t that she didn’t want to do a good job, but that she lacked the ability. “Can I sign for one year first? If I don’t do well, you can fire me at any time, it’s okay,” Angelia suggested.

“Then sign for one year first.” Jerome took out a labor contract from the storage cabinet and handed it to her. “Take a look, if there’s no problem, sign it.”

Angelia was surprised that he had already prepared the contract. She looked at it and saw that the duration and salary were both blank. Jerome was really good at planning. She was worried that she was his only mistake. Her confidence came from her ability, which she felt was very problematic. “Can I ask you if I don’t understand something?”

“Of course, you are my…” Jerome paused and Angelia’s heart skipped a beat. She gripped the seat belt and looked at Jerome.

“What I mean is, I don’t trust many people. I will train you to be my right-hand person,” Jerome explained.Angelia understood that Jerome needed a trustworthy person in North Carolina, and that person was her, which is why she was given such a high salary.

“I won’t betray the trust and I won’t forget my original intentions. I will work hard,” she sincerely resolved to do so.

Jerome was her benefactor, and she was lucky to have him as a classmate, which was a blessing she had accumulated over several lifetimes.

“The company currently has no CEO, but there is a manager in the game development department who has directly invested in the game company and is responsible for development. You also know this person, Sloan. He has been in the game industry since he graduated, and he did the planning for the project. To be honest, after reading the plan, my trust in him has decreased a lot,” Jerome said bluntly.

Angelia nodded, moved that Jerome trusted her so much.

“I understand. Give me a month, and I will redo the plan according to the market,” she said.

She neatly filled in her name on the contract, but left the salary and term blank.

Jerome trusted her, and naturally, she trusted Jerome.

“You can use Sloan’s resources to quickly integrate into this circle,” Jerome suggested as he drove.

“I will seize this opportunity,” Angelia promised.

Jerome chuckled, “Why do you always sound like a primary school student? Haven’t you graduated yet?” His words sounded teasing, but his tone was indulgent.

She didn’t know how to respond and looked out the window.

Her phone rang, and she saw it was Sammie.

She really didn’t want to answer, but if she didn’t, Sammie would act like a lunatic and threaten her with her grandmother and Alyssa.

She patiently answered the phone.

“Did Neville do this? Did he bring in reporters and think he could defeat me like this? It’s ridiculous. Adele and I signed a contract. If there are any problems with the product, they will compensate me ten times the loss,” Sammie said angrily.”Ask him, not me, if he did it,” Sammie said before hanging up the phone.

Angelia felt annoyed by Sammie’s voice and put her phone in her bag.

“It was me,” Jerome said in a deep voice.

“What?” Angelia looked at Jerome, not understanding.

“Adele’s product contains hormones. Although the amount in one mask is negligible and difficult to detect, using it once or twice may seem effective for improving the skin and attract the market’s attention. However, the hormones will accumulate over time and cause hormone imbalance on the face, leading to redness, itching, and peeling. It may even cause severe skin damage,” Jerome explained.

“It’s hard to prevent. Darcey seemed to be using this product and even recommended it to me. My skin is fine for now, so I didn’t use it. I’ll call her now,” Angelia said.

She immediately took out her phone and called Darcey.

“Angelia, I was just about to call you. Gallagher was arrested, and it seems pretty serious. The boss is looking for people to save him, but there are more powerful people suppressing him. He might be sentenced to 20 years in prison,” Darcey gossiped.

“He deserves whatever sentence he gets. He ruined more than one woman’s life. I need to talk to you. Are you still using that Adele mask?” Angelia asked.

“Yes, why? Do you want it? I have to make an appointment with the seller in advance; otherwise, I won’t be able to get it,” Darcey said.”That face mask you should stop using, it contains hormones that can cause hormone face, and when combined with other cosmetics, sweating can cause red spots that are itchy. If used for a long time, it may cause skin damage.” Said Angelia.

“Oh my god, no wonder! Every time I sweat, I get red spots that are itchy and painful. I thought it was because of a sun allergy. So it’s a hormone face. What should I do after getting a hormone face? I haven’t got a boyfriend or married yet. If my face gets damaged, how can I find a boyfriend or get married?” Darcey panicked.

“Don’t worry, let me ask and then I’ll tell you,” Angelia hung up the phone and looked at Jerome. “Is there a way to treat hormone face?”

“Hormones are not easy to eliminate, but they will slowly disappear with metabolism. This process is slow, but my research institute has developed a product suitable for hormone face. You can let her search online for PFO. I’ll ask Whitfield to send a year’s supply. Within a year, her face will return to normal.” Jerome said.

“How much does it cost? I’ll pay you.” Angelia felt bad for using his help for free, and she didn’t even pay for the last ointment.

“No need, this is still an employee benefit. Just tell her not to use that face mask anymore.” Jerome glanced at her.

