I Slept with My Boss and Ran Away

Chloe stared at Meredith for a long time, feeling inexplicably uneasy. Meredith noticed Chloe’s gaze and looked back. The moment their eyes met, Chloe felt a jolt in her heart and, almost subconsciously, she averted her eyes. Meredith, puzzled by this reaction-since she did not know Chloe but understood that no one at this gathering would be there without reason-smiled faintly at her.

Bianca introduced her, “This is Meredith.” Hearing the name, Chloe looked at Meredith again, this time with a chill and hostility in her gaze. This was the Meredith responsible for Joy Chaucer’s fifteen-day detention.

The dinner was hosted by Emmett Worthington, the president of Oakwood Bank, and attended by other industry magnates well-known in the business community. Although Meredith had seen these figures online, this was her first time meeting them up close. Terrence Sterling’s arrival with Meredith, holding hands no less, surprised everyone.

Upon seeing them, Emmett Worthington stood up in amazement, “Mr. Sterling, and this lady is?”

The guests, mostly men in their forties and fifties, well-established or married multiple times, were curious. Terrence Sterling, the youngest and rumored to be perennially single, was known more for the women who tried and failed to be with him than for any romantic entanglements. His sudden appearance with Meredith, thus, stunned the crowd.

Terrence Sterling glanced at Meredith and introduced her to the group with clear pride, “My wife, Meredith.”

His statement was straightforward and resonant, catching everyone except Bianca by surprise. Terrence Sterling married so suddenly?

Emmett Worthington expressed his astonishment, “Mr. Sterling, when did you get married? How come none of us knew about it?”

Mr. Caldwell, a magnate in electronics, joked, “Mr. Sterling really knows how to make a splash when he finally does.”

Mr. Fielding, a tycoon in e-commerce, chimed in with a laugh, “Congratulations! Are you going to have a wedding ceremony? When will it be?”

Mr. Blackwood, a real estate mogul, teased, “Mr. Sterling, you’ve kept this quite close to your chest. I heard rumors that you and Miss Chaucer were nearing something serious; looks like that was just hearsay.”

Bianca offered a faint smile, “Those are just outside rumors, nothing more.”

Then, turning to Meredith, Bianca beckoned, “Meredith, come sit here.”

The men at this table controlled a significant portion of the country’s economic lifeblood, with industries spread across the nation. Each possessed a fortune worth billions.

Meredith looked at Terrence Sterling, who nodded slightly. She then moved towards Bianca, “Mrs. Chaucer.”

“You can just call me Bianca, like Terry does. No need for formalities,” Bianca said with a smile. “Come sit down, don’t stand.”

Standing for long periods could be strenuous for an expectant mother. Bianca’s gesture of camaraderie and inclusion not only eased Meredith into the group but also subtly acknowledged her new role within this influential circle.

Meredith slid into a seat next to Bianca, and Terrence Sterling naturally sat next to her, engaging in casual conversation with the other influential guests. In a gathering that involved men and drinks, cigars were typically a part of the mix. Mr. Fielding offered a cigar to Terrence Sterling, “Mr. Sterling.”NôvelDrama.Org content.

Terrence raised his hand in refusal, politely declining, “Sorry, my wife isn’t feeling well and can’t stand the smell of smoke. Apologies, gentlemen.”

Meredith glanced at Terrence, her lips curling into a smile, touched by his consideration for her. The seasoned businessmen understood immediately; the mention of being sensitive to smoke was clear.

Mr. Fielding chuckled, “Mr. Sterling, you really are full of surprises. You might skip the cigar, but surely you can’t skip the drink.”

The other men got the hint and stubbed out their cigars.

Terrence nodded, his face wearing a slight smile, “Today, I just hope I don’t have to go home too drunk.”

This was a rare concession from Terrence Sterling. The businessmen, all old acquaintances intertwined in various business dealings, knew well that Terrence was a man of principles, particularly when it came to drinking. Convincing him to drink was not an easy task.

Hearing Terrence’s unusual willingness today sparked interest among the group. Emmett Worthington was especially pleased, announcing, “Then today, we must drink to our heart’s content. I’ll have someone bring a few bottles of good wine.”

Turning to Meredith, Emmett Worthington expressed genuine admiration, “Mrs. Sterling, I’m truly impressed that you’ve managed to win Mr. Sterling over. Tell us, how did you two meet? Did Mr. Sterling pursue you? How did you fall for this seemingly dull and icy man?”

His question, accompanied by a thumbs-up, was a genuine show of respect. Meredith had not only captivated Terrence Sterling but had also inspired changes in him.