Chapter 9 Awakening From A Dream

• Three years ago, Zachary had brought Susanna back to the Fuller residence.
• Back then, Lenora was still a university student. Despite the considerable distance between her campus and the Fuller residence, she insisted on returning every day, just so she wouldn't miss his occasional visits.
• That day, she didn't miss a thing.
• She personally witnessed Zachary introducing Susanna to his family as his girlfriend.
• Lenora watched them embrace and kiss in the back garden.
• She had always thought that she could only watch him from afar all her life.
• Even on the day she married Zachary, she still believed she was dreaming.
• Since it was a dream, there would certainly be a day when she would wake up.
• Susanna was the person who woke her up from that dream.
• A subtle pain washed over Lenora's heart, yet she managed a faint smile, “It's been a while, Ms. Carston. You've become even more radiant and captivating.”
• She could no longer bring herself to address Susanna affectionately.
• “Thank you, and I could say the same about you. By the way, Nora, do you like that album signed by L.X herself? I heard that you like L.X. I happened to befriend her while I was abroad. When I returned, I specifically asked her to sign it for you,” Susanna said with a smile.
• As if struck by a bolt from the blue, Lenora was frozen in shock. She, who had always been composed in the face of adversity, was, for the first time, at a loss and somewhat bewildered.
• She felt like a clown surrounded by a crowd and bringing endless laughter to everyone.
• She looked at Zachary hesitantly, a plea evident in her eyes.
• She wished Zachary would tell her that what Susanna said was wrong, that the gift was bought by him, that he had specifically asked someone to get it.
• Zachary looked at her indifferently, his words, however, stabbed her in the heart. “What's the matter? Don't you like the gift Susanna brought for you?”
• Unable to show any emotion, Lenora's face was expressionless.
• After a while, she calmed down and said softly, “Let's save the reminiscing for later. Everyone has been waiting for a long time, so let's get down to business.”
• “All right.” Upon hearing this, Susanna turned toward Zachary and said, “Zack, you should head back to the office. Remember to join us for lunch at noon.”
• “Okay.”
• Lenora watched his retreating figure with a bitter taste in her mouth. Her heart ached, leaving her breathless.
• I actually thought that Zachary had a bit of sincerity toward me because he had some feelings for me... How ridiculous.
• It was already three in the afternoon by the time the meeting ended. Both teams shook hands with each other.
• Lenora tidied up the folders in front of her as she said, “Everyone has worked hard, so I'd like to treat you all to a meal. A new fondue restaurant has just opened downstairs. It's very authentic.”
• Susanna's agent, Yelena, said, “Sure thing. It would be rude not to accept such an invitation.”
• The staff from both sides responded in agreement, politely accompanying each other toward the elevator.
• “Susanna, since Mr. Fuller mentioned he wanted to have dinner with you, why don't we invite him to join us?” Yelena asked.
• “I'll ask, but Zack might not say yes,” Susanna replied with a smile.
• “How is that possible? He's been so nice to you!”
• “There's no need to be so modest, Susanna. What's your relationship with Mr. Fuller? He gave you the endorsement for MQ the moment you returned to the country. Doesn't that imply something?” Susanna's assistant asked teasingly.
• “All right, all right, stop talking nonsense,” Susanna said, feeling a bit embarrassed as she glanced at Lenora. “Nora, could you take them downstairs first? Zack and I will get there shortly.”
• Looking at the smile on her face, Lenora felt a pang in her heart. She silently nodded, placed the folder back in the office, and went downstairs ahead of the others to reserve a private room at the fondue restaurant. She even ordered some side dishes and started to lighten up the mood.
• This was her job, and she had already gotten the hang of it.
• The atmosphere at the dining table became lively, with workers from both sides chatting and laughing.
• Yelena shifted the conversation toward Lenora by asking, “I've heard of you for quite some time now, Ms. Wilkin. You must have been in this line of work for many years, right?”
• The product manager's face was beaming with pride as he patted Lenora's shoulder and said with a hearty laugh, “Not long, just three years. Don't underestimate Ms. Wilkin, though. Her abilities are truly solid. You know the popular MOBA mobile game from last year, Legacy? Ms. Wilkin was invited as its marketing consultant!”
• As Yelena was not interested in this, she pressed on by asking, “She does seem impressive, but I heard that Ms. Wilkin is actually Mr. Fuller's younger sister. Is that true?”
• The product manager remained silent with a stern look on his face.
• That comment made it seem as if Ms. Wilkin achieved that through her connections.
• “You could say that. My grandfather has been like a nurturing figure to me,” Lenora replied with a faint smile.
• “It's no small feat to be personally mentored by Old Mr. Fuller,” Yelena said with a smile.
• The subtle hints in the conversation were hard to miss. Not only the product manager, but the expressions of the other staff members also darkened.
• Lenora maintained her calm demeanor as she said, “My father and Old Mr. Fuller were lifelong friends, which is the only reason I was fortunate enough not to end up on the streets.”
• “Oh? Isn't it because your dad donated his liver to Old Mr. Fuller?” Yelena pressed on.