“Oh, thank you.” She took a deep breath and called Darcey back.

“What did you say? I just watched the live stream, and this Adele brand is really problematic.” Darcey asked anxiously.

“Do you know the brand PFO?””Oh my, it’s permanently perfect. This brand is very high-end and generally only the wealthy can afford it. They only produce 10,000 pieces globally each year, and each piece costs 10,000 euros, which is approximately 78,000 Dollar. It’s a really impressive brand. What’s wrong?” Darcey asked.

Angelia didn’t expect it to be so expensive and said, “My friend said he’ll give you a few bottles.”

“Really?” Darcey was shocked.

“Well, I’ll give them to you once I receive them,” Angelia replied.

“Is your friend Jerome? Only he can be so generous and give away hundreds of thousands of Dollar,” Darcey curiously asked.

“Well, I work for him now,” Angelia said.

“I want to work with you. Marriott International is in chaos now. I suspect it will go bankrupt soon. I’m good at talking and understand computers. I can do sales, assistant, or anything really. It’s not a problem,” Darcey immediately said.

“If there’s a suitable position, I’ll let you know,” Angelia said.

“Okay, I’ll wait for your call,” Darcey happily hung up.

“Darcey wants to work with you?” Jerome asked.

Angelia was shocked and asked, “How did you know?”

“Your phone leaked sound. Don’t you know?” Jerome asked back.

Angelia: “…”

“It’s good to have a trustworthy person by your side. The company over there is newly established and there are many issues involved. How much is her annual salary at Marriott International?” Jerome got to the point.

“Salary plus commission, she gets it every year for 15 years. She has a lively personality, can act cute, play around, has a sense of justice, and can be tough at times. She works hard and has to repay her loans and take care of her sick mother. She’s capable,” Angelia said.

“She has to repay her loans and take care of her sick mother. Is that why you don’t investigate Marriott International further?” Jerome asked her with a deep gaze.

“It’s 30% of the reason,” Angelia honestly replied.

“What about the other 70%?” Jerome asked further.”I think the problem with Gallagher has escalated to become a company issue, and the repercussions are quite broad. Additionally, dealing with Mr. Diana would require a lot of manpower, financial resources, and energy. The problem is, aside from instant gratification, there doesn’t seem to be any practical benefit.”

Angelia explained.

“You’re quite rational,” Jerome teased, looking ahead with an inscrutable expression.

For some reason, Angelia felt that he suddenly seemed unhappy.

“I’m offering her an annual salary of around 200,000, which translates to a monthly wage of 16,667. Year-end bonuses will depend on the situation, ranging from 10% to 50% of the annual salary. You don’t need to inform her yet, but once you officially join, she can become your assistant.” Jerome fell silent for a moment before speaking again.

“She’ll definitely be happy to hear that,” Angelia said with a smile.

Jerome glanced at her. “You’re not happy?”

Angelia raised her smile. “Of course, I’m very happy too.”

Jerome’s gaze darkened. “As long as you’re happy.”

Angelia: “……”

Feeling uneasy, she looked out the window. Her heart was beating abnormally fast, and she felt a lack of oxygen. She opened the window slightly to let in some air, but closed it again after a while since the car had air conditioning.

During the rest of the journey, Jerome didn’t speak again and played some beautiful classical music. Angelia remained silent, listening intently.

When they arrived at Elite Estates, Sloan was already waiting for them at the door.

He saw Angelia and hesitated for a moment, his expression somewhat unusual. He asked Jerome, “Was the traffic bad on the way here?”

“Not too bad,” Jerome replied.”I called Talbot and Sherman. Talbot is the CEO of Manwei Entertainment, and their game ‘Werewolf Empire’ is popular in the market. Sherman is the CEO of Baixiang Gaming Platform, and they have developed many games. They are both interested in being acquired,” Sloan introduced briefly.

“Let’s talk first,” Jerome said in a deep voice, following Sloan into the private room.

In addition to Talbot and Sherman, there were two other men and four beautiful women, one of whom, Angelia, Jerome recognized as a small actress named Bea.

“Hello, Jerome,” they all stood up respectfully and extended their hands.

Jerome did not shake their hands and sat in the main seat. “Please sit down.”

Angelia was about to sit next to Jerome, but Bea took the seat first.

Sloan sat on the other side of Jerome, and after everyone sat down, she found a seat.

Jerome glanced at her, his brow furrowed slightly.

“Jerome, do you want red or white wine?” Bea asked sweetly.

Jerome looked coldly at Angelia, his meaning clear.

Angelia noticed Jerome’s gaze and had a sudden realization. “Jerome is driving, so he can’t drink.”

“What’s the problem? There are plenty of designated drivers here. If not, the five-star hotel upstairs has wine. Let’s open a bottle of red wine,” Talbot said.

