Chapter: 1118

She had clawed her way up from assistant to director at Goldwald Company over the years. While the promotion might seem mundane, it was a testament to her perseverance through countless obstacles. She wasn't about to let anyone cast a shadow on her hard-won achievements now.

As the clock inched towards noon, Bethany wrapped up the schedule, printed copies, and distributed them.

As she was about to head to the Bates Group cafeteria, she spotted Colt standing at her office door, his face illuminated with a charming grin.

"Ms. Holt, may I have the pleasure of inviting you to lunch?" he asked.

“\hy?" Bethany arched an eyebrow, taken aback. She wasn't one for idle chit-chat, especially with someone she barely knew. The sudden invitation seemed out of the blue, especially on her first day.

Colt, his smile widening with a hint of awkwardness, explained, “I'm here to extend my apologies on behalf of Kiley. She's a bit of a whirlwind - young and somewhat green. I hope you won't hold it against her."

Bethany waved off the concern with a dismissive smile. "There's really no need for that. I wasn't upset."

She had neither the time nor the inclination to fuss over such trivial matters.

"She's new to the department. And, well.. she's actually one of my relatives," Colt admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of embarrassment.

He was acutely aware that Kiley, with him as her backing, had developed a tendency to be a bit presumptuous and brash with her colleagues. Colt had turned a blind eye to her behavior, but this time, Kiley had crossed a line - she had provoked the wife of the CEO!

That was a recipe for disaster.

Bethany smiled warmly, her gaze softening. “It's truly no trouble. I'm heading to the cafeteria now. And for the due diligence this afternoon, please select some sharp minds. I'm still familiarizing myself with everyone in Team Four. Thanks, Mr. Flores.”

“Absolutely! I appreciate your understanding," Colt said, his relief palpable. He had been bracing himself for Bethany to demand Kiley's dismissal - a scenario that would have left him no choice but to comply, despite his familial ties.

Now, seeing that Bethany seemed unfazed by Kiley's behavior, Colt felt a weight lift from his shoulders.

"Oh, and just a heads-up - I'll be heading to West Legal Services after work, so I won't be around the office. Feel free to send any work my way, and I'll tackle it once I'm home. I'll do my best to keep us on track."

Bethany took her work with utmost seriousness.

Colt nodded appreciatively. “Understood!”

With that, Bethany locked her office door and headed to the cafeteria.

The Bates Group cafeteria was legendary for its array of dishes, a culinary delight in Odonset and even in Gregger.

Jonathan always said that a satisfied stomach was the key to a productive day.

Bethany had skipped breakfast, and by Lunchtime, though ravenous, her appetite had waned.

Nonetheless, she needed fuel for her afternoon tasks, so she forced herself to eat.

Regrettably, the meal didn't sit well, and she soon found herself battling a stomachache back at her desk.

Desperately rummaging through her bag, she realized she had forgotten to pack any medicine.