Chapter 39 Inspection
That night, Alison got home around three in the morning, and the kids were already fast asleep.
Jackson had dropped her off at the corner because she didn't want him getting too close to her place.
She felt a bit uneasy, not wanting him to know too much about her current life and past.
Lying in bed, she closed her eyes, and in her dreams, she saw the beautiful cactus flower from her old apartment, its beauty captivating her.
The next morning, Alison yawned as she walked into YD. It was her first day at work, and she needed to shake off the sleepiness.
She picked up her employee badge from the front desk. The photo was the one she had submitted with her resume yesterday. YD's efficiency was impressive.
The receptionist smiled and told her the purchasing department was on the thirty-eighth floor. The way she looked at Alison lingered for a few seconds, making Alison feel a bit puzzled.
There was nothing on her face, so why did the receptionist seem so particularly interested in her?
The elevator was packed with strangers, and Alison instinctively shrank into a corner, hoping not to be noticed.
"Miss Fairchild, this is Manager McLean. You'll be her assistant from now on." As soon as she walked in, an employee led her to the innermost office of the purchasing department. Along the way, she felt eyes on her, making her uncomfortable.
"Good morning, Manager McLean." Alison had thought she would be an assistant to a regular purchasing staff member, but it turned out she was directly assigned to the purchasing manager.
Manager McLean adjusted her glasses and pointed to a small office outside, "Take her to the secretary's office to get familiar with the workflow, then come to me for tasks."
"Okay." Alison and the receptionist answered together and walked out.
Manager McLean leaned back comfortably in her chair.
She watched Alison's back with a bit of disappointment. She had heard that the CEO was very interested in this new assistant, and now it seemed the girl was indeed quite pretty, delicate, and elegant, with a demure demeanor. So, this was the type the CEO liked.
In the morning, Alison familiarized herself with the purchasing department's workflow like a little shadow. Aidan didn't come to find her or cause any trouble, and she gradually relaxed.
As long as he didn't pay attention to her, it was fine.
But in the afternoon, as she was focused on the tasks Manager McLean had assigned, she heard whispers from the outer office, the voices carrying through the half-open door.
"Hey, everyone, get ready. I heard the CEO is coming to inspect this afternoon!"
"Really? The CEO hasn't visited the purchasing department in a long time."
"Yes, I just heard from the CEO's secretary. His first stop this afternoon is our purchasing department. Everyone, go touch up your makeup."
"Okay." In the office behind her, the female employees got up one after another, their footsteps hurried, probably all heading to the restroom to freshen up.
Alison, however, remained unmoved, continuing to work at her computer. What did it matter if the CEO came to inspect? She just needed to stay hidden in the crowd. Touching up her makeup was completely unnecessary.
She was deep into entering data when she suddenly heard a series of footsteps outside the door.
Manager McLean quickly walked out from the inner office, and as she passed by Alison, she said, "Alison, come with me."
"Okay," she replied softly, following Manager McLean out of the small office.
As soon as she stepped out, she felt a gaze fixed on her. Looking up, she realized it was Aidan.
Alison lowered her head slightly, staring at her toes as she followed closely behind Manager McLean. She didn't want to attract Aidan's attention, but he was already watching her every move.
The office door was the only way out, and Aidan was standing there, watching the door with interest.
Alison tried to move to the back of the crowd, but as soon as she took a step, Manager McLean turned around at the sound of her heels, "Alison, you're my assistant. Stand by my side."
Alison frowned but had no choice but to step back and stand next to Manager McLean.
The purchasing department employees were all lined up, and Aidan walked in, stopping right in front of Alison, just two meters away. She looked down at the tips of his black leather shoes.
He began to speak, his voice deep and pleasant, but Alison didn't hear a word.
Could Aidan already know who she was?
She felt a bit anxious. If Aidan was behind what happened back then, he would definitely be interested in her joining YD.
How foolish!
It seemed she was already exposed. Since that was the case, why not find a way to work close to Aidan? If he was responsible, only close contact would give her a chance to find evidence to clear her name.
She couldn't avoid him anyway, and she had to stay at YD.
Suddenly, she remembered the job posting for the CEO's assistant.
Too bad she had missed it.
Now, she was like a piece of meat in front of Aidan, ready to be devoured at any moment.
She had to protect herself.
Lost in thought, she was brought back to reality by the sound of whispers. Alison realized Manager McLean was quietly tugging at her sleeve, "Alison, the CEO is asking you a question."
"Huh? What?" She hadn't heard anything, her mind preoccupied with how to survive at YD and uncover the secrets of the past.
Someone chuckled, probably thinking Alison's response was off-topic.
Manager McLean whispered to her, "The CEO is asking if you'd like to be the hostess for this month's quarterly meeting."
Hostess? Why would Aidan ask her such a question? She wasn't some socialite, just a small employee at YD. Without thinking, Alison replied, "I don't want to."
Manager McLean tugged at her sleeve again, lowering her voice, "Alison, it's an honor for you..."
"I still don't want to." Alison interrupted her.
The purchasing department suddenly fell silent, and all eyes shifted from Alison to Aidan. At the same time, Alison looked up.
Their eyes met again.
But this time, Alison didn't avoid his gaze. She stubbornly stared at Aidan, determined not to go, even if it meant quitting.
Aidan's eyes seemed to blaze with fire as he stared at Alison, as if he wanted to devour her whole.
Alison fearlessly met his gaze, unaware that her choice had piqued Aidan's curiosity even more.