Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
Yet now, the Crimson Heart was sealed away in its box, a place Jeremy would never deign to seek it out again. It had become a symbol of guilt and shame rather than his sincere love.
Jeremy gazed unseeingly at the thick clouds outside the plane. Suddenly, Alyssa’s loving smile appeared in his mind.
He gently touched the cabin window, as if it were her face, but only coldness met his fingers.
Taking a deep breath, Jeremy recalled a conversation from the past.
“Do you have any idea how much Madam adores that necklace? She nearly cried when she heard you were giving it to Ms. Liana!”
“Madam would never toss your gift away, unlike Ms. Liana! She even keeps the ties you don’t want to wear anymore just to have a token that reminds her of you!”
Jeremy’s heart clenched painfully. He never thought the woman he hoped would love him would end up treating his heart like nothing more than a tool.
Only Alyssa had ever shed tears and dreamt of having the love he offered.
A bitter smile appeared on Jeremy’s face as he wondered why Alyssa had stayed with him for those three years, even though he had treated her cruelly.
Jeremy asked himself, “Why did you do it, Alyssa?”
Just then, Xavier came over with a cup of coffee. “Sir, I’ve contacted Ms. Sliva from Alexa’s firm. She’s willing to meet up with you to discuss the matter.”
“Really?”
“Yes. But she’s made it clear that that’s all it is. She seemed pretty cold and unwilling to do it, honestly.
Xavier sighed. “I just hope our endeavor doesn’t go kaput.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not giving up until Alexa meets me herself.”
They waited in Yoarkley for three days before Jeremy met with Sliva at a cafe near Alexa’s design firm. He wasn’t even invited over to the actual office.
“I’ll get straight to the point, Mr. Jeremy.” Sliva’s expression was one of pride and mild annoyance. “Thus far, Alexa has only made jewelry for presidential members, royalty, and those who have contributed exceedingly to societal and human welfare.
“Ada Kingsley may be a celebrity, but she does not fall into any of the above precedent categories.”
Xavier scowled, unable to understand what the fuss was all about when it was just jewelry!
Sliva added, “I do not mean to sound standoffish. This is merely the truth.”
Jeremy responded, “I have been actively involved in charitable work and have established charities and trust funds in my mother’s name since I was young.
“I have always enthusiastically supported organizations dedicated to alleviating poverty and orphanages.
I hope Alexa can consider this and not view it as just another celebrity trying to get their way.
“We are prepared to assist Alexa in any way, including financial support. Additionally, we intend to donate the proceeds from the homecoming party to local charities to help the community.”
“Oh? Do you think that’s all Alexa cares about? Do you think she’s so narrow-minded?” Sliva sneered.
Jeremy cleared his throat. “Of course not.”
“Countless people have come to us seeking Alexa’s help over the years, all in the name of charity. Yet most of them were secretly money launderers and crooks. Who knows if I’m sitting across one now?”
Jeremy’s hand balled into a fist.
Xavier had had enough. “Ms. Sliva, we genuinely mean well. There’s no need to insinuate anything unkind whatsoever.”
Jeremy held out a hand to stop him from speaking further.
“I’ve always personally reviewed my company’s assets and cash flow. This event will be included as well. I can send you all the receipts and listings of related costs for your perusal.”
Sliva looked away. “I will let Alexa know of your proposal, Mr. Jeremy. But at the end of the day, Alexa will be the one to decide on whether she will or will not join you. You’re not the only one who has come to seek her help.”
Sliva turned around and left right away, barely touching her coffee.
Xavier was pissed. “What was that? She was so rude! Are all Yoarkley women this irritating?”
“We need to come up with a plan right away.” Jeremy unclenched his hands. “My guess is Alexa is treating Alyssa and her team just as tough as she’s treating ours, given our goals are the same. I don’t think Alyssa could propose anything better than we can, either.”
“Do you have something in mind, sir?”
“We need to start with Ada’s welcoming party first without letting up on Alexa. Keep an eye on Alyssa’s progress. If she so much as fidgets in regards to Alexa, let me know straight away!”
After returning from Yoarkley, Xavier constantly paid close attention to Alyssa and KS World Hotel’s activities.
Unfortunately for Jeremy, Alyssa hadn’t done a single thing moving forward since that day. She was still busy managing the hotel, not even stepping out of Solana City once.
Jeremy gazed outside his window, brows wrinkled in thought.
Wasn’t Alyssa worried?
Ada’s wedding was right around the corner. Or had she secretly given up on hiring Alexa for this project?
The rose garden affair, Sophia’s arrest, and the Verdane Valley project being snatched out of his hands had slowly instilled a sense of apprehension in Jeremy toward her.
Jeremy couldn’t help but curse at himself for fearing Alyssa after their divorce.
Just then, the phone on his desk rang.
“Mr. Jeremy, Mr. Landon is here for you.”
“Have him come inside.”
Landon strode into his office like he owned the place, then lounged on his couch.
“How many times do I have to tell you to not come over here without anything important to tell me? I’m not as carefree as you are.” Jeremy didn’t even look up at Landon, only quickly flipping through the documents on his table.
“Tsk. You’re not some warlord busy planning your next move. Lighten up a little.
“Actually, you do resemble those warlords my mom was watching a documentary about recently. They’re heartless, selfish pricks. You’d fit in.”
“The door is right there if you have nothing better to do.”
“Now that Zoe’s back home, Mom’s inviting you over for dinner.”
“Thanks, but no thanks. I’m busy with Ada’s proposal.”
“How long has it been since you saw your godmother? Did you know she wanted to cook for you first thing after returning home from her overseas treatment? Are you seriously going to reject her?”
Landon scowled. “She even got all the ingredients for that dish you liked. Imagine how disappointed she’d
Jeremy pursed his lips. “Alright, fine. I’ll go.”
“There we go!” Landon smacked his leg excitedly.
Jeremy recalled how things had transpired at the National Theater-how Zoe had been so touchy-feely that it made Jeremy immensely uncomfortable.
They used to hold hands when Zoe was 10. He was only a few years older than her then. Back then, he saw her as an actual kid sister, especially since she was Landon’s sister.
But things had changed now that they were all adults. While she might still be naive, he couldn’t afford to do as they did before.
“Is Zoe …”
Just then, a knock on the door interrupted Jeremy.
“Come in.”
“Mr. Jeremy, I’ve gathered the information you requested about Madam and Jameson Schmidt’s connections and their families’ relations!” Xavier rushed in, his excitement evident in his voice.
Upon hearing that, Landon blinked incredulously but said nothing.
Jeremy, on the other hand, nearly snapped his pen in two.
“Oh, uh … I see that you’re occupied. Then, I’ll take my leave first, ” Xavier said awkwardly, slowly stepping back outside.
“Stay. Come on, I’m no stranger.” Landon grinned, then snagged an orange from the coffee table. He peeled it with his fingers while eyeing Jeremy from the corner of his eye.