For a moment, Vespera was taken aback.

    But then she replied earnestly, "Okay, I''ll do my best topete for you. Honestly, I am quitepetitive."

    Dominic responded, "You can pretend a little more. I promise I won''t call you out."

    Vespera''s eyshes fluttered softly. Holding a fork, she calmly and steadily took a piece of bacon from in front of Dominic and began eating it, ignoring his presence.

    Observing her taking small bites, Dominic said, "You''ve always been unstoppable at grabbing food."

    Vespera nudged the remaining food on her te toward him, offering it with a gentle gesture.

    "Here''s a little something left for you," she said.

    Dominic gazed at the tiny morsel of meat on the fork. Instead of tasting the meat, he took her hand and pulled her close. Then, he pressed his lips against her shimmering ones. "I want to taste... yours."

    Vespera''s eyes widened slightly. "You''re insane."

    A person was deemed insane because they were capable of anything. He pinched her chin to force her mouth open and took the meat she had been eating. He consumed it with enthusiasm and seemed eager for more, even pulling her onto hisp to continue. He truly didn''t fear a sore waist.

    Vespera managed to stop him just in time as he seemed ready to "devour" her after finishing the meat. It was time for work, and she couldn''t afford to be a femme fatale who brought down an empire.

    ...

    At thepany, Vespera received some news early in the morning from the chairman''s secretary, with whom she had a strong rapport. Nancy was going to be temporarily assigned to work directly with the chairman. This meant the chairman would be supervising her closely.

    Vespera discreetly smiled to herself, thinking this was a very smart decision. If Nancy were assigned to work closely with Dominic, it would undoubtedly upset him and trigger his sensitive concerns. It was clear that the chairman and his wife wanted to avoid a conflict with their son.

    If she were ced in a lower department, Dominic would be able to oversee her, rendering the assignment pointless. On the chairman''s side, Dominic wouldn''t be able to manage Nancy.

    The Reid family appeared to be quite fond of Nancy. Regardless of her sess, she would always have a spot with them. Shortly after she heard the news, the chairman announced Nancy''s appointment during the morning meeting.

    Everyone in the room discreetly nced at Dominic to gauge his reaction. After covertly watching Dominic, they turned their attention to Vespera, who was immersed in her tasks.

    Dominic remained impassive. His face disyed neither happiness nor irritation. It was as if his father had chosen someone unimportant, and Dominic had no thoughts or concerns about it.

    Vespera concentrated on performing her duties efficiently. Others were eager to glean something from her expression... but to no avail, as she was an expert at controlling her emotions.

    In this world, she could handle anything with a smile and as long as it wasn''t

    about her parents, even when it felt like everything was crashing down.

    Yet, in the realm of gossipers, there always had to be some thrilling news. If none existed, they would go out of their way to invent it.

    During the lunchtime gossip, people were gossiping.

    "Don''t let Mr. Reid''s calm and collected demeanor deceive you. He was probably thrilled on the inside."

    "Ms. Gildon acted like it didn''t concern her, but she was likely fuming inside."

    "Naturally! The chairman was looking after Nancy himself. What did that signify? It was akin to appointing a crown princess. I doubted Ms. Gildon stood a chance."

    "The key issue was that Mr. Reid might still harbor feelings for Nancy. After all, they had been childhood sweethearts."

    As they were intensely absorbed in their discussion, trying to figure out how Vespera might initiate a confrontation with Nancy. Nancy was on her way up, eagerly inviting Vespera to join her for lunch.

    "Sure," Vespera replied.

    Just as she consented, there was a knock on the door, apanied by a voice saying, "Ms. Gildon,e with me to meet a client. Let''s leave immediately."