Chapter 65 Chapter 66

Chapter 65 Chapter 66

As she stood outside of Chad's office, Audrey seethed with anger when her brother refused to open the door. It seemed that even now, her sister was determined to disturb them.

"What on earth is wrong with you, Chad? Why won't you open the door? And don't forget we have an important meeting to attend," she shouted, her frustration palpable as she pounded on the door.

Of course, she knew her brother was inside. David had already informed her that he was with Charlie. How could Audrey not feel frustrated after hearing that?

Inside the office, Marlie sat on Chad's lap with her head resting on his chest, playing with the hem of his shirt like a child. His arms were securely wrapped around her, as if claiming what was rightfully his.

He was attempting to convince the stubborn yet adorable girl to come with him to the meeting, but she adamantly refused all his attempts.

Upon hearing Audrey's annoyed voice from outside, Marlie couldn't help but roll her eyes. Who did she think she was, barging in like that?

"I swear, I cannot stand your sister!" Marlie exclaimed, voicing her thoughts to Chad, who chuckled in amusement.

"I am well aware of that," he replied simply.

"Damn it, I can't even have a single day of peace with you. Fine, you can go to the meeting. And as your secretary, it is my duty to be by your side, right?" Marlie finally gave in to Chad's persuasive charm.

Chad just grinned at her before nodding. He was grateful that the only woman he had ever loved was at least starting to warm up to him. It was a far cry from before, when she had nothing but hatred for him.

"Don't smile like that. You'll kill countless with that smile of yours!" Marlie joked as she stood up from his lap and began to fix her appearance.

"Oh really? And why is that?" Chad teased, mimicking her actions.

"Because you look bloody handsome!" Marlie blurted out before she could stop herself.

Chad's hands, which were occupied with buttoning his shirt, froze in their movements as a wide grin spread across his face.

"Oh, wow, you actually think I'm handsome?" He replied with a sheepish grin.

Seeing the triumphant expression on his face, Marlie regretted her words and wished she could take them back.

"Actually, on second thought, I take back my compliment," she said, straightening herself up.

Chad burst into laughter at her words. He was thoroughly enjoying this moment and couldn't help but want to cancel the meeting and stay in his office with Marlie. However, the loud banging and Audrey's angry voice from outside prevented him from doing so.

"You're beautiful too, sweetheart. Especially your eyes," Chad said, pulling her close and lightly kissing her lips.

He complimented her eyes because, to him, they were the only thing that belonged to the real Marlie when it came to her face. Though she may have Charlie's pretty features, to Chad, his little pumpkin with her chubby cheeks was truly beautiful.

"Now, let's get going before your witch of a sister comes and eats me alive," Marlie joked.

"She can't! I'd have to chop off her hands before she even tried!" Chad stated firmly.

His words warmed Marlie's heart, and she couldn't help but hug him in return.

Chad hugged her back before they both left his office to face an angry Audrey.

"Chad! You--!" Audrey started to shout but was cut off by Chad's furious glare.

"I'm out now, right? Why don't you go to the meeting room and stay busy?" Chad said pointedly to his sister.

He didn't wait for Audrey's response before taking Marlie's hand and leading her out of the hallway.

Marlie felt overwhelmed with emotion and couldn't contain her happiness. Chad protecting her from his sister was all that she needed.
It's not like she couldn't do it herself, but if Chad does it, it feels warm.

"Thank you," she said once they were out of earshot of Audrey.

"For what?" Chad asked, curious.

"For standing up for me against your sister. God, I just want to pull her hair out whenever she screams," Marlie admitted truthfully.

Chad just chuckled, glad to have been able to protect her. Though he sometimes protected her in unconventional ways, he couldn't help but admire her fierce personality.

The truth is, he knows Marlie can take care of herself. This stray cat with him is quite wild and unpredictable.

She's his little pumpkin, after all. But Chad was determined to protect her even better than he did with Charlie, a hundred times over.

As soon as Marlie entered the meeting room, she was met with unfamiliar faces. Unfortunately, there were also some faces she dreaded seeing the most, Angelina among them.