“Okay,” Bea immediately went to open the wine and poured a small glass for Jerome and a half glass for Talbot.

Angelia was sitting next to Talbot, and Bea poured her a glass of wine. “Thank you,” she said, raising her glass.

“I heard that Jerome is planning to make a name for himself in the gaming industry. I toast to Jerome and hope to have the opportunity to cooperate in the future,” Talbot said, raising his glass and drinking it all.

Jerome smiled slightly.

“Do you smoke, Jerome?” Bea asked again.”I don’t smoke,” Jerome said indifferently.

“Jerome is such a rare good man nowadays, not many men don’t smoke. By the way, this wine fermented rice dumpling is a specialty of Detroit. Jerome, try some,” Bea enthusiastically scooped half a bowl of rice dumplings into Jerome’s bowl and placed it in front of him.

Her clothes had a loose collar, and she made intentional movements to show Jerome.

Angelia saw it and knew that Bea was probably sent by Talbot.

In the entertainment industry, many actors try their best to find a sponsor.

Jerome was young, handsome, and wealthy, and was the dream of those women.

Jerome could afford to sponsor not just one, but even a hundred women.

However, she had a strange feeling in her heart and did not want to associate Jerome with those hunting for wealthy men.

“What is your name, beautiful lady? I toast to you,” Talbot looked at Angelia.

Angelia did not like Talbot’s gaze and raised her glass aloofly. “I toast to Mr. Carter.”

Talbot actively clinked glasses with Angelia and tempted her, “Are you interested in acting? I happen to have a project ready to invest and start filming. It’s not a problem to arrange a role for you.”

“I don’t know how to act,” Angelia politely declined.

“That doesn’t matter. You’ll naturally learn after a few more roles. I have many projects to invest in, and I’m not worried about not having any roles to film,” Talbot hinted, placing his hand on Angelia’s leg and touching it.

Shocked, Angelia stood up. This was Jerome’s dinner party, and she didn’t want to cause any trouble. She walked over to Jerome, holding her glass. “Um, Jerome, I toast to you.”

Jerome’s gaze swept across her face and landed on Bea’s face next to her. “Let’s talk about something,” he said.

Bea eagerly raised a sweet smile and coquettishly said, “Jerome, go ahead.”Angelia stood awkwardly, as if being ignored by Jerome’s safety. Just as she was about to grit her teeth and go back, Jerome turned to Bea and said, “Switch seats with her.”

Bea: “……”

Angelia: “……”

Bea looked at Angelia with a sense of grievance, stood up reluctantly, and sat next to Talbot.

Jerome took the glass from Angelia’s hand, drank it in one gulp, and said in a deep voice, “Your injury hasn’t healed yet, drink less alcohol.”

Angelia was moved and sat down next to Jerome.

Jerome naturally put his hand on the back of her chair, leaned towards her slightly, and asked in a soft voice, “Is wine balls a specialty of Detroit?”

Maybe he was too close to her, and the breath he exhaled, with a slight smell of alcohol, fell between her nostrils.

“Well, shrimp fritters and jar meat are also considered.” Angelia said.

Jerome picked up a piece of jar meat and handed it to her mouth.

Angelia was shocked. If she didn’t eat it, it would be a slap in his face.

But if she ate it, it would seem too ambiguous.

He saw her not moving and said in a deep voice, “Do you want me to feed you?”

“Huh?” Angelia doubted whether she had misheard.

Jerome held the meat in his mouth, lowered his head, and sent it to her mouth.

Angelia was stunned by Thad’s tender and crispy meat, and her mind seemed to suddenly short-circuit, unable to turn the corner, and didn’t move at all.

What was he doing? There were so many people around.

Talbot and Sherman looked at each other, and Sherman raised his glass with a meaningful gesture.

Talbot reluctantly raised his glass and took a sip of wine.

Since she was Jerome’s woman, he didn’t make any moves.

Jerome let go of Angelia.

Angelia still looked at him in confusion.

Jerome looked at her eyes, as if falling into the stars, waiting for him to explain.”Afterwards, no one will dare to catch your attention,” Jerome said in a hoarse voice as he drank the wine in his cup.

Angelia understood that Talbot had seen through his flirtatious behavior towards her earlier and was helping her out of the situation. But Sloan was also watching, was it intentional to prevent Sloan from underestimating her?

“You…” Angelia wanted to ask, but with so many people around, she couldn’t bring herself to, so she swallowed her words and changed the subject, saying softly, “You should eat some food first, drinking too much will make you drunk.”

“I want to eat wine-filled rice balls,” Jerome said.

Angelia glanced at the wine-filled rice balls in front of him, didn’t Bea serve them to him?

“You get it for me,” Jerome said again.

“Oh,” Angelia took his bowl, her face already turning red, and scooped him a few spoonfuls of wine-filled rice balls, placing them in front of him.

