Chapter 8 First Kiss

• Who knows? Angela scoffed inwardly. Kelly would never be so naive as to blame the boss himself, right?
• Then, she said, "I've always considered working at MG Group to be the greatest blessing of my life, and I love this job. While I'm not as experienced as the other designers, who have either studied abroad or worked in major international jewelry design companies, I believe my hard work and talent will allow my designs to stand out from others. Due to a petty argument, you would deprive me of all the effort I have put in and all the hope I have. Do you think that's fair?" The more she talked, the more dejected she sounded; eventually, she dropped to her knees and began sobbing uncontrollably.
• Conrad was at a loss for words when he saw her acting this way. His agitation and frustration burned brightly, fueled by the fact that he was being unjustly blamed. "Stop crying." However, she disregarded him, and her wailing filled the room, making his ears ring and his heart beat wildly. He couldn't help but spring to his feet and charge at her, reaching down to grab her with one hand and pull her to her feet. "Stop crying! One more sob, and you'll really be fired," he snapped.
• Frightened, she choked back her next sob and focused on biting on her lips instead. Nevertheless, the only thing that stopped was her cries, but tears continued to flow down her cheeks in endless streams as her shoulders trembled from the effort of suppressing her sobs.
• In the meantime, this sight also caused Conrad's heart to twist in pain that seemed to ripple throughout his entire body. "I've always been a fair man. I would never let my personal emotions affect my work, so your guess is baseless."
• After hearing this, Angela sniffled and said, "Kelly said you ordered her to do it. You are the boss here. Would she actually have the guts to slander you instead?"
• When he heard those words, he immediately turned to his desk and picked up the phone to call Kelly into the office. It is not a minor offense to drag me into this matter, and I must thoroughly investigate this claim. Then, he instructed, "Come to my office now!"
• On the other hand, Angela knew what would happen next, and as she instinctively hid herself, her mind began to race. Is he going to interrogate Kelly? Is there another side to this story?
• Kelly soon arrived at Conrad's office.
• When he saw her, he instantly returned to his usual stern expression as if he had donned an ice mask. Then, he questioned, "What is going on with Angela's appraisal?"
• After hearing this, Kelly subtly wiped the sweat from her brow. Angela has always been a gentle pushover. I was surprised that she would have the audacity to directly address her complaints to him. "A few days ago, Miss Prescott called me to say Angela had upset you, so I was asked to find a reason to fire her. Any employee who could leave the boss dissatisfied would surely fail, so I gave her an E-rating."
• As soon as he heard those words, Conrad's eyes lit up with rage. So, this is yet another of Wilhelmina's schemes! "Do you just believe everything she says? You're the department head. What happened to your most fundamental discernment?"
• In response, her face turned pale. "Miss Prescott is your fiancée, so her commands must be yours, right?"
• "Nobody, not even God himself, can order anyone around on my behalf, let alone an outsider." Conrad's voice was icy cold at this point, ringing with the threatening might of absolute authority.
• When Kelly heard this, chills ran down her spine, and she whimpered, "I'm sorry! I shouldn't have made such a simple mistake. Please give me a second chance. I've worked hard for the company for years. I will reflect on my actions and make sure this never happens again."
• After a silent pause, he responded coldly, "Go home and wait for the Admin Department's call. Angela will be reassessed by the HR Department."
• Behind the partition, Angela's heart was racing hard as waves of overwhelming emotions rippled through her. So, Wilhelmina was the one who stabbed me in the back. Is it because she knew I didn't abort the baby and instead married Conrad? At this realization, she promptly dismissed the thought. Even so, she would certainly tear me with her own hands if she found out, and she wouldn't limit herself to a few minor backhanded schemes.
• After Kelly left the office, Angela shuffled out from behind the partition with an apologetic and embarrassed smile. "I'm so sorry for the misunderstanding, Mr. Heathcliff. I simply knew that a powerful man like you, who could have killed me instantly, would never have a grudge against a nobody like me."
• Nonetheless, Conrad's face was as cold as an icy mountain as he sipped his coffee leisurely, ignoring her and acting as if she didn't exist.
• Her heart sank when she realized he was not paying attention to her. Shoot! He looks agitated, and I am well aware of the consequences of my actions.
• Then, she continued, "I know what I've done wrong, Mr. Heathcliff. I was projecting based on my own biases when you are just a generous, magnanimous man who is an absolute fountain of mercy. You'll surely forgive my reckless behavior, right?"
• While saying this, she stepped forward and bowed deeply to him. Unfortunately, she had gotten so close that she knocked over the coffee mug he held with her head. The impact was so painful that she let out a pained moan, and her eyes glistened with tears.
• Suddenly, the entire contents of the mug of coffee spilled out, splattering the floor and onto Conrad's pure white shirt. "I'm sorry, Mr. Heathcliff. I'm so sorry—" At this instant, she wished she could dig and hide in a hole. Then, ignoring the pain in her head, she frantically grabbed some paper tissues to dab away the coffee.
• On the other hand, Conrad was speechless by Angela's action. I would have kicked her out the door if she hadn't been pregnant with my child. Then, he noticed her hands wandering up and down his torso, which caused his blood to burn hot in his veins. "Enough!" While saying this, he quickly grabbed her hands.
• As she stood on the spilled coffee, his action caused her feet to slip, and as a result, she lost her balance and fell onto him like a frog that had jumped for its prey. The fall had unexpectedly caused her red lips to press against his.