A Successful Career After Divorce

“Great!” Shannon looked at Julia appreciatively and pulled out a box from her bag, handing it over. “This is a thank-you gift for letting me know about Brendon working late tonight.”

Julia smiled politely as she accepted the box. “Thank you, Miss Murphy.”

Julia was content with the gift, but as soon as Shannon turned away, she placed the box on the table and muttered to herself, “Who needs this trinket? She hasn’t even married into the Stuart family yet, and she’s already acting like Mrs. Stuart…”

And Ranita too! She had already divorced Mr. Stuart, yet she was shamelessly vying for his attention!

Well, let Ranita and Shannon fight for him!

Inside the office, Ranita clenched her teeth. “Mr. Stuart, are you not going to get up? Do you plan to stay there until next year?”

Brendon got up, looking embarrassed, and cleared his throat. “Sorry, I’m just used to…”

“You be quiet!” Ranita was so frustrated that it felt like steam was about to come out of her ears.

“Sorry…” This time it was Brendon’s genuine fault.Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.

Ranita shot him a glare before heading for the door when suddenly, there was a knock. “Brendon, can I come in?”

Ranita’s heart raced; why was Shannon here? She was relieved that Shannon arrived a little later, as getting caught in the act would have been disastrous.

But then it hit her. Why should she be afraid? It was Brendon who was taking advantage of her!

Shannon strolled in, acting as if she owned the place. She placed the soup container on the table and said, “Brendon, I happened to be passing by, so I brought you some soup.”

“Thank you,” Brendon accepted graciously. “You didn’t need to go through so much trouble. Your job keeps you busy too.”

“It’s no trouble at all, Brendon. I’m delighted to do it,” Shannon replied with a soft, shy smile, sending shivers down Ranita’s spine.

Not wanting to witness their intimate exchange any longer, Ranita looked down and said, “Mr. Stuart, I apologize for interrupting you two. I’ll leave now.”

“Ranita, wait!” Shannon called out. “You’ve been working hard with Brendon overtime too. Have a bowl of soup.”

Shannon interjected, scooping a bowl for Ranita herself and offering it with great care. “Please don’t hesitate, Ranita. Brendon can’t finish it alone. Enjoy a bowl as well.”

Due to the awkward incidents that had taken place between them prior to this moment, Ranita felt uneasy as Shannon approached her.

She took two steps back and replied, “Thank you for your kindness, Miss Murphy, but I’ve already eaten.”

Shannon’s eyes drooped with an expression of hurt. “Oh, this is soup prepared by our five-star chef. It’s incredibly nourishing. Please don’t be so polite, Ranita. I brought plenty, and Brendon can’t eat it all by himself. Do you not like me?”

Ranita was about to decline again when Brendon chimed in, “It’s just a bowl of soup as a gesture of goodwill from Shannon. There’s no harm in having a little.”

While she truly had no desire to consume the soup Shannon had brought over, Brendon’s insistence made her reluctantly take a small sip before setting it aside. “Miss Murphy, thank you for your kindness, but I’m truly quite full.”

Not wanting to risk any further uncomfortable interactions, Ranita hastily excused herself. Outside, she ran into Julia.

“Miss Bowman,” Julia greeted with a warm smile. “Miss Murphy must be quite out of her element in there, huh? Oh, how I envy Miss Murphy for having such a remarkable boyfriend like Mr. Stuart!”

“I wonder when they’ll tie the knot. Who knows, maybe we’ll get lucky enough to receive a gift or something!” Julia added, wearing a hopeful expression.