Female Novel
Chapter 1737
"Why it’s fine? They're just trying to push you around."
"It's okay; let's go grab a bite."
The company had a dedicated staff cafeteria, and Felix led the way, carrying a lunch tray. Carolfollowed him, still pondering whether it was the coworkers or the department head giving him a hardtime.
Just as she was about to probe further, a mocking voice carried from ahead.
"Isn't that Felix? What's up, buddy? Not dining with Ms. Miller today? Don't tell me she dumpedyou?"
"I heard he's not exactly Ivy League material, right? Still, I wonder how he caught her eye."
"Oh, come on, haven't you seen his face? I heard Ms. Miller has a thing for pretty boys. But none ofher guys ever last long. Just curious how long our friend here will stay fresh."
"Beauty fades, and love flies away, Felix. You're just too green, man. Look at you, she's not evenhere to dine with you today. You should make hay while the sun shines, grab what you can whileshe's still got a bit of affection for you. Didn't your boss make you sing the song 'Climbing theLadder' at the team dinner the other night? If that's not a setup, I don't know what is. Didn't you gocrying to Ms. Miller?"
"Why complain? As if whining to Ms. Miller would make a difference. Looks like Mr. Miller’s not tookeen on this son-in-law."
The two carried on their duet in front of Felix. But Felix acted as if he didn't hear a thing, his faceexpressionless.
Carol, on the other hand, was fuming. She started to speak up, but before she could finish, Felixgrabbed her hand, "Don't get mad."
Her chest heaved with frustration. How could she not be angry, especially when Felix hadn'tmentioned anything about the humiliating dinner! He'd been publicly embarrassed and then left todeal with a mountain of paperwork alone.
She clenched her teeth, itching to march down to the department and give that sorry-ass manager apiece of her mind.
As for the two gossipers in front of her, she had no intention of letting them off the hook. But as shewas about to confront them, they had already scurried away, fearing her wrath.
"Don't hold me back; I want to fire them right now."
Felix patted her head gently, "And then what? Everyone else will think I'm whispering sweetnothings in your ear, and the number of people against me will just multiply."
"So, what do we do? Maybe we should go back to freelancing like we used to."
"Carol, I'm really okay."
Carol felt terrible inside. She had thought that revealing her status would make their lives betterthan before.
Taking a deep breath, she sat down and joined him for lunch.
Periodically, people would pass by and snap photos. Carol could guess that these folks probablyhad a group chat where many from the department gossiped about the situation. As for Felix, beingthe outsider, he surely wasn't part of that chat.
She had never been subjected to such treatment before. At most, she had faced some awkwardmoments in the diner, but the company crowd was much more biting and sarcastic.
She looked at Felix, who seemed unfazed, quietly eating his meal. Carol’s feelings oscillatedbetween discomfort and sweetness.
Resting her chin in her hands, she watched him eat and then asked, "Hey, aren't you working lateagain tonight? You haven't been to the hospital to see your cousin in a while. Her temper, and shehasn't given you an earful?"
Felix's grip on his cutlery paused, a flicker of something crossing his eyes too quickly for Carol tosee.novelbin
"She's in recovery, busy following the doctor's orders. No time for tantrums."
Carol pursed her lips but let it slide.
Once Felix finished eating, she linked her arm with his, "By the way, I've got a surprise for youtonight."
Her surprises usually came with a naughty twist, a little spice between young lovers. She leaned inclose, tiptoeing to whisper in his ear, "Leopard-print ears and a tail."
Felix knew she was bold, but he hadn't expected her to go that far. His cheeks blushed instantly.Carol delighted in his reaction, flashing a playful grin, "Come home early, and I'll show you."
His breath hitched, and he instinctively pulled away.
"Sure."
"Aw, feeling shy?"
Carol closed in again, clinging to his arm.
"I've got to get to work; you should head out."
Felix was eager to escape, not wanting to delve into anything deeper. Carol stopped teasing, hersmile lingering, "Fine, just don't forget what I told you."
As Felix entered the elevator, he undid his top button. He had been medicating, and just recently,Nathan had given him a new bottle.
Rubbing his temple, the weight in his eyes grew heavier. It had been nearly two months since hejoined the Miller Group. He knew the ins and outs now. Perhaps it was time.