"Why is she here?" Angelina exclaimed as soon as she spotted Marlie with Chad.

Before Marlie could even respond, Spark, who was already seated, retorted, "Why shouldn't she be here? She is Chad's secretary and his wife, the madam of this company. Who are you to question her?"

Spark's words caused murmurs in the room. He despised Angelina for her part in what she, Audrey, and Chad's mother did to Charlie.

"Enough! Let the meeting begin!" Chad commanded, taking his seat. He was grateful to his friend for putting Angelina in her place and even gave him a quick smile.

As the company's lawyer, Angelina demanded respect from Chad in the presence of his employees. However, Spark was different. As a shareholder, he had the freedom to speak his mind to anyone he wanted.

Marlie secretly gave Spark a thumbs up, starting to like him already. She even blew him a flying kiss, much to Spark's annoyance.

He rolled his eyes at her gesture, but deep down, he felt the need to protect and support Marlie as Charlie's younger sister. She may be trouble and crazy, but he couldn't help it.

"Hold on, did they really come here together, hand in hand?" Spark asked inwardly as he turned his attention back to Chad.

"Sure, let's start the meeting, I'm sure some of us are eager to finish this already!" Spark teased with a smile directed at Chad's face.

Chad gave him a scowl.

Audrey made her entrance at that moment and took her designated seat on the right side of the table. She needed a few moments to soothe her tumultuous heart before joining the meeting.

But as soon as she settled in her seat, she shot a cold glare at Marlie, who pretended not to notice. This only irritated Audrey more, but she controlled her emotions. She couldn't afford to lose her composure in front of her colleagues.

"Let's begin!" Chad announced.

"Yeah, let's begin!" Spark echoed Chad's words, earning himself a cold glare from Chad that says "shut the fuck up!"

Spark knew right then he had earned himself a free punch, and Chad would be glad to serve it to him later.

The meeting started and all eyes were fixated on the screen as they delved into the agenda.

From time to time, Angelina would sneak glances at Chad, hoping to catch his attention. But to her disappointment, Chad's focus was either on the screen or stolen glances at Marlie.

She even witnessed Marlie sending flirtatious gestures to him. Well, Marlie had to send Chad flying kisses because Angelina couldn't stop looking at them.

Angelina and Audrey didn't miss this and they were seething with fury. How shameless could Marlie be? But they should be grateful to the colleagues in the room. They were the ones stopping Marlie, with their presence, from going over to Chad and kissing him passionately.

After what seemed like an eternity, the meeting finally concluded. Four-hour meeting? What the heck!

"Where's Gideon?" Marlie inquired about Spark. Not that she cared, but because Gideon had joined them earlier.

"Do you think we all have less time like you?" Spark snapped back without answering her question.

"You--!"

Marlie was about to erupt in anger, but Chad immediately embraced her. "Calm down... don't mind him. Gideon had to leave for something important," Chad reassured her with a peck on her forehead.

The employees passing by couldn't help but smile and applaud at the affection between their boss and his wife.

Marlie blushed, hiding her face in Chad's chest until she heard Spark's exasperated voice.

"Disgusting!" Spark remarked upon seeing the lovey-dovey state of Chad and Marlie.

"And here come the two witches!" Spark exclaimed when he spotted Audrey and Angelina approaching them.

"Chad, would you join me for dinner? I have something important to discuss."

Upon reaching Chad's side, Angelina declared, prompting a swift response from an unexpected source.

"Your invitation is unnecessary! My husband and I shall dine at our home!" Marlie's frosty words came before she took hold of Chad's hands, leading him away.

Spark looked at Angelina feeling pity for her.
"I can talk to Chad to leave that brat and come to you."

Angelina's face lit up at the mention of Spark's words. Her excitement knew no bounds as she implored, "Will you help me?"

"Obviously...NO!"
Spark sneered as he observed the two friends' indignant expressions and followed Marlie and Chad out of the room.

Did they really think Spark Winterfell would help them? Seriously?