Chapter 6 Subtle Teasing

• Sophia exaggerated the situation, saying, “Even if she’s just a janitor, she’s working at Carter Group! Mom and Dad, weren’t you trying to find a way to connect with them?”
• “Since Amelia is at Carter Group, she’ll have opportunities to interact with various departments and potentially meet higher-ups. If she can pass on our interest in working with them, it’s better than having no strategy at all.”
• Amelia regarded Sophia with a subtle smile.
• If Amelia were truly just a regular janitor, Sophia’s plan would be nothing but wishful thinking!
• Sophia suggested this to embarrass Amelia, hoping she’d anger the Carter Group’s executives, lose her job, and get thrown out. Sophia felt humiliated when she was kicked out by security, so she wanted Amelia to experience the same.
• Lucas thought for a moment and said, “That’s actually a good idea. Amelia, try it tomorrow!”
• Isabella agreed, “Yes, Amelia, give it a shot. If it doesn’t work, you’ll just lose your janitorial job. At least it will spare the Harper family the embarrassment of you being a janitor.”
• Amelia responded coolly, “If I succeed, what will I get in return?”
• Isabella, irritated, said, “What kind of attitude is that? We’re asking you to help the family, and you’re demanding a reward?”
• Amelia shrugged, “If I don’t work and earn my own money, I'll starve. Since you’re asking for my help, it’s only fair that I get compensated. If you’re not willing, forget it. I’m just a janitor anyway.”
• Isabella was about to argue but was stopped by Lucas.
• Lucas spoke gently, “What do you want?”
• Amelia replied calmly, “I don’t want money or anything else. I just want to swap rooms with Sophia.”
• “That’s my room!” Sophia was enraged, ready to lash out at Amelia.
• Sophia’s room was the best in the house, with good lighting and a large balcony. Amelia’s room, in contrast, was a small, shabby attic.
• The difference was stark!
• Lucas agreed, “Alright, I’ll allow the room swap. It’s a reasonable request.”
• Sophia’s eyes flared with anger. She then thought of something devious, smiling slyly.
• She was skeptical that Amelia could secure the contract. “Just wait and see if you end up getting thrown out by security!”
• ……
• The next morning, Amelia, wearing a simple T-shirt and jeans with her hair tied in a ponytail and carrying a backpack, went downstairs.
• Isabella, acting unusually affectionate, said, “Amelia, have some breakfast before you leave.”
• Though Amelia hadn’t planned to eat, she changed her mind upon seeing the jealousy in Sophia’s eyes.
• “Okay, Mom.”
• Lucas, smiling broadly, added, “Young people shouldn’t skip breakfast. Amelia, always remember to eat!”
• Amelia couldn’t help but feel a bit sarcastic.
• This display of family warmth was so staged, making it seem like they were a perfect, loving family.
• After breakfast, Amelia left.
• Sophia, seizing the opportunity, followed Amelia with a plan to capture her being thrown out of the Carter Group by security.
• She intended to use the photos to embarrass Amelia before she even started college.
• Sophia waited at the entrance, but an hour passed...
• Then two hours...
• Amelia had not emerged since entering.
• Sophia watched as Amelia entered the Carter Group building without any obstacles and took the elevator up. Determined to follow, she decided to go inside herself.
• Approaching the front desk, Sophia asked, “Is there a cleaner named Amelia here?”
• Following the recent firings of Henry and Olivia, Carter Group tightened security.
• The receptionist grew cautious and asked, “Why do you need to know?”
• Sophia, trying to sound casual, replied, “Oh, just curious. Never mind, I’ll leave.”
• Without delay, the receptionist called security.
• Recognizing Sophia for her association with William the day before, the security guards quickly escorted her out.
• “Get lost! If you keep hanging around, we’ll call the police!”
• Sophia, not used to such treatment, was infuriated, and her eyes were filled with rage.
• Refusing to enter the building, she took a spot on the sidewalk across from Carter Group, readying her phone to snap photos of Amelia being thrown out.
• As the minutes turned to hours—one, then two—Amelia still hadn’t come out.
• Under the blazing sun, Sophia grew tired and thirsty but remained determined. She was set to capture Amelia’s disgrace.
• ……
• In the CEO's office on the 38th floor, Amelia was enjoying a Starbucks coffee and a rich chocolate mousse cake, relishing the cool air conditioning.
• “This cake is delicious, mister!” Amelia said it with delight.
• Ethan reached over to wipe a bit of cream from her mouth, then, almost instinctively, licked the cream off his fingers.
• Amelia nearly choked, her face flushing with embarrassment.
• “Oh my gosh!” she thought, feeling the intense and subtle flirtation.
• “Mister, have you ever been in a relationship before?” Amelia asked, unable to suppress her curiosity and a small pang of jealousy.
• “This is my first time,” Ethan responded, his words hinting at deeper meanings. “Whether it’s marriage or intimacy, everything is new for me.”
• Amelia’s heart fluttered, though she tried to sound nonchalant. “Really? You’re so great, I’m sure lots of girls must like you!”
• “Maybe, but I’ve never paid much attention to them.”
• Ethan’s straightforwardness was both captivating and overwhelming.
• He continued, “If there’s anything I can improve on, feel free to let me know. I’m open to learning.”
• “You’re already perfect!” Amelia said.
• She wanted to ask about Ethan’s legs but was wary of touching a sensitive subject.
• “I’ll wait for a better time to ask,” she thought.
• There was a knock at the door.
• Jack entered and said, “Mr. Carter, everything you asked for is ready. Should I bring it in now?”
• Ethan nodded. “Yes, please.”
• Soon, a plush sofa, soft cushions like cotton candy, a cozy blanket, and a pair of fluffy pink bunny slippers were brought in.
• All in a cute style.