Chapter 44
“Inform me beforehand?” I interjected, my eyes darting to hers before I continued, “I’m not Ashton’s only subordinate. If he had to explain every little detail to each of us, what would be the point of hiring so many people? He might as well handle everything himself.”
“But you’re his wife!” she protested.
I found it amusing and looked at her as I replied, “Yes, I’m his wife. But let’s put aside the fact that he’s never been satisfied with me in that role. Even if he were, he is still the president of Fuller Corporation, and I am the director. In the company, we are superior and subordinate. If I were so incompetent that I needed him to spell everything out for me, then I might as well quit and become a full-time housewife!”
In this world, intelligence alone won’t get you far. Only experience, gained through hard work and perseverance, can truly pave the way forward.
Back in my office, Stacey scheduled a dinner appointment with the president of Harrison Credit. I chose not to mention last night’s events to anyone, keeping my emotions locked away and bearing the burden alone.
Fortunately, the company was large enough that I could avoid Ashton unless absolutely necessary. To keep my mind off whatever he planned to do about our situation, I buried myself in work.
As the workday finally came to an end, Stacey entered my office with her bag in hand. “Ms. Stovall, would you like me to accompany you to your dinner appointment with Mr. Harrison from Harrison Credit tonight?”
It took me a moment to recall the appointment. Noting her eagerness to leave, I shook my head. “No need. Just send me the address, and I’ll go alone.”
Relieved, she smiled. “Thank you, Ms. Stovall. I’ve already sent the address to your phone.”
I nodded, then tilted my head slightly and scrutinized her. “Are you dating someone?”
Stacey wasn’t young anymore. Over the past two years that she had worked for me, she had never mentioned a romantic relationship. But recently, I had noticed a change in her—a certain glow in her expression.
“No!” she denied quickly, her cheeks turning red. “It’s just a simple get-together with an old classmate.”
I simply nodded, gesturing for her to go ahead without pressing further.
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. No matter how much one denies something, the eyes will always betray the truth.
After tidying my desk, I drove to the address Stacey had sent me. I had expected the president of Harrison Credit to be a middle-aged man, so I was genuinely surprised when I arrived to find that Nick Harrison was only in his early twenties.
“Scarlett Stovall?” A young man stood from his seat upon seeing me, his brows slightly raised in curiosity.
I offered him a polite smile. “Mr. Harrison?”
“Please, don’t call me Mr. Harrison. It makes me sound old. Just call me Nick.”
Nick had well-defined features and neatly shaped eyebrows. Whenever he spoke, dimples would occasionally appear on his cheeks, lending him a youthful charm. However, the sharpness in his eyes hinted at wisdom beyond his years.
It seemed this “kid” was more capable than he let on.
I took my seat as Nick beamed at me. “What would you like to eat, Scarlett? I’ll order for you!”
Given his age, it didn’t surprise me that he dropped the formalities so quickly.
“I’m not a picky eater,” I replied, setting my bag down and glancing up as he studied the menu.
After swiftly placing our orders, he rested his chin on his palm and squinted at me. “You’re even more beautiful than I expected!”
I raised a brow. “Is Harrison Credit your company?”
From what I had gathered, Nick was only around twenty-three years old. Though Harrison Credit wasn’t a massive corporation, Ashton wouldn’t have chosen them without reason. It was impressive that someone so young was managing it.
Nick slumped lazily against the table, looking disinterested. “Yeah. I was bored in university, so I started Harrison Credit just for fun.” Then, he tilted his head at me and grinned. “Let’s talk about something else, Scarlett.”
He really is just a kid.
I nodded. “Sure. What do you want to talk about?”
His expression brightened, and he sat up straighter, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Are you and Old Boy getting a divorce?”
I blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “Old Boy?”
He hummed in affirmation and explained, “Ashton’s already in his thirties. If that doesn’t make him an old boy, what does? You’re only twenty-six, Scarlett. Do you really plan on being with him for the rest of your life?”
His bluntness left me momentarily speechless. After a brief pause, I smiled wryly. “Are you that interested in my private life?”
“Of course!” He nodded, his expression earnest. “Has no one ever told you how beautiful you are, Scarlett? You radiate elegance.”
I chuckled at his peculiar nature and simply replied, “Thank you.”
Undeterred, he leaned forward with an impish grin. “What do you think about me, Scarlett? Am I your type?”
There really was no end to this kid’s antics.
Taking a sip of water, I glanced at him and neatly sidestepped his question. “Do you think you’ll be able to handle Fuller Corporation’s annual audit if I hand it over to you?”
He pouted, clearly unimpressed by my change of subject, and slumped forward once more. “How am I supposed to answer that before I even start? I’ll only know after I do it, Scarlett.”
I furrowed my brows slightly, not entirely pleased with his nonchalant attitude. “Fuller Corporation recently went public, which means there are substantial funds involved. You should understand better than anyone how the smallest mistake could result in a colossal loss. As the person-in-charge this year, I have to be extra cautious.”
Nick sighed dramatically and sat up again, flashing a charming yet mischievous smile. “Don’t worry, Scarlett. I won’t let you down.”
Despite his playful demeanor, something told me he was more capable than he let on. Only time would tell if he could truly handle the responsibility.