Chapter: 79

"I thought as much. Maybe you should avoid sending me on business trips."

Quintin clicked his tongue playfully and remarked, "Without me here to keep an eye on you, your ex-husband will sneak back into your life."

Kaitlin exhaled a weary sigh. “Don't worry about me, I'm not easily swayed. Rekindling old flames isn't my thing.”

“Really? Make sure you remind yourself of that every day. Don't fall for your ex-husband's charming words again."

Kaitlin nodded, sensing something off about Quintin today. "Did your business trip go well?"

"It was fine. The partner was a bit challenging, but I managed it myself, so it all worked out." Quintin pushed his coffee cup aside, his tone carrying a slight complaint. "Ms. Gilbert, could we possibly get some better coffee in the office? I need it to stay sharp. It'd be best if it's hand-ground."

Kaitlin, who had recently given up coffee, nodded absently at the minor request.

“Sure, just let the Finance Department know. They'll cover it."

“There's no need for that. I've got some beans at home. They just need to be ground by hand." Quintin paused, then leaned forward with a curious expression. "Ms. Gilbert, would you mind grinding some coffee beans for me each day?"

Quintin had been pleading and insisting for quite a while, until finally, Kaitlin consented to grind coffee beans for him.

It was a modest incentive to boost his work ethic.

She had performed this small favor before, but it was typically for Alan.

Alan took it for granted while Quintin expressed profound appreciation, making a point to be thoughtful and kind throughout the day.

During the lunch break, Alan stormed into Kaitlin's office.

As he noticed her busy at the coffee grinder, his expression soured.

“What are you doing?" he demanded.

Kaitlin finished with the beans, sealing them in a jar before answering, “Isn't it obvious? I was grinding coffee beans."

"For whom?" Alan pressed, aware that she wasn't fond of coffee herself.

“For an employee. Was there something you needed?"

Suddenly, Alan recalled the purpose of his visit. Yvette had advised him that women appreciated being treated delicately.

If this approach failed, he needed to persist, offering sweet nothings.

If a direct invitation fell flat, a gentler tactic could prevail.

“Grandma misses you. She's hoping we'll come over for lunch," he said.

Kaitlin paused briefly before responding, “I've got plans this afternoon. I can't make it. Could you let Beth know for me?"