Chapter 15
As the taxi stopped before the villa entrance, Shirley froze slightly at the ornate decorations on the doorplate.
She’d assumed the address meant an ordinary apartment, never expecting a private courtyard villa. Not only was the setting tranquil, but it also had an enormous balcony.
Shirley pushed the door open with her luggage, sunlight flooding the room.
The room was clearly kept clean, not a speck of dust in sight.
Shirley tidied up the bedroom and hung some clothes from her suitcase in the closet.
When she lay down on the soft bed, her phone lit up with a message.
Barbara said she’d take her out to eat tomorrow. Shirley immediately replied okay before setting her phone aside.
A stack of books sat on the bedside shelf. Out of habit, she picked one up and read until she drifted off to sleep.
Sunlight streamed onto the pillow when Shirley woke. Staring at the unfamiliar decor and layout, she wasn’t quite used to it yet.
The alarm clock by the bed showed 6:30, a whole two hours earlier than her wake–up time at the Mitchell Family.
The reflection in the mirror still bore faint dark circles under her eyes, yet her spirits felt noticeably brighter.
Around noon, as she applied lipstick before the mirror, Barbara’s message popped up.
“I’m downstairs–let’s go eat!”
When the steamy warmth of the restaurant washed over her, Shirley stopped in her tracks.
“I know you’re not used to the raw food here.”
Barbara picked up a slice of Sliced Beef and dipped it into the pot.
“Try this, authentic spicy flavor!”
Shirley bit into the Salmon fillet coated in sesame oil and garlic paste. The familiar numbing spice tingled her taste buds, and her eyes stung with tears.
“Let’s get down to business.” Barbara wiped her mouth.
“Can you start today? A major client the day after tomorrow insists on working with someone Chinese. I’m swamped, and others aren’t reliable… Hence this Creamy Tuscan Pasta bribe.”
Barbara winked at her while speaking.
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Chapter 15
“Why me?” Shirley set down her fork.
“Because you’re Shirley!”
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Barbara poked her forehead.
“That person who managed to win over the toughest professor in three days back then couldn’t handle a client? He’s always been in design, quite eccentric, specifically requested no foreigners. I’ve thought it through–you’re the perfect fit.”
“And knowing your personality, you wouldn’t even argue with him.”
Barbara spoke earnestly.
Shirley glanced at the meal she’d have to pay for and finally nodded.
After several days in the Netherlands, Shirley gradually adjusted to the local climate.
On the appointed day, she spent hours shopping with Barbara, picking out work–appropriate outfits and accessories.
When she pulled out her phone to pay, Barbara stopped her hand.
“How could I let you pay for helping me?”
Shirley’s lips curved upward.
“You’re so generous!”
As dusk fell, the other party sent a restaurant address. Following the navigation instructions, the two headed toward the meeting spot.
Watching Shirley ascend the stairs, Barbara wildly gestured encouragement from below, leaving Shirley not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
The moment Shirley pushed open the private dining room door, her footsteps froze.
That silhouette felt vaguely familiar, as if she’d seen it somewhere before.
The man standing against the light by the floor–to–ceiling windows slowly turned around, a gentle smile in his eyes just like at the airport.
“So it’s you. We meet again.”
The man extended his hand.
“I’m Jesse Roberts, CEO of Starlight International. Pleasure working with you.”
Shirley clasped the calloused hand, its warmth feeling unreal.
A knowing smile flickered in Jesse’s eyes, as if he’d anticipated this reunion all along.
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