Chapter 38 Which Executive's Lover
No way!
Are you kidding me?
The Russell family was one of the most prestigious families in Seaside City. Even if Frederick looked like a total disaster, there was no way he'd marry some woman with three kids and a bad reputation!
Vivian decided she was just being paranoid.
If Xandra had really married some big-shot CEO, she would've been flaunting her "CEO wife" status everywhere by now. Could she really keep that kind of news on the down-low?
"Vivian, did you finish all the paperwork?"
A woman's voice came from behind her.
Vivian snapped back to reality and saw Simone, whose eyes were slightly red and gave her a vulnerable appearance.
"Yes, Ms. Cross. I'm sorry I let you down."
Simone sighed and asked tentatively, "Vivian, is what that Xandra said true? Did she really guide you on those hit designs you created before?"
Vivian's eyes flickered as she quickly denied it.
"No, those pieces were completely my original work. Xandra is just bitter because her fiancé chose me instead, so she's trying to smear my reputation."
She wiped away tears that weren't actually there and continued, "The only reason her fiancé chose me is because her personal life is a complete mess."
"Not only did Xandra get pregnant before marriage, she was also seeing other men while engaged. Her fiancé finally had enough and broke it off. How is that my fault?"
Since Xandra wasn't around, Vivian could say whatever she wanted.
Simone looked shocked but, given her preconceptions, completely believed Vivian's story.
"Looking at that face of hers, she doesn't seem like the innocent type anyway."
This was exactly the reaction Vivian wanted.
She stirred the pot further. "Ms. Cross, Xandra is really cunning. If she gets into the company, you need to watch out for her. She might try to push you out of your supervisor position."
Simone scoffed. "A woman who didn't even finish college? Does she have that kind of ability?"
Vivian reminded her, "Don't underestimate her. I just saw Aiden leave with her."
Simone paused. "That happened?"
"Yeah, Ms. Cross. Xandra has the kind of face that attracts attention. Maybe she and Aiden have something going on."
Vivian wasn't sure about Xandra and Aiden's actual relationship, but stirring up trouble with Simone was never a bad move.
"Or maybe she's some executive's mistress, working at the ground level for a while before finding a chance to push you out and take your place."
"Think about it—if that wasn't the case, how could Xandra just barge into the competition venue? And why were both Aiden and Brinley so protective of her?"
Simone looked thoughtful, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.
"I hate women like that the most—no real talent, just using underhanded tactics."
Vivian's lips curved slightly upward. She'd said enough.
In the corporate world, you can't reach management without real skills. She wanted to plant a thorn in Simone's mind, making her create problems for Xandra at every turn.
That way, Xandra wouldn't have a peaceful work life.
In the executive office, Xandra followed Aiden inside.
To make the scene convincing, Philip was sitting in the CEO's chair while Frederick stood nearby.
When Xandra saw Frederick, she winked at him as a greeting.
Her little gesture carried an intimate familiarity that made Frederick's lips curve into an unconscious smile.
"Xandra's here! Please, have a seat!" Philip greeted warmly, then smoothly bossed Frederick around.
"Ray, don't just stand there. Go get Xandra something to drink."
Frederick glanced at him and asked Xandra, "What would you like?"
"Just warm water is fine," Xandra replied.
"How can you just drink warm water? Ray, go pour some juice," Philip interjected.
Frederick didn't respond but still poured a cup of warm water and handed it to Xandra.
Philip raised an eyebrow and teased, "Ray, since when did the executive office become too poor to afford anything but water?"
"She's not feeling well and can't have cold drinks," Frederick explained flatly.
"Oh, I see!" Philip immediately understood and joked, "Xandra, Ray is such a thoughtful guy."
A warmth flickered in Xandra's eyes as she cupped the warm water and took a sip.
"Xandra, I just watched the livestream. Congratulations on winning. You're officially part of the Russell Group family now." Philip smiled as he congratulated her.
Xandra set down her cup and smiled back. "I owe it all to Mr. Russell bringing in Ms. Brinley Barber. She's the one with the keen eye."
Philip glanced at Frederick and decided to take the credit. "Ray told me about the situation with that scheming woman, so I specifically brought her in to set things right for you."
Xandra said gratefully, "Mr. Russell, I can't thank you enough. Ray and I will both work hard for the Russell Group."
Philip laughed heartily. "Good, good."
Soon, Philip's assistant brought in food.
"Perfect timing for lunch. Eating alone is boring anyway. Why don't you two join me for a meal? Consider it a celebration of Xandra's victory."
Xandra felt a bit overwhelmed and looked to Frederick for his opinion.
Frederick nodded slightly in agreement.
Xandra smiled. "Thank you for your generous hospitality, Mr. Russell. Let me call home to let them know."
She dialed Charles's number.
"Chuck, I won't be home for dinner. Let your great-grandfather know not to wait for me."
At that moment, all three children were already in the car with Richard.
The person picking them up was the son of the Russell family's head butler.
"Mommy, I was just about to call you. Great-grandfather is taking us to stay at his friend's house for a few days."
Xandra's smile froze. "What? Grandpa is taking you guys away?"
She instinctively looked at Frederick.
Frederick frowned and held out his hand. "Give me the phone."
Xandra handed it over.
"Chuck, put your great-grandfather on the phone."
Soon, Richard's voice came through the speaker.
"Hello?"
"Where are you taking the kids?" Frederick asked directly.
"To an old friend's place. He's been asking me to visit for ages!" Richard said deliberately. "Aren't you the one who's always telling me to leave? Now you're getting your wish!"
Frederick's eyes narrowed, guessing the so-called old friend was the family's head butler, Blake Brown.
He warned, "Maggie's health is delicate—she catches cold easily. You need to take good care of them. If something happens, that's on you."
Richard bristled. "You little brat, do I need you teaching me how to take care of children? Who do you think raised you when you were little!"
"You just enjoy your alone time with your wife and hurry up and give the kids a little brother or sister!"
That was his real purpose for taking the children away—playing matchmaker.
Frederick glanced at Xandra, thinking to himself that with the three kids gone, it would certainly be convenient for their alone time.
Too bad Xandra had just started her period.