Chapter 45
At 7:00 PM. Madeline came to a luxurious restaurant
“Ma. Houghton, it’s been a few months. You’ve become even more charming and poised.” Michael Hooper said with a flattering smile.
Tm so flattered. Mr. Hooper. Madeline replied with a standard social smile.
Madeline felt a range of discomfort as she thought. This stupid middle–aged man praised my poise instead of my competence.
Only Madeline herself knew that everything she had was just a carbon copy of Jessica’s.
Without wasting more time, she cut straight to the point. Mr. Hooper, I heard you’ve worked closely with Grant Group over the years. I assume you might have a few extra invitations to their party, right?
There was a brief flicker of displeasure in Madeline’s eyes. Michael’s overtly appreciative gaze started to grate on her.
However, she wasn’t intimidated. She knew very well that Michael wouldn’t dare cross any lines with her. After all, she was Brian’s personal secretary.
With Brian’s influence, even someone like Michael has to think twice before trying anything shady, Madeline thought. ‘He might want to take advantage, but he won’t risk offending Brian‘
Michael looked her over with a suggestive glint in his eyes. “I do have extra invitations, but Ms. Houghton, surely you know we businessmen never make deals without something in return.”
Madeline’s smile stiffened slightly. She thought bitterly, Tm Brian’s secretary. I’ve been by his side for years. Shouldn’t one invitation be the least they offer me out of respect for Brian?
Her silence seemed to amuse Michael. He leaned back with a knowing look, eyeing her like she was merchandise on display.
Honestly, he was curious about what kind of woman Brian would be interested in.
“Ms. Houghton, I’ve reserved a presidential suite upstairs. Why don’t we continue this discussion there after dinner?” He added while swirling his wine glass, “As for the invitation, it’s no big deal.
Madeline clenched her fists beneath the table. She didn’t expect Michael to explicitly make his request.
Since she became Brian’s secretary, she hadn’t encountered workplace harassment again.
Back when she worked under Jessica, she had no real skills and couldn’t read between the lines. She often made mistakes and, worse, found herself on the receiving end of thinly veiled threats or suggestive comments.
She remembered once a client nearly forced drinks on her during dinner, and she almost got taken advantage of. It was Jessica who stepped in and put the man in his place with just a few words.
That was when Madeline swore to become someone like Jessica, and she had done it. She had completely replaced Jessica as Brian’s secretary, and by now, she could mirror Jessica’s every gesture without even thinking.
So now, even faced with Michael’s crude suggestion, Madeline didn’t flinch.
“Mr. Hooper, I wouldn’t dare trouble you over something as trivial as an invitation. Being able to share dinner with you tonight is already an honor,” Madeline said, her voice smooth.
Her expression remained composed, but in her mind, how Jessica would handle such situations played like a silent guide.
Madeline then said, “Brian, I mean Mr. Atkinson is about to launch a new strategy. He’s still considering key partners.”
She used Brian’s name deliberately, dropping it with subtle intimacy. It was a signal that their upcoming project might overlap with Michael’s business.
The sleazy gleam in Michael’s eyes vanished upon hearing the project, replaced with cautious interest. He said with a serious face, “Oh, please put in a good word for us with Mr. Atkinson.”
“Sure, Mr. Hooper. Our company already has a favorable view of your company,” Madeline replied, her tone confident. It sounded like she could decide on the company stuff.
Her assurance made Michael sit up a little straighter. He chuckled and offered a few more pleasantries. Then, he picked up his phone to call the hotel staff to deliver the invitation.
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