Chapter: 92

Alan, looking up from his papers, nodded briefly. “I am. Make it quick."

“Alan, I... I'm finding it difficult to continue in my current role. Is there a chance I could return to Hewitt Group?" Lilliana's voice was tinged with desperation.

Alan's expression hardened slightly, his eyes remaining fixed on the documents before him. "Don't make things difficult. With your tarnished reputation, many studios have closed their doors to you. Yvette now handles all matters related to our jewelry line. There's no suitable position for you here."

The rejection stung more sharply than Lilliana anticipated, freezing her practiced smile. She hesitated, her voice softening into a plea.

“Alan, my reputation is shattered, and the way people look at me now... it's unbearable."

Tears began to streak down her cheeks. “If Ashley could see me now, she'd be devastated. For her memory, please, let me return to Hewitt Group."

She moved a step closer, her gaze flickering across Alan's desk. "If not in the jewelry studio, perhaps I could assist you directly? As your secretary?"

Alan looked up then, his annoyance palpable. “A secretary? Do you even understand what that entails? You'd be more of a distraction than a help on this floor. He sighed heavily, closing the folder in front of him. "It's late, Lilliana. Go home. If there's anything you need, send me a message."

His tone, though calm, left no room for further discussion.

Lilliana was utterly stunned. Before she could utter another word, Dylan approached to lead her away.

"Miss Willis, I will arrange transportation for you to go home. Mr. Hewitt is preoccupied and cannot be interrupted again," Dylan said.

She opened her mouth to object but realized that Lingering would only further irritate Alan. Reluctantly, she agreed to leave.

Thwarted in her effort, Lilliana knew she needed another strategy.

On the drive home, she feigned stomach pain, persuading the driver to divert to a hospital.

She visited a private hospital she often frequented, where she was acquainted with several doctors. She managed to convince one to fabricate a medical report, exaggerating the severity of her condition.

The driver relayed the situation to Alan, inquiring about what steps to take next.

Previously, Alan would have immediately come to her aid for even a slight ailment.

Now, however, Alan was merely exasperated.

"If she's truly ill, she should receive treatment. I'm not a doctor. Manage it on your own."

He ended the call abruptly, leaving the driver perplexed.

Lilliana watched the driver expectantly, hoping for favorable news.

"Miss Willis, Mr. Hewitt... instructed you to take care of yourself."

"What? Alan isn't coming to see me?"

Lilliana nearly leaped from her seat in distress, but the stern gaze of the doctor reminded her to maintain her facade.