Chapter 57 Uninvited Guests
Audrey immediately felt jolted back to reality. Everything that had just happened was erased by the fact that they were not alone in this world.
In a rush, Audrey quickly jumped down, trying to regulate her breathing and compose herself. Slightly trembling, she straightened her somewhat messy clothes.
Elliot, who seemed calmer, also did the same with quick and efficient movements.
However, his eyes still managed to glance at Audrey, as if checking for signs that his secretary was okay. As the man was about to walk toward the door, Audrey's hand spontaneously stopped him.
"Wait…" Audrey whispered softly, her voice hoarse from nervousness.
Her hand lifted then touched Elliot's face, wiping away a faint lipstick smudge left at the corner of the man's lips. Her fingers also moved to straighten Elliot's slightly messy hair.
The gentle movement made Elliot fall silent. The man's gaze softened, his eyes staring deeply at Audrey, creating a meaningful silence between them.
However, the silence only lasted a few seconds before Elliot suddenly leaned in, giving a quick kiss to Audrey's lips. The woman was startled, her eyes widening because she hadn't expected the sudden action.
"Sir!" she protested with a flushed face, quickly pushing Elliot away.
However, Elliot only responded with a faint, innocent smile, as if he felt no guilt at all.
The knock on the door sounded again, this time louder and more urgent.
"Come in," Elliot ordered after taking a long breath to compose himself.
The door opened, revealing Stu who entered first with a slightly awkward face. However, Elliot's attention immediately focused on the two figures behind his personal assistant—Rebecca and Catherine.
Elliot frowned, clearly not expecting these guests. Meanwhile, Audrey, standing near the man's desk, realized that the items on the desk were still scattered due to Elliot's impulsive actions a few minutes ago.
"Mom..." Elliot stepped forward to greet Rebecca, but briefly glanced at Audrey, who looked busy tidying the documents on the desk. "Why didn't you let me know you were coming?"
Rebecca immediately turned to Stu and grumbled. "Tell me, Stu, is this how a son greets his mother?"
Stu could only wince awkwardly, unsure how to reply.
Meanwhile, Audrey sped up her movements, hoping to clear everything before people's attention turned to her. However, as she moved some documents, she remembered something and instantly tensed.
Audrey's hand spontaneously flew to her neck, which felt bare. The scarf she had been wearing was gone!
Her panic intensified as she tried to recall where Elliot had removed the item. She glanced at Elliot, who seemed to deliberately slow down his steps to give her time, but Rebecca and Catherine were getting closer.
Without thinking twice, Audrey rushed toward the visitor seating area. Her eyes quickly scanned the room, until she spotted the scarf lying on the floor, right near the small corner table. She moved quickly, squatting down to grab it. However, before she could stand up, Rebecca's voice suddenly rang out.
"Ah, Audrey! So you are here!"
Audrey froze for a moment, the scarf tightly clutched in her hand. Trying to remain calm, she stood up straight, putting on the scarf as fast as lightning, then turned and offered a polite smile, even though her heart felt like it was about to explode. "Hello, Ma'am. Can I help you with anything?"
Rebecca stepped closer, her gaze full of scrutiny. "What are you doing here? Weren't you just near the desk?"
"Oh, I just wanted to make sure this area was tidy in case you wanted to use it," Audrey answered quickly, trying to sound natural.
Audrey glanced at the tablet that Elliot had tossed onto the couch. Slowly, she moved over and grabbed it. "I was also retrieving this."
"Ah, yes. We were discussing the acquisition project," Elliot added, trying to build a convincing narrative.
The man walked toward his secretary. A trace of panic still slightly shadowed Audrey's face despite her attempt to smile. Seeing the scarf back in its place, he could guess why the woman was acting this way.
As Elliot suppressed a smile, fighting back his amusement, Audrey glared briefly in protest, then immediately reverted to her professional demeanor.
"Give me the analysis report this afternoon," Elliot deliberately held Audrey's gaze for a moment. After this, his secretary definitely needed to leave his presence.
Seeming to understand her boss's intent, Audrey tried to enjoy the passing seconds before finally answering softly with a slight nod, "Yes, Sir. If you'll excuse me—"
"Ah, you want to leave me just like that?" Rebecca looked slightly sulky as she walked closer to her son's secretary. "We haven't chatted."
Still smiling, Audrey glanced briefly at Catherine, who was staring at her with sharp, piercing eyes. "But it seems you have more pressing matters with Mr. Harrington, Ma'am. We can chat after that."
"How are you?" Rebecca seemed to ignore Audrey's suggestion. The middle-aged woman gently draped an arm over Audrey's shoulder. "You're looking prettier than ever."
Audrey offered a thin smile, trying to remain polite. She knew Catherine's expression was displeased. "I'm well, Ma'am. Thank you for the compliment."
"Actually, Catherine and I wanted to discuss something with Elliot, but perhaps you could also help us."