When Chloe was in elementary school, her dad was often on construction sites, and her mom was at work, leaving her to prepare meals by herself. She would stand on a stool, cooking for herself and Jacob.
Chloe kept glancing at Donovan, trying to gauge whether her performance justified the $20,000 standard.
After dinner and some TV time, the moment Chloe felt most anxious about yet also most anticipated arrived.
At ten in the evening, Samuel retired to his bedroom to rest.
"Time to sleep," Donovan said, throwing a glance Chloe's way.
"Mhm," Chloe replied, following Donovan back to his bedroom.
Donovan's bedroom was spacious, easily twice the size of Chloe's rented two-bedroom place, complete with an ensuite bathroom, exercise equipment, a bookshelf, a desk, and a large double bed.
"You shower in the bedroom bathroom. I'll be in the living room," Donovan said, grabbing his pajamas from the closet and stepping out without paying any attention to the nervous Chloe still standing in the room.
Like a marionette being manipulated, Chloe managed a muted "Mhm" and took her pajamas to the bathroom.
By the time Chloe emerged from the bathroom in her pajamas, Donovan was leaning against the bed reading. He occupied half the bed, the other half implicitly meant for Chloe.
Donovan was wrapped in high-quality silk pajamas, while Chloe wore pure cotton pajamas that were almost childishly unsophisticated compared to his.
Throughout, Donovan didn't so much as glance at Chloe, completely absorbed in his book.
Noticing that he showed no inclination to sleep, Chloe also took out her "Business Law" book from her luggage. She had been diligently preparing for the Certified Public Accountant exam.
She stole a glance at Donovan, who looked disinterested and detached.
Chloe knew that when he was drunk, he might have mistaken her for someone else, but now that he was sober, he likely wouldn't make such an error. After all, Donovan was a CEO. he probably wouldn't coerce anyone into anything.
Lost in her muddled thoughts, Donovan suddenly asked, "You're studying for the CPA?"
"Yes," she replied.
"How many parts have you passed?" It was a rare moment that he seemed interested in a conversation.
Chloe had a candid response, essentially demonstrating, "I've been working hard at New East International Group."
"Do you not dry your hair?" Donovan glanced over inadvertently and noticed Chloe's hair was still dripping.
"Oh, I'll blow dry it later."
The truth was Chloe had never really gotten into the habit of blow-drying her hair since she was young.
Donovan gestured, seemingly suggesting she should dry her hair, but at that moment, his phone rang.
Chloe sat beside Donovan, overhearing snippets of a conversation about decisions regarding interns at the company.
Her heart immediately tensed.
"Just release the decision to the whole company on Monday," was the succinct reply Donovan gave after a long lecture.
After he hung up, Chloe licked her lips, mustering the courage to ask, "Mr. Blake, did they mention anything about my internship status?"