Chapter 138

Annie's POV

Howard's secretary Susan had just proposed an idea that seemed to catch Howard somewhat by surprise, though I could see he also appreciated her initiative. He turned toward her with a thoughtful expression before remarking. "That's an excellent idea, but I'm not the primary decision-maker here."

He then shifted his gaze to me, his gray eyes seeking my opinion. "What do you think?"

I responded without hesitation, a small smile playing on my lips. "You're both clearly trying to help me earn more money."

Since I began working with Howard, my income had certainly risen dramatically. Though I still felt a jolt of surprise every time I saw my paycheck, I wasn't about to complain. After all, who would object to financial security?

"I fully support the idea, of course," I added, giving a slight nod of approval.

Susan immediately understood the implications of my response-if I had no objections,Howard wouldn't either. With remarkable efficiency, she pulled out her phone and began messaging someone.

Within minutes, a young woman appeared at our door. She had striking red hair that fell loosely around her shoulders, framing her pale skin and slightly nervous expression. Her features weren't particularly refined, but they combined harmoniously to create a fresh, natural appearance.She wore a simple white blouse with a navy knee-length skirt-modest but

neat. Her flat shoes showed signs of wear but had clearly been polished with care.

When her eyes met mine, she noticeably faltered. She lowered her head briefly before catching herself and looking back up at me, her gaze filled with confusion.

Her reaction was peculiar, as though she recognized me from somewhere.I decided to address it directly. "Have we met before?"

The young woman hesitated before answering, "You look somewhat familiar,but I can't quite place where I might have seen you."

She added, "I think I may have heard your voice before as well."

I furrowed my brow, trying to recall if we'd crossed paths previously, but nothing came to mind. "Perhaps we encountered each other somewhere in passing. I don't recall either."

"That must be it," she agreed, seeming relieved by the explanation.

Once our exchange concluded, Susan finally made the introduction. "This is Amy Bush. She's the person I'm planning to send abroad for trainng."

"Just her alone?" I asked, concern evident in my voice.

Howard slowed his speech,clearly sharing my worry. "International safety.hasn't been great lately. Sending a young woman by herself-isn't that rather risky?"

Amy, hearing our conversation and perhaps fearing she might lose this opportunity, quickly spoke up. "Though I'm young and haven't experienced mnuch of the world yet, I promise you..." She paused, then continued with greater conviction, "If you're willing to entrust me with this

assignment. I'll complete it successfully! I'm fully capable of handling this responsibility!"

As she spoke, her red hair caught the sunlight, shimmering slightly.Her eyes revealed a determination that contrasted sharply with her seemingly delicate appearance.

Howard turned to Susan, silently requesting further explanation.

Susan responded calmly, "We've already arranged security personnel abroad to assist her. They've guaranteed they'll ensure her safe return. You can be completely assured on that front."

I didn't want to stand in her way; she deserved to shape her own destiny.Nevertheless, I felt compelled to offer some advice: "When you're abroad,prioritize your safety above all else. Whatever happens, your wellbeing must come first."

Howard added pragmatically, "If there are any financial losses, inform Susan, and she'll arrange for reimbursement."

"Understood," Amy replied, visibly relieved by our decision. Her shoulders relaxed slightly, and a subtle smile appeared on her face.

After we finished our instructions, Amy left the office of her own accord.Her steps were light yet purposeful, reflecting her inner excitement and resolve.

Once the door closed behind Amy, Susan explained her situation to us:"Her willingness to accept this position stems primarily from financial need.I've heard her mother is seriously ill, requiring substantial medical expenses..."

Susan continued, "Her family's solution was to have her marry and use the

bride price to fund her mother's treatment. She wants her mother to recover, but she doesn't want to sacrifice herself through marriage.Somehow she learned our company needed employees for overseas training with substantial allowances, so she volunteered immediately."

Susan explained that she hadn't had an opportunity to share this information earlier, and discussing such personal matters in Amy's presence would have been inappropriate.

She elaborated, "Regarding the allowance, the company already advanced it to her. She used it to cover her mother's hospital admission fees, telling her family it was a bride price from her boyfriend, who requested she move directly into his home. She wwanted to test her family's reaction, but they simply told her to go ahead and not upset her boyfriend.Seeing how they failed to consider her situation or show any concern for her wellbeing,she became completely disillusioned with them. After gathering her belongings from home, she urged us to arrange her overseas assignment as quickly as possible."

Her words struck a chord within me. Though my situation wasn't identical to Amy's, I understood all too well what it felt like to be treated as an exchangeable asset by family. I'd experienced similar treatment when my marriage to Philip was ending-his mother Betty had regarded me as merely an accessory to their family.

Howard remained silent, and I found myself at a loss for words,feeling only a profound sadness for Amy's situation.

After considerable thought, Howard finally spoke:"When she returns.if her performance meets expectations, provide her with an additional bonus."For Howard,financial independence was the surest path to personal dignity and freedom.

Susan smiled, "I'll let her know."

"Good," Howard replied concisely.

As the office door closed, I couldn't help but reflect: "Today's young people are becoming increasingly self-reliant. Despite having no job experience, she's determined to solve her family's medical crisis through her own efforts. And even though she's never traveled abroad, she's willing to go alone."

I thought about my own experience-the farthest I'd ever traveled was from Boston to New York. I remembered how nervous I'd been boarding that train, simultaneously excited and terrified. I had followed Philip to New York for love, while Amy was pursuing survival and freedom.Sometimes, the courage to survive requires greater strength than the courage to love.

Howard took my hand with practiced ease. "Indeed. It seems she's genuinely motivated by financial need."

"What makes you say that?" I asked, curious.

"If she were simply drawn to that country..." Howard explained, "she would have wanted to go when safety conditions were better. Given the current unrest ànd instability... yet she still wants to go-it must be purely for the job."

Howard had observed Amny carefully, noting her modest attire, the curiosity in her eyes when looking at him, and her ambition untainted by ulterior motives. This was precisely the type of employee Howard most valued.

"She's certainly driven," I remarked with mixed admiration and concern."

Being so career-focused at such a young age gives her a measure of secuirity for her future. That's commendable. I admire women with professional ambition."

Howard's thumb gently caressed the back of my hand. "She's also quite intelligent-receiving the money without revealing to her family that she earned it herself."

I listened quietly as Howard continued his assessment.

"And her family's attitude doesn't suggest they value her particularly highly," he observed. "She provided them with financiaI support without revealing her promising new position... she's compassionate, yet careful not to put herself at risk. With proper guidance within the company,she could achieve considerable success."

Howard's appreciation for Amy suggested he intended to mentor her.I was genuinely happy for her prospects: "How far she can go will depend on how much effort you invest in her development."

Howard simply gazed at me, his gray eyes containing some inscrutable emotion, as though there were words left unspoken. His expression made me slightly uneasy, yet simultaneously quickened my heartbeat.

"What is it you want to tell me?" I asked softly.