CHAPTER 55: CHAPTER 55: PICKING YOU UP AFTER WORK

Emma still has a long-unused Chinese name, Cindy Sterling. Because she moved overseas with her mother early on, no one knows that Cindy Sterling is Ethan Sterling’s younger sister. And the reason she could skyrocket to fame in the fashion world is closely tied to her brother Ethan’s financial support behind the scenes.

"The Sterling Group has a new perfume looking for a spokesperson. Arrange your schedule."

Cindy blinked, thinking that her agent hadn’t mentioned any domestic collaborations. She wanted to ask more questions, but the other side had already hung up the phone.

"Hey!" She glared at the dark phone screen and waved to call her agent over, "Have you ever discussed cooperation with The Sterling Group?"

The agent nodded, "We have, but their required work schedule conflicts with what we’ve already planned, so the chances of cooperation are slim."

Cindy considered for a moment, "Pile up the recent ads and shoots; I want to take the job from The Sterling Group."

The agent didn’t know about her relationship with Ethan Sterling and was puzzled for a moment. After thinking for a while, she said, "Could it be because of Wenny?"

"Wenny? What’s it got to do with her?"

"After leaving The Lawson Group, she went to The Sterling Group. This season’s new product was designed by her." As an agent, keeping up with trends in the fashion world is her duty, and because of Wenny’s fame, she knows her quite well.

"Ah..." Cindy thought of the new fragrance queen who had a sweet smile. In terms of beauty, figure, and talent, she easily surpasses Rhonda Sullivan by miles! A mischievous idea popped into her head, and she showed a playful smile, "Then it’s even more necessary to collaborate; you handle the schedule—and I want double the pay."

"Double?" The agent’s eyes widened, thinking, aren’t you aware of your own worth?

"That’s right, double." Cindy giggled, handed her the phone, and went back to work.

She has to make sure she gets her matchmaker’s fee, so of course, it should be doubled.

The Sterling Group, CEO’s office. Ethan Sterling sneezed out of nowhere, still unaware his wallet is about to be severely hit.

Soon, Ruby Sullivan knocked and came in, placing a project plan on his desk. "I’m heading to the factory later; here is the material sheet and preliminary expense that needs your signature."

Ethan Sterling looked it over and asked, "Shouldn’t these cost figures be reported by the factory after their calculations?"

"I got familiar with The Sterling Group’s workflow. If the report gets stuck in the market side, it could delay the factory. Mr. Sterling might not be aware, although the samples are fine, unexpected issues can occur during actual production. Therefore, before production begins, I try to minimize unnecessary time costs."

Ruby Sullivan explained her intentions smoothly, her serious expression exuding charm.

Ethan Sterling raised an eyebrow, slightly distracted, he said, "Alright." Then, he promptly signed the document.

"Thank you, Mr. Sterling." She stood up without a hint of hesitation in her eyes.

Ethan Sterling frowned slightly, "Don’t you have anything else to tell me?"

Ruby Sullivan was a bit puzzled, thinking for a moment before saying hesitantly, "I’m a little worried."

"Worried about what?"

"Worried that Rhonda Sullivan might tamper with things. Previously, to suppress me, she sabotaged a press conference. This time seeing that I’m not obediently resigning, she definitely won’t cooperate easily." After speaking, she looked at Ethan Sterling with a mocking smile, "Although Mr. Sterling is focused on business, Rhonda Sullivan only has eyes for your favor. I’m afraid she won’t care about the consequences at this time."

Seeing Ethan Sterling’s stiff expression, she slightly pursed her lips, "Of course, I’m just giving you a heads up." Then quickly left the office.

Ethan Sterling watched her leaving and his gaze turned cold. This woman, if she’s scared, why can’t she just yield a bit to him?

In the following days, Ruby Sullivan was supervising at the factory, wearing a tightly wrapped sterile work suit in the workshop. She didn’t even need to dress up each day, feeling her skin had become much paler.

She was constantly worried that Rhonda Sullivan would take action. Fortunately, nothing happened at home, and the company was quite peaceful. Seth Sterling reported to her home every day, but she hadn’t seen Ethan Sterling again, it was always the driver who came to deliver.

Maybe after knowing Honey’s identity, he found it difficult to face her.

Ruby Sullivan has been exhausted recently. Every day, she falls asleep as soon as she hits the bed. During those occasional moments of wakefulness, she can’t help but ponder about Ethan Sterling: what kind of man is he? He’s so good to his adopted brother Seth, but why is he so heartless to Honey?

Favoring boys over girls? Or... does he simply dislike Ruby Sullivan as a wife?

Whenever she thought of this, she’d feel uneasy.

Like a scar formed after a wound heals; the scar is etched in her heart, never to return to how it used to be?

On Friday afternoon, Ruby Sullivan went to the changing room to take off her sterile clothes, intending to leave from the factory straight away after work, but was stopped by Shaw from the office.

Shaw said cheerfully, "Mr. Wallace, Mr. Sterling is here to inspect our factory’s work, and the factory manager asked you to go over."

This time, the headquarters has given the factory a challenging task. Despite the difficulties, Ruby Sullivan has been providing technical guidance here, so progress is very smooth. As long as the task is completed successfully, a year-end bonus is inevitable. Now with the big boss coming for inspection, the factory manager is naturally excited.

Ruby Sullivan, however, felt a little resentful.

Recently, to align with the factory’s schedules, she’s been going out early and returning late. This morning, Honey clung to her leg, asking if they could have dinner together. She had even agreed!

Visiting inspections don’t pick time, what a brainless boss is frustrating! Ruby Sullivan cursed inwardly but still followed Shaw.

The factory manager was introducing the production line to Ethan Sterling. Seeing Ruby Sullivan approach, he smiled and said, "We’ve really been grateful to Mr. Wallace these days."

Ruby Sullivan stood beside Ethan Sterling, "Mr. Sterling, what brings you here?"

"Checking the progress." Ethan Sterling said in a serious tone, watching the conveyor belt rolling behind the glass, with bottles of perfume being produced on the assembly line looking quite satisfied. He suddenly tilted his head, smiling slightly at her, "And to give you a ride home."

Ruby Sullivan was startled, her mind not keeping up with his pace.

Even the factory manager was a bit surprised, but having heard some of the big news from headquarters, he immediately smiled and said, "At this time, Mr. Wallace shouldn’t have anything more to do, correct?"

"Yes... Yes." Ruby Sullivan stiffly agreed, her cheeks a little warm, her unpainted face suddenly showing a slight flush.

Ethan Sterling glanced at her with interest, turned, and said, "I’ll wait for you outside."

Ruby Sullivan swallowed, watching his carefree back, feeling faintly like she had been played.

The factory manager saw her standing still and couldn’t help but tease, "Mr. Wallace, you should leave work quickly."

"Okay." Ruby Sullivan awkwardly turned and went to the changing room to grab her bag. Soon after, she heard the factory manager gently shout behind her, "Good luck!"

She felt more embarrassed, pretended not to hear it, and walked faster.

What’s Ethan Sterling really mean by this?