I Slept with My Boss and Ran Away

After leaving Falconer Holdings, Meredith had limited contact with Bianca, and even less so with Chloe, having never spoken a word to her during their last encounter. Meredith was surprised to see Chloe at the restaurant.

“Madam,” Meredith greeted her politely out of courtesy.

Chloe turned to face Meredith, her expression neither warm nor cold, “I heard you opened a restaurant. I happened to be passing by today and thought I’d come and try it out.”

“Of course, Madam, please come in,” Meredith responded with a welcoming smile, though she sensed Chloe’s dislike as she never acknowledged her as Mrs. Sterling. “I’ll arrange a private room for you.”

If Chloe was truly here just to eat, she could have simply entered and ordered. Instead, she stood outside, making it necessary for an employee to call Meredith over. Clearly, Chloe was setting a stage requiring Meredith to personally receive her.

Meredith prepared a private room and served tea herself, “Madam, what would you like to eat?”

Chloe maintained her demeanor throughout, “I’m not familiar with these dishes, Meredith. Just arrange a meal for me. It’s a bit lonely eating alone; why don’t you join me?”

Meredith, curious about Chloe’s intentions, sat down with a smile, “Alright, I’ll order for you.”

She ordered a light taste cheese fondue. The dishes were soon brought to the table, and Meredith showed Chloe how to enjoy them.NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

Chloe glanced at Meredith and remarked sarcastically, “Meredith, you’re quite adept at handling things. No wonder you have Terrence Sterling so tightly wrapped around your finger.”

Meredith, putting on a light smile, replied, “Oh, you must be kidding. I have no special talents. In marriage, it’s about mutual accommodation, not control.”

“From a mere secretary to Mrs. Sterling, it surely took some skill. That skill is quite significant,” Chloe spoke politely but with an edge. “The number of women interested in Terrence Sterling is countless. You stood out, secured a child, and cemented your position as Mrs. Sterling. That alone is commendable. My Joy could learn a lot from you.”

It became clear to Meredith that Chloe was here to defend Joy Chaucer.

Continuing the pretense, Meredith responded, “You flatter me. Try this and see how it tastes.”

Chloe took a small bite and then probed, “I heard you were an orphan. Which orphanage were you at?”

Meredith, not willing to divulge personal details, half-truthfully replied, “The orphanage’s long gone I’m afraid. It’s tough being an orphan without connections in the capital.”

Chloe scoffed, “Yet you managed to climb to the very top.”

“Wasn’t that just good luck?” Meredith countered playfully, “I heard you’re still unmarried. It’s quite rare for a lady at your age.”

Chloe, reminded of her personal circumstances, replied with some difficulty, “It’s all about fate.”

“Yes, fate decides whom we end up with,” Meredith hinted, “What belongs to us will remain ours; what doesn’t, can’t be stolen.”

Chloe understood whom Meredith was referring to. Her expression soured slightly as her gaze flicked to Meredith’s waist, remembering a birthmark on the left side from her past investigations.

Meredith, dressed in a T-shirt, would require a lifted shirt to reveal any birthmark, a move that needed a valid excuse.

Chloe, seizing the moment, pretended to slip, spilling her spoon’s contents on Meredith, staining her clothes.

“I’m terribly sorry, that was so clumsy of me. Let me help,” Chloe reached with a napkin, attempting to wipe Meredith’s clothes.

“No need,” Meredith stood up, brushing off the help, “I can manage, Madam.”

“I insist,” Chloe persisted, ignoring Meredith’s refusal and lifting her shirt.