Chapter 33
She shook her head, forcing herself to focus, but when her pen touched the paper, she couldn't write a single word.
Della from the next desk leaned over: "Ophelia, what's wrong? Your face is so red, do you have a fever?"
Ophelia quickly shook her head: "No, probably just got too much sun."
Della didn't ask further and turned to handle her own work.
Ophelia took a deep breath and checked her phone - no message from William. She felt an inexplicable sense of disappointment.
Actually, William had been thinking about Ophelia ever since he returned to the Brown Group.
He sat in his office, looking at the preliminary plans for the resort on his computer, but his mind was full of images of her taking notes carefully by the lake, and her flushed cheeks in the hot spring pool.
Chase knocked and came in with documents. Seeing the smile on William's face, he felt curious - William, who was usually so serious, why was he so happy today?
"Mr. Brown, the Smith Group just sent over their additional comments after the inspection," Chase placed the documents on the desk. "Also, Ainsley seems to be making moves - she's sent people to snoop around the resort area."
The smile on William's face disappeared instantly, his expression darkening: "Keep an eye on them, report any developments immediately."
"Yes." Chase quickly responded and left.
William picked up his phone and sent Ophelia a message: "Stay safe. Ainsley might try something."
When Ophelia saw the message, warmth filled her heart. She quickly replied: "I know, thanks for the heads up."
Looking at the reply on his phone screen, William's expression softened. His finger lingered on the screen for a few seconds before he added, "Dinner together tonight? We can discuss the proposal."
Ophelia looked at the message, hesitated for a moment, then replied: "Okay."
She knew she had feelings for William. Maybe she didn't need to deliberately resist - just let things happen naturally.
While organizing the proposal that afternoon, Ophelia was in an especially good mood. Her pen flew across the paper, and details she hadn't thought of before became crystal clear thanks to today's on-site experience.
When Freya passed by her desk and saw the smile on her lips, jealousy burned inside her, but she didn't dare openly cause trouble. She could only snort coldly and walk away.
Ophelia paid her no attention, immersed in her work. Occasionally, when she thought of William, her cheeks would warm slightly, and her lips would curve up unconsciously.
After work, William's car was already waiting downstairs.
Ophelia got in the car and smelled the familiar woody scent, feeling much more at ease.
"How's the proposal coming along?" William asked as he started the car.
"Almost done, mainly added details from the site inspection," Ophelia turned to look at him. "By the way, you said Ainsley might try something - should we prepare?"
"Don't worry, I've already got people watching," William glanced at her. "You don't need to worry about this, just focus on the proposal."
Ophelia nodded and didn't ask more, feeling reassured.
The car pulled into a private restaurant with a quiet, elegant atmosphere - perfect for discussing business.
They sat by the window and ordered a few light dishes.
"You really don't have to help me this much," Ophelia suddenly said. "I can handle this project on my own."
William looked up at her, his gaze serious: "I'm not helping you, I'm investing. And besides, I want to."
Ophelia's heart skipped a beat. Not daring to meet his eyes, she could only lower her head and drink her soup.
The meal didn't last long. Most of the time was spent discussing the project, with occasional casual chat mixed in, but the atmosphere grew increasingly intimate.
After dinner, William took Ophelia home and stopped the car at the entrance of her villa.
"Thanks for driving me home," Ophelia unbuckled her seatbelt, preparing to get out. "I'll send you the proposal tomorrow."
"Wait," William stopped her, reaching for a small box from the passenger seat. "This is for you."
Ophelia took it curiously and opened it - it was a bottle of sunscreen.
"I saw you got sunburned today," William's voice sounded a bit awkward. "Next time you go on a field trip, remember to put it on."
Warmth flooded Ophelia's heart. She looked up at him, her eyes smiling: "Thank you, you're so thoughtful."
"It's nothing," William looked into her eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Ophelia, I..."
He wanted to say something but stopped, as if choosing his words carefully.
Ophelia's heartbeat quickened instantly. She looked at him nervously, waiting for him to continue.
But William finally just smiled: "It's nothing, rest early, don't stay up late."
Ophelia felt a bit disappointed but still nodded: "Okay, you get home safe too."
After getting out of the car, she walked up to the villa's door and looked back. William's car was still there, headlights on, as if watching her.
She waved and turned into the villa.
William watched her figure disappear before starting the car and leaving, feeling a bit regretful - he'd almost said what was on his mind.
Back home, Ophelia placed the sunscreen on her desk. Looking at it, she couldn't help but smile.
She took out her phone and sent William a message: "Got the sunscreen, thanks. You stay safe, too."
William quickly replied: "Get some rest."
After sending the message, Ophelia lay in bed tossing and turning, unable to sleep. She simply picked up her phone and pulled up the photos she'd taken at the resort during the day.
Looking at them, she felt inspired. She wrote a caption: "Did a site inspection for the new project location. Natural hot springs with lake views - absolutely amazing! The natural environment is so healing. Can't wait for it to open so we can all come enjoy it together!"
She posted it with the photos. Her account had gained quite a few followers from handling the Jeffrey situation, and she occasionally shared work updates with good fan interaction.
Within minutes of posting, the comments exploded.
"This place is so beautiful! Are you building a resort? Need the exact location!"
"Ophelia's projects are always solid, definitely going when it opens!"
"Gonna scout out this spot now, in case there's a waitlist when it officially opens!"
"Natural hot springs! I'm sold. When will it be open to the public?"
Seeing the enthusiastic comments, Ophelia couldn't help but smile. She replied to a few before putting down her phone.
She hadn't expected one post to generate much publicity - just wanted to document the progress. But seeing everyone's excitement made her feel even more confident about the project.
Meanwhile, Ainsley was irritably scrolling through her phone when she stumbled upon Ophelia's post. Seeing all the praise and anticipation in the comments, she almost threw her phone in anger.
"Why her?" she said through gritted teeth. "It's just some crappy resort, and people are treating it like treasure!"
Freya happened to be beside her. She leaned over for a look and quickly fanned the flames: "Ainsley, look how fake she is. It's clearly a cheap project, but she's making it sound so high-end."