Jerome only ate the ones she scooped for him, and Bea’s face immediately turned sour.

Sloan saw this and his expression became somewhat strange. He picked up his wine glass, stood up, and warmly said, “Angelia, I toast to you.”

Angelia also stood up, poured herself half a glass of wine. She and Sloan were now colleagues, and she couldn’t refuse his toast. They would have to cooperate with each other in the future.

“I hope we have a pleasant cooperation in the future,” Angelia smiled and said, tilting her head back and drinking the half glass of wine.

“Cooperation?” Sloan looked surprised and turned to Jerome.

Jerome looked coldly at Sloan and explained, “Angelia is the new vice president of Star Game. She still has a lot to learn about the gaming industry and needs your help.”

Sloan couldn’t hide the shock in his eyes, but it only lasted for a second. He quickly regained his composure and smiled at Angelia, “Well, boss, I hope you can be more tolerant in the future.”

“We’re all working for the company, let’s work together,” Angelia said politely and sat down.”Oh, so you’re the vice president of Star Game. I really didn’t recognize you. Cheers to you,” Talbot said with a smile, raising his glass.

She had already toasted with Sloan, so it would be rude not to drink with Talbot. She poured herself another drink.

Jerome took the bottle from her hand and looked at Talbot. “How can we just toast? In this situation, you should punish yourself with three drinks.”

“Oh, Jerome is right. I should punish myself then,” Talbot said, preparing to drink.

“That’s not enough. You should drink a full glass,” Jerome said.

“What? How can you say that?” Talbot said, feeling embarrassed.

“Women drink half glasses at a time. You can’t even handle a small sip. Drink a full glass,” Jerome said, placing the wine bottle on the table.

Talbot was a little scared. The wine had a strong aftertaste and he was already feeling tipsy after one glass.

Jerome smiled and said, “Mr. Carter can handle himself elsewhere. He shouldn’t have any problems here with women.” Sloan immediately stood up and said, “Of course he can handle it. He can drink six glasses without any problem. Come on, let me fill it up for him.”

She poured Talbot a full glass of wine. He drank it reluctantly.

Sloan poured him another full glass. Talbot was already struggling, but he knew he had made a mistake by flirting with Jerome’s girlfriend. If he refused to drink, he would only make things worse for himself. So he drank the second glass.

Sloan poured him a third glass. Talbot was drinking too fast and was feeling sick. He saw multiple glasses in front of him and had to run to the bathroom.

“Who brought Talbot here? Follow him,” Sloan said.Other people were afraid of being implicated, so they quickly ran out to take care of Talbot.

Jerome looked at Angelia with a fierce expression that didn’t dissipate.

“If anyone dares to touch your leg in the future, just pour wine on them. These people have no shame, why bother giving them face?” Angelia couldn’t express her current emotions, which included being moved, relieved, and having some strange palpitations.

This palpitation was knocking on the door of her heart, getting stronger and stronger.

“Jerome, I want to toast you,” Angelia said.

She sincerely wanted to toast him, not for the sake of culture or just drinking, but because of the surging, uncontrollable emotions she felt.

“I’m too drunk to hold the cup,” Jerome refused.

“My hand is fine. You saw it this morning, and after taking the medicine, I don’t feel any swelling. I want to toast you, just one cup,” Angelia said, pouring herself half a cup and him half a cup.

Jerome saw her resolute expression and backed down, with an indulgent look in his eyes that he himself didn’t notice.

“Then just one cup.”

“Okay.”

“Cheers, cheers,” Sherman chimed in.

Angelia’s face grew even redder.

She knew that the drinking culture in Detroit was rich, and they liked to take advantage of women to set the mood, although it was just a joke.

But she felt…very embarrassed, ignoring Sherman and tilting her head back to drink the half cup of red wine.

Jerome’s eyes were deep, with a hint of coldness, as he drank a large sip of wine from his cup.

Before Angelia could react, he held the back of her head and fed her the wine from his mouth.

Angelia was shocked as she looked at him.Jerome slowly pushed away and looked at her, “Is this how we exchange cups?”

Angelia felt a bit confused, not knowing if it was because of the heat or the alcohol, her mind seemed to have short-circuited.

“Is he still acting now?” She felt thirsty and picked up the cup, only to find that there was no more alcohol left.

She poured half a cup and took a big sip. “Drink less, or you’ll get drunk,” Jerome reminded her in a low voice, looking at the waiter, “Bring a glass of yogurt.”

Angelia looked at Jerome and felt dizzy.

They were all drinking, and she was the only one drinking yogurt, like a little kid following him, which felt wrong.

“I don’t want yogurt,” she said seriously. “Then what do you want to drink?” Jerome asked softly.

“Alcohol,” Angelia said seriously.

Jerome: “…”

“Hahaha, Mr. Bai can really hold his liquor. He’s truly a heroine among women,” Sherman flattered, “I’ll drink to you.”

