Chapter 12: Fear of Misconduct
Before, Meredith had rambled on saying she had a fiance, which was the reason she was able to turn her temporary position into a permanent promotion. She was worried her lie would be exposed, and she would be fired by Terrence Sterling. So, she had to brazen it out and continue lying.
However, whether it was her imagination or not, after her words fell quiet, the car seemed even colder, and Terrence Sterling’s expression was off. Did she say something wrong again?
Thinking about how the company didn’t like newly hired women getting married or having children, Meredith added, “Mr. Sterling, rest assured, I don’t plan to get married before I’m thirty. I want to focus on my career first, I will work even harder, Mr. Sterling, and make Sterling Corporation bigger and stronger.”
Make it bigger and stronger? Upon hearing this, Terrence Sterling’s facial muscles twitched slightly, and his narrow gaze bore into her. “It seems Sterling Corporation is not good enough for you?” he said.
Meredith forced a smile, “Mr. Sterling, Sterling Corporation is one of the top companies, of course, not small at all. And with you leading the company, our future is boundless.”
In her heart, Meredith cursed silently. What was this man doing speaking in such a cryptic manner?Property © NôvelDrama.Org.
Seeing her acting like a flatterer, Terrence Sterling’s mood improved considerably as he leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes to relax.
Only then did Meredith breathe a sigh of relief, feeling like the car was not as cold now, realizing she had handled the situation correctly earlier.
The car soon arrived at Gilded Lily. Meredith followed Terrence Sterling obediently and only found out when they entered the private room that tonight was Terrence Sterling’s private gathering.
The room was filled with young men and women, the elite and heirs of Auroraville’s four most influential families, including the Fieldmouse and Sterling families.
Meredith didn’t understand why Terrence Sterling had brought her along.
“Terry, you finally made it,” a young man in his twenties walked over, slightly chubby but still handsome and cute. He was Harvey Fieldmouse, the only son of the Fieldmouse family. The Fieldmouse and Sterling families were among the most influential families in Auroraville.
Terrence Sterling nodded slightly, “It’s your birthday today. I’ll stay for a while and then leave.”
Terrence Sterling and Harvey Fieldmouse were lifelong friends. If it weren’t Harvey Fieldmouse’s birthday, he wouldn’t have come to such a gathering.
“I understand,” Harvey Fieldmouse joked, patting his chest, “I heard there’s a woman living in Thornfield Gardens. Terry, you have a girlfriend now. Why haven’t you introduced her? She must be like a fairy…”
Harvey Fieldmouse chatted away, and Terrence Sterling found his seat, calling out to Meredith at the entrance, “Sit here.”
Only then did Harvey Fieldmouse notice Meredith. His expression froze as if struck by lightning, full of disbelief. “Is this the future Mrs. Sterling? Wow, Terry, I didn’t expect you to like this style. It’s so tacky, where did you find her? She’s like an antique.”
Meredith: …
He was indeed a close friend of Terrence Sterling, both so sharp-tongued.
Before Meredith could speak, Harvey Fieldmouse started introducing himself, “Mrs. Sterling, hello, I’m Harvey Fieldmouse, just call me Fieldmouse, or Harvey. Mrs. Sterling, tell us, how did you manage to win over Terry?”
Meredith put on a professional smile and replied, “Hello, I’m Meredith, Mr. Sterling’s secretary.”
“Secretary?” Harvey Fieldmouse glanced at Meredith and then at Terrence Sterling, “Terry, so she’s not Mrs. Sterling, huh?”
Terrence Sterling gave him a cold look, “When did I say she was?”
Harvey Fieldmouse sat next to Terrence Sterling, joking, “Terry, your tastes are unique. You pick a secretary, and she’s so different. When are you going to introduce the future Mrs. Sterling?”
Terrence Sterling effortlessly replied, “Are you itching for trouble, bored with your life?”
In simpler terms, was he courting death?
This made Harvey Fieldmouse shut up.
Meredith glanced at Terrence Sterling from the corner of her eye, confirming the rumors about him – ruthless and few words.
“Come, let’s have a drink,” Harvey Fieldmouse quickly changed the subject, “Terry, I’ve brought all my special collections tonight.”
Pouring the wine himself, Harvey Fieldmouse looked at the table of wine. Terrence Sterling’s brow furrowed slightly as he glanced at Meredith, “Sit down and drink.”
“Mr. Sterling, I can’t handle alcohol…” Meredith hesitated. Her alcohol tolerance was not great, and the last time, it was exactly because she drank too much that she now had this mess to deal with.
Terrence Sterling frowned, “Why, are you afraid to drink too much because of me?”
Meredith blurted out, “No, I’m afraid of drinking too much and losing my restraint around you.”
Pfft. Harvey Fieldmouse beside them couldn’t help it and sprayed out the drink, “Haha, sorry, Terry, I just couldn’t resist.”