38
“Do you have a thing for Chris?” Ross growled, his voice laced with suspicion.
Nelly lifted her gaze, her eyes glowing with a menacing intensity. “What do you think?”
“I think… he doesn’t seem to be your type,” Ross replied, attempting to soften his tone.
“Good that you know,” she spat, her voice dripping with venom.
Tommy and Ross exchanged knowing glances, silently communicating their confusion. Ross couldn’t resist prying further, “Why did you do that, then? It doesn’t make sense.”
Nelly shot them a deadly glare, causing the duo to quickly retreat, their words caught in their throats. They turned and walked away, leaving Nelly to her thoughts.
They made their way over to Chris, engaging in conversation. As they finished speaking, Chris’s gaze seemed conflicted when he looked at Nelly.
She sighed, realizing the two tattletales hadn’t exposed her actions to the entire company. If they had, there would be no hope of clearing her name.
After lunch, Nelly made her way to the pantry, brewing a cup of coffee. She then headed to the balcony, seeking solace in the fresh air.
As she turned to head back, she nearly collided with Chris, who had silently positioned himself behind her.
“What?” Nelly’s tone carried annoyance and displeasure.
“I have something to tell you,” Chris responded, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Nelly furrowed her eyebrows, knowing he wouldn’t give up until he received an answer. “Go ahead.”
“Did you really pay for the surgery fees?” Chris asked, his voice filled with curiosity and surprise.
Without hesitation, Nelly nodded. “That’s right.”
Although Chris had anticipated her response, his heart couldn’t help but skip a beat upon hearing the truth.
“W-Why?” His usually dense expression was now replaced with confusion and anxiety.
“What do you think?”
“Y-You really-” Chris hesitated, his awkwardness palpable.
“Nope,” Nelly interrupted, her voice firm.
When Chris looked into her eyes, he saw sincerity staring back at him.
“I have no feelings for you,” Nelly emphasized.
Chris pondered her words, taking a moment before responding, “Is it really because of all these reasons?”
“There’s another reason, but you might not believe me.”Original from NôvelDrama.Org.
“What is it?”
“That I have too much money, and I have nowhere to spend it,” Nelly replied honestly.
Chris was left speechless, unsure if she was joking or speaking the truth. Nonetheless, he couldn’t help but smile. Simultaneously, he felt a sense of relief flood his heart.
“After hearing that, I can finally relax,” Chris said, gazing at her. “Nelly, I want to apologize to you sincerely.”
She locked eyes with him, remaining silent.
“I admit that I let my emotions get the best of me before because of the money. Not to mention, I was prejudiced against you. However, you still helped me despite all that. I’m truly grateful.”
“I didn’t help you to seek gratitude,” Nelly responded, her voice steady.
“I know that. But my motto in life is to always be grateful. Don’t worry. Consider it as if I borrowed the money from you, and I promise to pay it back in the future.”
“It’s fine-” Before she could finish her sentence, Chris had walked away.
Nelly stood speechless, bewildered by his sudden departure. What the heck?
Unable to make sense of his actions, she, too, decided to walk outside.
At that moment, Chris stood before everyone, his eyes scanning the room. “I’ve purposely caused trouble for Nelly in front of all of you. Thus, I want to publicly apologize.” Coincidentally, Nelly entered the room at that precise moment. “Nelly, I’m sorry. I was wrong before. From today onward, anyone who dares to provoke you in the Programming Department will have to deal with me. You’re my boss now!” he declared, his gaze fixed on her.
Everyone fell silent, stunned by the unexpected turn of events. Nelly, too, found herself speechless. What was happening?
However, Tommy and Ross seemed unusually thrilled, eager to join in the applause that followed. The atmosphere within the Programming Department became livelier.
Before Chris’s public apology, the staff remained oblivious to his change in attitude. Naturally, Nelly became a woman of intrigue in everyone’s eyes as they were filled in on the unfolding situation.
Tommy and Ross hurriedly approached her, their eyes filled with curiosity.
“Ms. Wealthy, do you truly have no feelings for Chris?” Ross questioned.
Nelly couldn’t be bothered with such nonsense. “Do I seem like I stand a chance?”
Ross continued to press, his voice holding onto a glimmer of hope. “Then, do I stand a chance?”
Tommy swiftly shoved his head to the side. “Enough, give it up. Look at yourself in the mirror first. Ms. Wealthy doesn’t even like Chris, let alone you.” He glanced at Nelly, his gaze filled with greed. “Why don’t you consider me instead? I’m in need of sponsorship right now. I plan to buy a car, and it wouldn’t cost much. You should consider funding me.”
Nelly stared at him intently. “I might consider it if you decide to sell your kidneys.”
Tommy stood speechless, while Ross burst into laughter beside him. They could already imagine the gruesome sight.
Meanwhile, Chris approached with a slip of paper, pushing the duo aside. He placed an IOU in front of Nelly. “Nelly-” he paused, unsure of how to address her. After a moment, he began again. “Boss, keep this. I’ll definitely repay the money in the future.”
Nelly simply glanced at him. “No need.”
“You have to keep it. Otherwise, I won’t be able to sleep at night,” Chris insisted.
After contemplating for a moment, she accepted it from his hands.
Relief washed over Chris’s face, grateful for her acceptance. However, as he turned to leave, a tearing sound filled the air. He spun around, only to witness Nelly ripping the paper into shreds and discarding it into the trash bin.
Tommy and Ross stared at her, their eyes nearly popping out of their sockets. How could she tear up an IOU worth hundreds of thousands?
Chris, too, stared at her in surprise.
Nelly explained, “If you’re truly sincere about paying me back, there’s no need for these formalities. Besides, I’ll likely lose the paper sooner or later.”
Chris felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards her. He cursed himself for his previous treatment of her.
Meanwhile, Tommy and Ross looked at Nelly with hunger in their eyes. “Ms. Wealthy, please sponsor us! I’m willing to do anything to be your sugar baby!”