“She’s had too much, let her eat some food first,” Jerome stopped him and scooped some rice wine balls for her.

Angelia still felt thirsty, so she lowered her head and ate first.

The neck of the red wine bottle was really big.

Her mind became more and more confused, and she didn’t know how long had passed.

Jerome looked at her, “Did you bring the cassette I gave you earlier?”

Angelia nodded, “It’s been in my bag the whole time.”

“Go pay the bill,” Jerome said.

“Oh,” Angelia got up and tried to walk as well as she could, trying not to look drunk.

Sherman and his people left.

Only Sloan and Jerome were left in the private room.

“Jerome, are you really together with Angelia?” Sloan asked worriedly.

“What’s wrong? Is it not allowed?” Jerome asked back.He drank a little more than usual. He doesn’t usually drink much, even when someone toasts him, he only takes a sip. Half-closed eyes, leaning back in his chair, added a bit of sexiness and laziness.

“I have to revise the information I know. On the night of graduation five years ago, Angelia seduced a man to sleep, blamed her sister, and claimed that she was drugged. She also pushed her sister down the stairs, causing her sister to miscarry. After that, she also seduced her boyfriend’s father, and then her father kicked her out. This girl has impure thoughts,” Sloan said.

Jerome frowned, a sharp light flashed in his eyes, and he looked at Sloan. “Who told you these words, or did you make them up?”

Sloan immediately raised his hand, “I definitely didn’t make them up. I have no grudges with Angelia. Her stepmother was playing mahjong at my house that day, and she told me herself.”

“You believe this kind of talk too! I really should doubt your IQ,” Jerome said coldly.

Angelia came in from outside the door.

Sloan was stunned, standing up nervously, “That Angelia…”

Angelia looked at him, her clear eyes without any waves, sitting on a chair, staring blankly.

“Angelia,” Jerome called her worriedly.

Angelia looked at him, her emotions fluctuating, with a hint of confusion, “Thank you for believing me.”

Jerome helplessly said, “You don’t even like me, how could you like your boyfriend’s father?”

Angelia was moved by the feeling of being trusted, and smiled bitterly, “How could I not like you? It’s just that we are not a match, Jerome, do you understand?”

Jerome looked at her firmly.

The heart seemed to be hit by something in an instant, and blood rushed to the brain. There was something that was about to break out of its cocoon, and he asked, “What does this sentence mean?”Angelia did not answer him, as if lost in her own thoughts, and said softly: “That day, I went back from the hotel, and Lillian already knew that I had been raped. She drugged me and deliberately made me look bad in front of Neville’s parents. I heard her conversation with Neville and knew that they had been together for a long time, while we had been together for five years and were about to get married. She fell down from upstairs herself, and Neville helped her frame me. My father knew that I was wrongly accused, but forced me to apologize…”

Angelia paused for a moment.

Jerome felt her pain and said in a deep voice, “Don’t say it.”

“Jerome, you told me that if others don’t believe you, you should provide evidence to prove your innocence. I have provided evidence. Lillian is carrying Neville’s child, they are the ones at fault, they betrayed me, they hurt me, and I got more indifference and coldness in return.” Angelia said helplessly, sighing heavily and trying to hold back her tears.

Jerome reached out and pressed Angelia’s neck, holding her in his arms, “They made you cold-hearted, I will make them regret it. Don’t be sad for those people.”

“Jerome.” Angelia’s voice sounded muffled.

She took a deep breath, looked up at him, tears still in her eyes, “Don’t be so good to me.”

“Do you want me to be bad to you? You’re drunk, go to sleep for a while.” Jerome picked her up.

She was also very dizzy, curled up in his arms, closed her eyes, and whispered, “Ariel said that only those who are not loved are the third party. This sentence hurts me a lot. Heh, I don’t want to be the third party.”

Jerome looked at her in his arms, his eyes filled with pity.”Jerome, do you believe what she said? She was fine just a moment ago, and now she’s fallen asleep,” Sloan reminded him.

Jerome looked at Sloan and asked, “Are you saying you don’t believe her?”

“It’s not that, both sides are sticking to their own stories, and us outsiders can’t see the truth clearly,” Sloan replied with a smile.

“I think she was pretty clear just now. There are some rumors that I don’t want to hear from your mouth,” Jerome warned coldly.

“If you weren’t my brother, I wouldn’t care about the truth of this matter at all. I just think this girl, she’s drunk in a strange way, and may have some different thoughts about you,” Sloan said emotionally.

“Huh,” Jerome sneered, “Are you saying she’s pretending to sleep to seduce me?”

“Girls nowadays are pretty cunning,” Sloan said.

Jerome’s face darkened, “If she wants to seduce me, she doesn’t have to go through all this trouble, because I’ve been the one seducing her all along.”

