Chapter 122 Is This Workload Serious?

Chapter 122 Is This Workload Serious?

Stephanie's POV

The next morning, I was woken up by a frantic doorbell ringing.

With my hair a total mess, I opened the door, feeling a bit annoyed.

Standing outside was Chloe, looking all excited and holding a huge stack of papers.

"Morning!" She fluttered past me like a butterfly, squeezing into my place and casually dumping the pile of papers on my dining table.

"Check this out! It's the project plan for Elite Choice Executive Search Firm for the next three months! Hot off the press!"

I stared at the stack of papers, which looked almost taller than me, and felt a throbbing in my temples.

"Chloe," I said helplessly, rubbing my forehead, "it's eight in the morning."

"I know!" She replied confidently, walking straight to my open kitchen and grabbing a bottle of cold milk from the fridge like she owned the place. "The early bird catches the worm, right? Come on, take a look. This is crucial for whether you can win that huge bet!"

I couldn't argue with her, so I gave in, sat at the dining table, and picked up the top file to flip through.

"Phase One: Complete the internal restructuring of Valerius Charity Fund, cut redundant staff, and bring in fresh talent…"

"Phase Two: Establish initial cooperation agreements with Turner Pack, Black Pack, and other Packs to expand the fund's social impact…"

"Phase Three…"

The more I read, the deeper my frown got.

This plan looked pretty well put together.

But…

My eyes landed on the name clearly marked as the person in charge for every single task—Stephanie. And it said my partner was Richard.

"Chloe," I put down the file and calmly looked at the culprit, who was sipping milk happily like a little hamster.

"Hm? What's up?" she mumbled.

"Care to explain why all the important work here has my name on it?"

"And what's this about a partner? Since when do I have a partner?"

Chloe froze, her guilty eyes darting away, avoiding my gaze.

"Uh… well…" she stammered, "maybe… Bruce and the others think you're super capable, so the more talented, the more work, right?"

"Oh, really?" I let out a cold laugh.

Bruce is way too sly for that. He probably noticed my "close connection" with Richard and is trying every trick in the book to create chances for us to be alone.

"And besides!" Chloe suddenly grabbed at a lifeline, shoving another file in front of me. "Look! Mr. Richard is so thoughtful! He even made a list of potential partners for you, saying these people could be a big help to your charity fund project!"

I took the list and glanced at the long string of unfamiliar names, feeling my headache get worse.

"Alright, alright," Chloe said, noticing my expression. She scooted closer with a flattering smile on her face.

She pulled out a beautifully made invitation from her bag and handed it to me.

"Don't be mad, okay? Look at this. I guarantee it'll cheer you up!"

I opened the invitation. It was for Anthony and his wife's wedding anniversary celebration.

"It's my parents' wedding anniversary party," Chloe explained. "It's this weekend at Moonstar Estate."

She paused, then added, "It's just a fifteen-minute drive from your seaside apartment."

Looking at the happy middle-aged couple smiling in the invitation, some of my irritation melted away.

"Oh, by the way," Chloe suddenly remembered something and started ranting with an indignant look.

"I'm telling you, my dad has lost it lately! Ever since he found out you're my friend and Frederick's granddaughter, he keeps comparing me to you every single day!"

She mimicked her dad's tone perfectly.

"Look at Stephanie, so young and already managing a Pack, running her business like a pro! And then look at you! All you do is sleep in and shop all day!"

"Oh my gosh!" She dramatically clutched her chest. "I feel like I'm about to lose my spot as his favorite! Stephanie, in my dad's eyes, I can't compete with you!"

I couldn't help but laugh at her over-the-top act.

"Mr. Humphrey just wants the best for you," I said.

"No way!" she shot back confidently. "I'd rather be an ordinary rich kid than work as hard as you do!"

As she spoke, she dragged me out to the open balcony of my apartment.

The sea breeze blew over us, carrying a faint salty smell.

In the distance, the sea sparkled under the sun, and seagulls soared freely.

"Stephanie," Chloe leaned on the railing, gazing at the stunning ocean view, and sighed sincerely, "I'm so jealous of you."

"Me?"

"Yeah," she nodded, a strange emotion flickering in her eyes that I couldn't quite read. "You've got everything. An amazing family background, people who love you, and so many… guys who'd do anything for you."

"And me?" She gave a self-mocking smile. "Besides endless money to spend, I've got nothing."

Seeing her rare, slightly sad expression in profile, my heart softened.

I picked up a strawberry from the fruit bowl on the table and held it to her mouth.

"What are you thinking about?" I said gently. "Don't you still have me?"

She froze for a moment, then opened her mouth and ate the strawberry.

The sweet and tart juice burst on her taste buds.

She looked at me, her eyes slowly turning red.

"Stephanie," her voice sounded a bit nasal, "you're the best."

I smiled and didn't say anything.

The two of us stood side by side on the balcony.

Eating fruit, feeling the sea breeze, and enjoying this rare, relaxing moment that belonged just to us.

Just then, my phone suddenly rang.

It was an unknown number.