Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Chapter 8 Terminating the Contract Prematurely
Dr. Wilson averted his gaze and looked at Caroline. He nodded and departed.
Recognizing it was inappropriate for him to linger, Reuben tactfully made his way to the elevator and patiently waited.
The ensuing silence weighed heavily upon Caroline. She mustered the courage to speak, “Mr. Jordan…”
“What do you gain from all this?” Evan coldly interjected.
He turned away, his eyes hinting at mockery. “Do you expect my sympathy in return?”
Caroline stood there, stunned. “Mr. Jordan, I don’t understand what you mean!”
Evan lowered his gaze, peering down at Caroline, who stood a head shorter than him. His handsome face radiated an icy coldness.
His eyes, like thin ice, reflected a frigid glint as he uttered with a chilling tone, “Don’t you find your attempts to elicit sympathy and portray yourself as pitiful quite juvenile? Or perhaps you feel that what I have provided you with isn’t enough, and now you seek connections with a doctor to secure free treatment for your mother?”
Evan’s words pierced Caroline’s heart like a knife.
The pain was suffocating, almost unbearable.
She hadn’t even known about her fever, so how could she have feigned it?
It was clear now. Right from the start, she was nothing more than a crass fortune hunter in his eyes!
Caroline clenched her fists, determined to maintain composure.
She forced a smile and inquired, “Mr. Jordan, what kind of response do you expect from me?”
Caroline’s distant and bureaucratic reply fueled Evan’s anger.
Closing in on Caroline, he took a step forward, his sharp eyes prying into her emotions.
“If it’s money you want, then perform your job diligently. And if you dare to engage in an ambiguous relationship with another man before our relationship ends, you’d better be ready to accept the consequences!”
Caroline’s nails nearly pierced her palms, yet her tone remained calm. “Mr. Jordan, the contract terms are clear. Once the person you sought returns, the contract terminates, granting me freedom to pursue someone else.”
Finally, Caroline showed her true temper.
Rarely did she challenge Evan, and in his eyes, she should submit unquestioningly.
This was the first time Caroline had fiercely stood up to him.
Evan’s towering figure loomed over her, his iron-like fingers gripping her chin. “Caroline, have you become bolder?”
Tears welled up in Caroline’s eyes. After years of obedience, could her defiance truly provoke such fury?
A cold smile played on Caroline’s lips. “Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Jordan.”
Evan tightened his grip. “You want to terminate the contract prematurely, don’t you? Caroline, I won’t allow it!”
With that, Evan released his hold.
In an instant, anger transformed into disgust in his gaze as he forcefully pushed Caroline away and strode off.
Caroline, pressed against the wall, slowly sank down as tears streamed down her face.
*
Caroline gathered herself and made her way back to the ward. After spending a few more hours with her mother, she returned to her humble abode.
Her family’s house was situated in an aging neighborhood. The house she had purchased for her mother earlier had been sold by her father to settle his debts.
Now, all that remained was this dilapidated and cramped dwelling, barely spanning 60 square meters.
Caroline ascended to the second floor and opened the door. Immediately, the stench of alcohol assaulted her senses.
Standing in the doorway, she surveyed the scattered wine bottles on the floor and let out a weary sigh.
After tidying up, Caroline settled herself in front of her computer. Just then, a message popped up.
[G, you’re taking too long this time. My boss is on the verge of losing his temper!]
Caroline replied. [I apologize. I’ve been occupied lately. Please give me another half an hour.]
After sending her response, Caroline buried her head in the fashion design draft she had been working on halfway.
In addition to her role as Evan’s personal secretary, Caroline would also take on freelance fashion design projects during her free time to earn extra income.
The other party swiftly replied. [G, with your exceptional talent in design, if you pursue it wholeheartedly, you could become an internationally renowned designer in no time. Why do you still insist on following Mr. Jordan?]
Caroline responded with a bitter smile. [Quick money.]
Her mother’s medical expenses amounted to tens of thousands every month, and her father’s outstanding debts reached hundreds of thousands. She had no other choice.
*
After attending to her responsibilities, Caroline noticed that there was still some time left. She grabbed her bag and hurriedly made her way to the office. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
Just as she stepped out of the elevator, she bumped into Evan and Daniella.
Concern evident in her voice, Daniella asked, “Ms. Shenton, are you feeling better now?”
Caroline avoided looking directly at Evan and responded to Daniella, “I’m feeling much better. Thank you for your concern.”
Daniella’s smile was sweet and kind. “You’re welcome. The sooner you recover, the sooner you’ll be able to share some of Mr. Jordan’s burdens.”
As she spoke, Daniella delicately tucked a strand of her long hair behind her ear, revealing the red mole on her petite earlobe.
She cast a gentle sideway glance at Evan. “Mr. Jordan, why don’t we bring back some food for Ms. Shenton during dinner later?”
Evan’s expression turned cold. “No need! She’s an adult and perfectly capable of taking care of her own meals.”
With that, he firmly grasped Daniella’s wrist and walked into the elevator.
Caroline tactfully stepped back and calmly brushed past them.
However, as she entered the office, a bitter smile formed on her lips. ‘I shouldn’t have come back to the office at this hour.’
Caroline’s heart ached as she remembered the effortless interaction between the two, seemingly unaware of anyone else around them.