Sloan: “……”

He just wanted to remind Jerome that Angelia’s personality was not as simple as he imagined, because he seemed to have developed feelings for her.

Now it seems that Jerome’s feelings are even deeper than he imagined.

He didn’t need to say anything more, just smiled and said, “I understand. Next time I meet Angelia’s stepmother, I will have a good talk with her, expose her lies, and talk behind her back. She’s so hateful.”

“Go get the presidential suite with two rooms,” Jerome instructed.

“Okay,” Sloan immediately went to arrange it.

Jerome carried Angelia into the room and put her on the bed.

Her face was red, either because she was drunk or, as she said, her face was always red when she slept, like a juicy peach that made people want to taste it.Jerome’s mind was a bit scattered.

“What do you mean by saying that I couldn’t possibly not be interested in you?” Is she interested in him or just giving a compliment?

Almost as if by chance, he lowered his head and kissed her forehead, slowly moving down to her lips.

Her lips were soft, and between breaths, they carried the scent of red wine, just like the taste from five years ago. The alcohol also made his thoughts begin to scatter.

If they were to do it now, what would happen? Could it make her think about divorce and accelerate her decision to leave her husband?

Once this idea took hold, it was like being poisoned, invading every brain cell and occupying his entire mind.

His kisses became deeper, his hand slipping inside her clothes.

His mind was churning with tumultuous waves.

Her fragrance, her matching breath, dominated all his thoughts.

He wanted to go deeper, regardless of everything, be with her, take her back to his country, give her a happy life, and prevent her from being tossed around and mistreated again.

She was struggling to take the next step!!

He kissed her lips hard, struggling with his own rationality and emotions.

Angelia was hurt, half-closing her eyes, a thin veil of mist covering them, looking at him hazily.

Jerome realized she was awake and let go of her lips, but his hand remained in her clothes.

He frowned and looked at her.

He waited for her to say the first word, whether to accept him or give him a slap.Angelia looked at him steadily, her voice soft and slightly hoarse due to sleep. “Jerome, is this real or a dream?”

His breathing became more intense. “Do you want it to be real or a dream?”

Angelia laughed foolishly, “If it’s real, I’m scared.”

“Then you’re not scared if it’s a dream?” Jerome asked, his tightly held rationality about to disappear in her smile.

“I don’t have to take responsibility for a dream. I can break free from reality and not use my rationality,” Angelia said, still laughing.

“So?”

Angelia’s gaze moved to his lips, somewhat dazed.

For these two men, it was more like an invitation.

He felt that something had been overlooked, lowered his head, and kissed her lips.

Angelia’s lips were soft, like a puddle of water, and she kissed him back awkwardly, hastily taking off his clothes.

Jerome cooperated with her, taking off his suit and unbuttoning his shirt.

She also sat up slightly, taking the initiative to kiss his collarbone, to his shoulder, to his neck.

Wherever their lips touched, it was as if the moist ground welcomed the first rain after a long drought.

Jerome took off his shirt and kissed her deeply, his brow furrowed tightly, his fists clenched tightly.

He let go of her, his hands propped up on her side, already at the point where he couldn’t bear it. “Angelia, don’t fall asleep this time. Remember what happened now. If you continue to hide in your shell, you will always be a turtle and never become a snake demon!”

“Sleep? Isn’t it a dream?” Angelia sighed lightly, looking at him.

There was some regret, some pity, some disappointment, some sadness, and many complex emotions that Jerome couldn’t understand.She covered Jerome’s eyes and muttered, “Jerome, don’t like me, I don’t like you either.”

“What?” Jerome took her hand off his eyes.

Angelia looked at him blankly and couldn’t say anything, so she closed her eyes.

Tears flowed from her left eye.

Jerome was even more confused. What did it mean to not like her and her not liking him? Then why did she make the first move just now?

He wanted to clarify, but seeing her in tears, he couldn’t bear to ask.

Feeling annoyed, he covered her with a blanket and went to take a cold shower in the bathroom!

After a while, Angelia woke up, opened her eyes, and looked at the white ceiling. Her head hurt and her mind was still dizzy.

She had a dream that she kissed Jerome and took off his clothes, even kissing his collarbone.

Was it because she hadn’t been with a man for too long and missed the spring season?

She shouldn’t have thought of Jerome. No, she shouldn’t have!

She got up, went to the bathroom, brushed her teeth, washed her face, and tidied up her messy hair.

Jerome was sitting in front of his desk, his eyes focused on the computer.

Angelia guessed he was concentrating on work and didn’t notice her.

Men at work are really handsome, full of the aura of successful and stable men, giving a sense of security and reliability.

She made a cup of coffee and put it next to him, softly saying, “Try this. If you don’t like it, I’ll go out and buy another one later.”

Jerome still ignored her, his face even more unpleasant, and continued to look at the computer screen without stopping his hands.

