Chapter 159 Mr. Harrison in Your Office

Mabel's face darkened immediately.

"What did you just say?"

The young nurse, thinking Mabel hadn't heard her, repeated, "Your medical bill hasn't been paid yet. Here's the invoice. You need to go downstairs and pay it."

The nurse handed Mabel a stack of papers before being called away by the head nurse.

Mabel clutched the bill in her hand, crumpling it into a ball of useless paper.

'Abigail, you really are something. You can't even spare a little for my medical bills, and you call yourself my friend? Fine, if that's how it is, I won't hold back either.'

She gritted her teeth as she paid the few thousand dollars in medical bills. As she was leaving the private hospital, the cold wind cut through her, and just then, her landlord called to remind her about the overdue rent. Her heart sank even further.

The next day. 

Mabel went to work and ran into Abigail in the cafeteria.

"Mabel? What are you doing here?" Abigail, searching for a seat, was surprised.

"Mabel, you should be in the hospital," Abigail said, setting down her tray with concern.

"I'm just an ordinary worker with a family to support. I can't afford to be that delicate," Mabel said, trying to make light of her situation.

The two sat down to eat together. Abigail noticed the bland food in front of Mabel and went to get her a bowl of soup.

Just as she sat back down, Mabel received a phone call and hurried out, looking flustered.

Abigail frowned slightly and put down her utensils to wait.

Ten minutes later, Mabel returned, looking even worse than the day before.

"Abigail, sorry to keep you waiting. Let's eat."

She lowered her head, her hands trembling as she picked up her utensils.

"Mabel, did something happen? You can tell me. Maybe I can help."

"It's nothing, Abigail. I'm fine, really. Don't look at me like that. Let's eat before it gets cold."

Mabel ate absentmindedly. As they parted, she forced a smile at Abigail and stumbled away.

Abigail watched her for a moment before heading to her office.

In the afternoon, Abigail went out to meet a client, and Mabel was sent to assist.

Abigail noticed that Mabel seemed distracted and troubled, as if she was facing an insurmountable problem.

On the way back to the office, Abigail couldn't help but ask, "Mabel, what's going on? Don't lie to me. I won't believe you."

Abigail's tone was more serious, and Mabel tried to brush it off again.

Abigail didn't respond, just looked at her.

Mabel sighed in defeat. "Abigail, my problems really have nothing to do with you."

"Tell me."

The single word carried the weight of a thousand pounds.

Mabel shook her head and sighed. "Abigail, you're always so good to me. I'll get spoiled. The truth is, I'm out of money. The landlord called to demand rent."

Mabel's face flushed with embarrassment, and she lowered her head.

"That's it?" Abigail was surprised.

"Abigail, don't make fun of me. I'm really tight on money right now. Last night's medical bills emptied my wallet. I sent some money home the other day for my brother's school fees and living expenses. I—"

As she spoke, tears welled up in Mabel's eyes.

"How much do you need?" Abigail asked. Over the years, she hadn't saved much, but since Edward had covered her mother's medical expenses, she'd been able to put aside a little.

"Abigail, I can't take your money. It just doesn't feel right."

"Then what will you do?" Abigail countered.

Mabel awkwardly rubbed her hands. "I'll figure something out, andpayday is coming soon."

"We got paid just a week ago," Abigail reminded her, shattering Mabel's hope.

Mabel's face turned pale. "Then I'll—" She was at a loss for words.

"I don't want to borrow money."

Mabel lowered her head again, her voice much weaker.

Mabel's lips tightened. She was about to be evicted, had no money, and didn't want to borrow any. If Abigail had any pity for her, shouldn't she invite her to stay at her place?

She couldn't be that cold-hearted, could she? Watching her good friend end up on the streets?

She just wanted to be closer to Edward, to make it easier to get to him.

Hadn't Yvette warned her? Hadn't she arranged for someone to take her first night?

She was determined to win Edward over and replace Abigail. After that, she'd make Yvette's life miserable—forcing her into servitude, humiliating her in every way possible, and turning her existence into a living hell.

A flash of red crossed her eyes, but when she looked up again, her face was gentle and harmless.

She could see Abigail was conflicted, so she waited quietly.

"Mabel, if you don't mind..."

Hearing that, Mabel's heart leaped with joy.

"I used to stay at a hotel that's nice and affordable. I know the owner, and I can get you a discount. You can pay the rent later. How does that sound? It's better than being on the streets."

Mabel almost lost her composure.

She forced herself to smile gratefully at Abigail.

"Abigail, I knew you were the best. But staying at a hotel is still too expensive. I've decided that if it comes to it, I'll stay with relatives. Even if I have to put up with their attitudes, at least I'll have a place to stay and save some money."

Mabel was making a last-ditch effort.

She planned to make one final push. If Abigail still didn't budge, she'd have to resort to more drastic measures.

"Abigail, I'm sorry to turn down your offer."

Abigail shook her head.

She had considered bringing Mabel home, but it was Edward's.

If she brought someone without his consent, he wouldn't be pleased and might even embarrass Mabel.

She fell silent.

Staying with relatives was an option.

"Abigail, don't worry about me. I have somewhere to go."

Back at the office, as soon as Abigail entered the workspace, she noticed her colleagues staring at her.

She frowned.

"Miss Peterson, Mr. Harrison is in your office."

Someone whispered to Abigail.

Abigail's brows furrowed instinctively. What was he doing here?

She nodded to show she understood and took a few steps before adding, "He's probably here to discuss work."

Not caring whether anyone believed her, she walked to her office door. Just as she stood there, a pair of hands reached out, pulling her inside by the waist.

The scene was perfectly reflected in the one-way glass at the door.

The entire office fell silent.

Miss Peterson was really favored by Mr. Harrison. Flirting in the office during work hours!

Everyone exchanged glances, marveling at Abigail's good fortune, then buried themselves in their work.

When the workday ended, no one moved.

It had been two hours since Edward had "grabbed" Abigail into the office.

Did they really just talk about work for two hours?

The door opened, and Edward and Abigail walked out.

Abigail leaned against Edward, out of sight of the others.

It was driving them crazy.

The gossip was tantalizing, but they couldn't see anything!

Their colleagues' eyes burned with curiosity. Edward tightened his hold on Abigail and shot them a glance.

Everyone quickly looked down, pretending to be busy.