Chapter 91

Howard's POV

I observed Catherine and Molly nervously approaching my office.

After receiving my call, these two women had delayed a full twenty minutes before appearing. Standing before me now, they deliberately maintained some distance from each other, as if trying to dissociate themselves.

Catherine's face was noticeably pale, her fingers constantly twisting together; Molly's gaze darted around, avoidingdirect eye contact with me.Seeing their nervous demeanor, I nearly laughed out loud but maintained my expressionless facade.

I casually set down the documents on my desk and addressed them in a deliberately controlled tone: "There's a new game project I'd like to assign to both of you. I specifically called you here to ask..."

I paused meaningfully, noting how Catherine's shoulders visibly tensed and Molly held her breath. Then I continued,"...if you have the capacity to take on this responsibility."

My tone remained strictly professional, without any indicaton that I was aware of their prank.

Catherine appeared momentarily stunned by this unexpected turn.She blinked rapidly, her lips parting slightly before closing again. Molly glanced toward Catherine, uncertain how to respond,her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her clothing."Well?" I prompted simply. "We'd be happy to take it on!" Catherine responded eagerly without hesitation. Her voice suddenly rose by about eight pitches, her shoulders visibly relaxing.

I calmly continued, "I've already spoken with the department head. You can meet with him directly on the twentieth floor."

"That's great!" Both women noticeably relaxed, the tension leaving their faces as they excitedly left my office.

I watched them go, finally allowing myself a small satisfied smile.

Everything was proceeding according to my expectations.

*I always remember a slight.*

*Dare to play a prank on me?*

*I will certainly retaliate.*

*Though my methods are rarely obvious, people typically don't realize what's happened even after suffering the consequences.*

The office door was gently knocked on again, and Annie walked in. She had noticed my earlier interaction with Catherine and Molly, her expression curious. "Isn't there only one new project in the gaming department?" She paused before continuing, "I remember you discussing it with Susan. Wasn't that project particularly urgent?"

I allowed my expression to soften, explaining with a hint of humor: "That's correct."I elaborated, "Catherine has too much free time in the marketing department. She never does any actual work, just spreads gossip...""If we don't assign her to a department where she'll be appropriately challenged and busy, she might leave the company without learning anything of value."I took Annie's hand, feeling the softness of her skin, and added, "I simply want her to learn more skills."

My gaze fell on Annie's rosy lips, recalling the taste of chili, and I inwardly winced.

Catherine, that overly active social media enthusiast. She was too fond of meddling-this time she had even managed to get Annie to eat spicy food without direct intervention, thereby preventing me from kissing Annie.

I leaned back in my chair, my fingertips lightly tapping the desk as I contemplated my next move. I imagined that during the next group meal,Catherine might recommend extremely spicy dishes to Annie under the guise of sharing food recommendations. If this situation repeated itself,would Annie and I ever be able to kiss again?

No, I firmly refused to let anyone deprive me of intimate moments with Annie.

Just then, Susan called to inform me that the car was ready, reminding me that I had a business meeting to attend today. After explaining the situation to Annie, I made my way to the underground parking garage.

In the underground parking garage, I sat in the back seat as the driver started the engine. The driver braked promptly, and I suddenly noticed Sarah Johnson standing not far ahead, her visibly pregnant figure particularly striking in the sunlight. My eyes revealed undisguised contempt.I recalled that just yesterday she had been causing trouble for Annie online,and now she appeared at the company. I wondered what new plan she had to make Annie uncomfortable. Closing my eyes, I gently pressed my temples, considering how to permanently resolve this issue. Though Annie didn't want my help, being constantly harassed by someone like Sarah must be frustrating.

Seeing Sarah standing there, her gaze fixed on my car, I could guess what she was planning. This woman's behavior was too obvious, her amateur performance almost laughable. I instructed my driver: "Mitchell, slow down and pay attention to the lady ahead."

When my driver unexpectedly braked early. Sarah seemed somewhat taken aback, her prepared posture suddenly becoming awkward. Unwilling to miss this opportunity to interact with me, she quickly adjusted her strategy and walked directly toward my window.

"Stop," I commanded, while observing Sarah's eager approach. I lowered the window, curious about what new trouble she intended to create.

Sarah got straight to the point: "I want to talk to you about Annie Baker."Her voice was deliberately gentle, but the calculation in her eyes was unmistakable.

I responded coldly: "If I want to know anything about her, I'll ask her directly. I don't need you to tell me." My fingers tapped lightly on my knee,my patience limited. "Is there anything else?"

"I know you love Annie..." Sarah continued through gritted teeth, the jealousy in her expression distorting her makeup. I could sense that my protection of Annie would only increase her resentment toward Annie. She couldn't understand why a woman who couldn't even keep her own husband could now receive unconditional love from another man. Sarah continued with a light laugh: "And you trust her completely."Her tone became mysterious, as if she possessed some important secret. "You can choose not to listen to me, to remain in the dark forever." I looked at her deliberately mysterious expression, feeling only disgust. She paused, attempting to create a dramatic effect: "But can you guarantee that when you finally learn the truth...your relationship won't be affected at all?