Angelia had a strange feeling in her heart.

He seemed to be deliberately avoiding talking to her. Did she do something wrong?She sat on the sofa, puzzled, looking at him in confusion. “I’m sorry, I got drunk at noon,” Angelia apologized.

Jerome stopped what he was doing, looked up, and his cold gaze fell on her face. “How much do you remember before and after you got drunk?”

Angelia’s heart sank and she began to suspect that taking off his clothes and such wasn’t a dream, but something she actually did. “I…no, I’m not sure,” Angelia nervously said, her face flushing.

“Are you sure you’re sober now?” Jerome asked.

“Uh…” Angelia nodded cautiously.

“What do you mean you can’t possibly not be interested in me?” Jerome asked, looking at her.

“Well,” she smiled and explained, “with your attributes, there’s no woman who wouldn’t be interested in you. You’re tall, imposing, handsome, strict, cool, and have substance.”

After hearing her answer, he didn’t feel happy at all. It was too official, and there was no hint of personal feelings.

“So what does it mean that you dared to do it in a dream?” Jerome continued to ask.

“Huh?” She seemed to have really said that. So it wasn’t a dream after all. “I…I got carried away after drinking, I’m sorry.”

“Hmph.” Jerome snorted and stood up.

Angelia nervously stood up as well.

He walked up to her, towering over her, and looked down at her. “Since you messed up, how are you going to take responsibility?”

Angelia looked at Jerome in shock. “I slept with you?”

“Yes,” Jerome replied deeply.

“It’s impossible, I didn’t feel anything there,” Angelia blurted out.

“Where didn’t you feel anything?” Jerome raised his voice.

“Um…” Angelia couldn’t bring herself to say it, her eyes flickering.She remembers the first time it didn’t happen, it hurt for several days.

Even if he had a short lower body, she couldn’t have had no feeling if she really had sex with him yesterday.

Jerome’s eyes deepened a lot.

Sometimes she is very clever!

He turned around and returned to his own computer desk, ignoring her.

Angelia didn’t understand what he meant now.

Jerome’s thoughts are too difficult to guess.

She stood there dumbly for half an hour.

Jerome sent a new email.

After reading the information about the Green family on the email, he closed the page and asked Angelia, “What do you think of Street Road?”

“Street Road?” She grew up there and was quite familiar with that street.

“This is the largest new village in Detroit, and these are all mature old areas with a large flow of people.”

“How about opening a supermarket there?” Jerome asked.

Angelia was stunned.

The Green family opened a large supermarket there, nodding, “It should be okay.”

“I want to open a supermarket there, can you do it?” Jerome looked at her meaningfully.

Angelia didn’t understand, “Didn’t you open a game company?”

“Multiple investments, it doesn’t make sense not to make money. How can you give your best?” Jerome asked again.

Angelia felt like she woke up.

Was Jerome sarcastic, mocking or provoking her?

“Do you think I’m not working seriously, drinking has messed things up? My alcohol tolerance is not good and it didn’t work. I’m sorry, I will reflect on myself. If I did something wrong or didn’t do well, please tell me directly so that I can correct and improve myself.”

Angelia said seriously.

“I now want to open a supermarket on Street Road. You will be the legal representative of the company, I will provide the funds, and you will provide the labor. We will each bear fifty percent of the profits or losses. Is that okay?” Jerome asked seriously. He seemed genuine and not joking.

Opening a supermarket would mean competing with the Green family for business. She knew nothing about running a supermarket, and the investment risk was high. But if she refused Jerome, her previous words would seem like a joke.

She took a deep breath and said, “Okay. But I need to remind you that most of the people living on this street are working-class, and sales of luxury goods may not be good. The supermarket has been on this street for more than ten years and has a stable customer flow. We are not exclusive, and even if we do well, the annual profit will be at most one or two million, which is not comparable to your other investments.”

“Who said that investment must bring monetary benefits?” Jerome continued somewhat unhappily. “As I told you before, if someone bullies you, I will bully them back ten or a hundred times so that they will not dare to bully you again. Rumors do not stop at wise men, but at the powerful.”

He wants to bully back ten or a hundred times?! Angelia’s heart was hit hard, beating rapidly like a drum. No one had ever protected and helped her like this before. Something seemed to surge out of her heart.

“You…” Angelia wanted to ask something, but her mind seemed blocked, and she couldn’t put her thoughts together. She nervously clasped her hands together and lowered her eyes, unable to speak.

Jerome was unhappy. “Angelia, do you know how a turtle dies?”

Angelia looked at Jerome and shook her head.”The turtle has no fangs or sharp claws. When faced with danger, it retreats into its shell. If caught by humans, it may be played with or cooked and eaten. However, it forgets that it also has claws and is a carnivorous animal. Don’t disappoint me,” Jerome said meaningfully.

