Chapter 18 Boundaries.
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The morning incident nearly made Jessica late for work. When she arrived at the office, she was informed that the CEO wanted to see her.
Since Charles had assigned her the design for the Montara Plaza project, he was likely checking on her progress.
Jessica entered the CEO’s office, where Charles was seated in a leather swivel chair while reviewing documents. His tailored suit accentuated his tall and striking figure.
“Mr. Hensley.” Jessica approached his desk.
Charles lifted his gaze, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. “What happened to your face?”
Jessica was taken aback. Even after applying the medicine, was the swelling still that obvious?
She didn’t want to tell him that Jane had confronted her. He had made it clear before. He didn’t want to be dragged into her disputes with Hugh.
So, she had no choice but to lie. “I accidentally bumped into something this morning.”
Charles’s gaze darkened. Her lie was blatant, but he didn’t call her out. Whether she chose to tell the truth was up to her.
“How’s your preparation for the Montara Plaza project?” he asked.
“I’ve reviewed all the project details. I planned to visit the construction site today,” Jessica replied.
“Perfect timing. I need to go there as well. You’ll come with me.” With that, he set down his pen and stood up, ready to leave.
Jessica was a little surprised but quickly composed herself and nodded. “Alright.”
They left the company together and headed to the Montara Plaza project site.
This was a commercial complex integrating hotels, entertainment, and shopping. Jessica was in- charged for designing the hotel’s interior.
Upon arrival, the site manager greeted them and reported the construction progress to Charles.
Jessica listened attentively while taking notes and observing the environment.
Midway through the briefing, a worker approached the manager with an issue, prompting Charles to dismiss him to handle it.
Jessica and Charles proceeded to the already constructed shopping center. On the first floor lobby, workers were installing chandeliers.
Bumrunna une hueu naving no attention to them. Ther then Charlee’s nhona rini. He mactured for
Chapter 18 Boundaries
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He stood in the nearby corridor engaged in conversation, while Jessica continued surveying the site, mentally crafting design ideas.
By chance, she noticed a newly installed chandelier above Charles’s head swaying precariously in the wind.
That’s dangerous! She instinctively wanted to warn him, but the chandelier suddenly came crashing down before she could say anything.
“Watch out!” Acting on reflex, she lunged forward and shoved him aside.
Bang!
“Ah!” Jessica cried out in pain.
“Jessica!” Charles caught her in his arms, his expression darkening as he saw blood seeping from her injured foot.
Seeing her hurt because of him, his chest tightened, and an ominous chill settled over his features.
“Who told you to rush over?” His brows furrowed as he reprimanded her in a low voice.
Jessica looked at him, feeling wronged. “If I didn’t, that chandelier would’ve landed on your head.” Internally, she grumbled. She saved him and yet he scolded her?
“Do I look that stupid?” Charles huffed irritably.
At that moment, the site manager returned from handling the issue, and other workers gathered after hearing the commotion.
Charles turned his ice–cold gaze to the manager. “Who was responsible for installing these chandeliers?”
The manager shuddered under his intimidating presence. “I’ll check right away.”
“Fire them. And whoever oversaw this installation, fire them too. Charles’s voice was laced with. fury. He had no tolerance for negligence.
The workers collectively gasped while Jessica frowned. Wasn’t that too harsh?
“Yes, Mr. Hensley.” The manager nodded hurriedly, sweat forming on his forehead.
Without another word, Charles scooped Jessica into his arms and strode away with a grim expression.
He took her to the nearest hospital.
The doctor treated her wound. Fortunately, it wasn’t too severe, but it could get infected if she wasn’t careful.
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Chapter 18 Boundaries
ridiculous.
With the doctor and nurses gone, only Charles remained in the room.
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His gaze was unreadable as he looked down at her. He hadn’t expected her to throw herself into harm’s way for him. Was she not afraid of getting hurt?
If the chandelier had hit her head instead of her foot.
His chest tightened at the thought. He didn’t want to imagine the consequences.
Jessica felt uncomfortable under his intense stare. She licked her dry lips and awkwardly said, “It’s not serious. You don’t have to
“Don’t do something so foolish next time.”
Before she could finish, he coldly cut her off. She froze, staring at him in disbelief. She had thought he might feel guilty about what happened, and she was just about to reassure him that there was no need to blame himself. But instead, he called her foolish?
Ungrateful!
“Got it. I won’t overstep next time, she muttered, frustrated that he hadn’t even thanked her.
Charles was about to say something when her phone suddenly rang.
Jessica answered, and whatever she heard made her expression change instantly. “What? Okay. I’m coming right now!”
She immediately tried to get out of bed, but Charles stopped her. “Where are you going?”
“Something happened to my son at school! I need to get there now!”
