Meredith's legs were shaking, and she dared not look up. She wished she could disappear into the ground.
Did Terrence Sterling recognize her? Meredith was so nervous, her eyes fixed on Terrence Sterling's shiny shoes. Every step he took forward, she unconsciously took a step back.
The faint scent of mint on her made Terrence Sterling lean in even closer unconsciously, stirring up some memories from last night.
Suddenly, Terrence Sterling's hand reached towards her chest. Startled, Meredith jerked her head up, hands protecting her chest, staring at Terrence Sterling with a wary look. "Mr... Mr. Sterling."
Despite Meredith's stuttering, she resembled a startled wildcat with sharp claws exposed, ready to bite if he came any closer. Terrence Sterling was willing to bet that if he took one more step, this little wildcat before him would strike.
Terrence Sterling surveyed Meredith from head to toe. Her fair skin, thick bangs, and black-framed glasses hid most of her face. She wore jeans and a shirt, looking plain to the extreme, with a five-cent hair tie on her wrist.
Initial impressions of Meredith left Terrence Sterling feeling underwhelmed. He did not recognize her as the woman from last night. Any sense of familiarity vanished upon seeing Meredith's face.
With a cold expression, Terrence Sterling pointed to the name tag on Meredith's chest. "Meredith? Intern? Which school did you graduate from, and how long have you been with the company?"
Unsure of Terrence Sterling's intentions, Meredith instinctively replied, "Harborview University, been with the company for three months."
"Harborview University," muttered Terrence Sterling, then turned to Rick and said, "She's the one then. Have her report to the Secretary Office."
Rick respectfully acknowledged, "Yes, Mr. Sterling."
Meredith, however, was puzzled like, "???"
Before she could question him further, Terrence Sterling walked away with long strides.
Wasn't he here to confront her?
Meredith breathed a sigh of relief and turned to Rick. "Mr. Shepard, what does Mr. Sterling mean?"
Rick smiled and said, "Congratulations! You've been transferred to the Secretary Office, a big promotion actually. You're now an official employee of Sterling Corporation. Never has anyone before you been promoted like that."
"Why me? Mr. Shepard, be honest with me, or I'll have no peace of mind." Meredith was baffled. Did Terrence Sterling recognize her and plan to transfer her to his side for some ulterior motive, perhaps to torment her slowly?
After all, it wouldn't look good if word got out that he slept with her.
Glancing at Meredith, Rick explained, "Probably because you look plain, have a fiancé, and are thus safe. Mr. Sterling happens to need a secretary and chose you."
It wouldn't be wise to hire a beautiful single secretary, as it might lead to unnecessary attempts to seduce the boss.
Meredith was speechless.
The blunt truth wasn't necessary at all.
Meredith's features were delicate; back in school, she was considered one of the most beautiful girls. Now, however, she had intentionally dressed plainly, concealing her looks behind thick bangs and glasses. As an intern without connections in a large company filled with individuals more qualified than her, having a pretty face might not always be advantageous and could bring unnecessary trouble.
Seeing Meredith remain silent, Rick thought he had hurt her with his honesty. Apologetically, he said, "Meredith, I didn't mean anything by it. Go and report to the Secretary Office."
Meredith came back to her senses and smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Shepard."
The unexpected promotion and transfer to the Secretary Office left Meredith feeling uneasy. She was afraid to face Terrence Sterling, and now that she was in the Secretary Office, wouldn't they see each other every day?
Did he recognize her from last night?
In just a few minutes, Meredith felt like she was being tortured. If they saw each other every day, could she bear it?
After enduring the whole day, Meredith breathed a sigh of relief as she left the office. It felt like she had been through a trial.
With her promotion and salary increase, Meredith couldn't help but feel like she had sold her body for the job.
Deciding to treat herself, Meredith splurged on a cab ride home instead of taking the subway.
Along the way, she messaged Fiona: "Fiona, I got promoted and got a raise. Let's go out to have a good dinner. I'm almost home, so get ready."
At Briarcliff Lofts.
Fiona sat nervously on the living room couch, facing the man sitting across from her, who was none other than Terrence Sterling.
Receiving Meredith's message, she felt a sinking feeling but quickly turned off her phone without reading it.