Angelia listened to his words and felt something deep within her being stirred. Her blood boiled with excitement.

“When does the supermarket open?” Angelia asked.

“That depends on how prepared you are. You can go back to work at the gaming company next month. If there’s anything you don’t understand, you can ask me. We are not only boss and employee but also business partners,” Jerome said.

“Business partners?” Angelia murmured.

He was giving her too much credit.

She had been worn down by the realities and difficulties of life and work, losing the sharp edges she had in college. If it was about hotels, she still had confidence, but now it was like crossing over to a new field.

“Don’t you have confidence? Or do you not have confidence in me? Besides investing in projects, I also invest in talent. I have not had any failed cases. Do you not believe in my judgment?” Jerome asked, looking firmly at her.

Angelia was filled with fighting spirit. “I will make a proposal right now and show it to you in three hours.”

Jerome looked at his watch and said, “Did you bring your computer?”

“Yes, I did.”

He closed his computer and stood up. “You can work on this desk. I just need to go out for a bit and will come back to check your progress.”

“Okay,” Angelia said as she went into the room to get her computer. When she came back out, Jerome was already gone.

His computer was still on the desk. Was he not worried that she would look at the contents of his computer? There must be many business secrets in there.

Of course, she wouldn’t look.She put his computer on the coffee table and opened her own computer.

In her mind, she replayed Jerome’s words, “If someone bullies you, I’ll bully them back ten or a hundred times. That way, they won’t dare to bully you again. Rumors don’t stop at the wise, but at the powerful.”

Stop at the powerful!! It sounded very reasonable and in line with Jerome’s powerful and domineering style.

Suddenly, her phone rang.

Angelia snapped out of her thoughts and took out her phone from her bag.

It was from Sammie.

She sighed and answered the call.

“Where are you?” Sammie asked.

“On a business trip,” Angelia replied.

“Are you not coming back to sleep tonight?” Sammie raised her voice.

“Jerome gave me two projects, and I’ll be busy lately. Have you resolved your issue?” Angelia changed the subject.

Sammie was successfully diverted and replied, “It’s a bit troublesome. I am the exclusive agent for the Adele brand in North Carolina, and Grandeur Gardens’ reputation will definitely be affected. I spent a lot of agency fees at that time. I need to go to City C to talk to Adele’s boss. Can you accompany me?”

“You should have your company’s legal counsel go with you instead of me,” Angelia suggested.

“I can’t rest assured with anyone else but you,” Sammie replied.

Angelia couldn’t help but want to tease her a bit.

He always appeared out of nowhere.

In the past five years, she had always been alone.

Two years ago, she was bedridden for several days due to overwork and food poisoning, and he never came to see her or say a caring word.

Now he says he can’t rest assured without her?!

“You better take care of your own affairs. I’m busy here,” Angelia said as she hung up the phone.

Sammie called again, this time with a video invitation.

Angelia was annoyed but still pressed the answer button.

“What’s wrong now?” she asked.

“Are you in a hotel now?” Sammie’s voice became sharp as she looked behind Angelia.

“Yes,” Angelia replied.

“Are you staying with Jerome?” Sammie became even more agitated.”He has his room, I have my room, what do you want?!” Angelia frowned impatiently.

“Can’t you be nicer to me? Something happened at Grandeur Gardens, and I’m like an ant on a hot pot right now, but you hang up on me every minute,” Sammie complained.

“Listen, what you need to do now is not to call and bother me, wasting time and energy on things that won’t help. You should prove that you’re also a victim and join all the other victims to denounce Adele. That’s the only way to help you get through this difficult time,” Angelia replied.

Sammie suddenly realized, “I know what to do now, you’re my dearest wife.”

“Who are you video chatting with?” Read’s hoarse voice came through. He was only wearing a bath towel and appeared in the video, kissing Sammie’s face.

Angelia sneered, not hiding her sarcasm.

One second he was worried about her, and the next second, what was he doing?

Sammie nervously explained, “Angelia, listen to me, Read is Adele’s spokesperson, so he’s also involved. He came to me to discuss what to do, that’s why he appeared in my room.”

Angelia drooped her eyes and said expressionlessly, “Then you must have had a passionate and heated discussion, that’s why there’s only a bath towel left. Sammie, Grandeur Gardens is in trouble, but you still have the leisure to fool around. You’re really Amanda Charles’s only son, surpassing the father. “

“It’s not what you think,” Sammie explained.

“I don’t need to imagine, and I don’t want to. I have to submit a proposal in three hours, and I don’t have time to waste with you. Take care of your own affairs,” Angelia hung up the video directly.

Sammie pushed Read away irritably, “What are you doing? Don’t you know that Angelia and I were on video?”

“So what, she knows our relationship, if she wanted to divorce, she would have done it a long time ago. She’s so shameless. She saw that we were together and still didn’t divorce. She’s so cheap!”