Chapter 17
Clara only realized her clothes were a mess, but was completely unaware of the mark left on her neck. Her skin
was naturally pale, and after her little spat with Simon, her cheeks were a bit flushed.
Noticing Dylan's wheelchair was unattended, she quickly stepped up. "Mr. Dylan," she called, her hands gently
gripping the wheelchair. Her voice was earnest. "Are you heading back to the top floor? | can take you."
"Move aside."
"Sorry, what?"
She thought she must've misheard. But no, Dylan just maneuvered his wheelchair past her without a second
glance. Clara stood there, finally getting the hint that she wasn't needed.
With a deep breath, she shrugged it off and decided not to push her luck. She made her way to her desk, which-
lucky her-was conveniently close to Simon's office.
The Ferguson family had a bunch of younger members in this generation. Although Dylan was technically
Simon's senior, they were actually the sage. Every junior member was required to do an internship at
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtFerguson Corporation. Dylan, born to Walter later in life, was a natural prodigy, and had been set up as the heir
early on.
That role cwith its fair share of risks, but Dylan had always managed to stay out of harm's way. That is, until
an accident two years ago left him in a wheelchair. Many assumed this would knock him off the heir track, but
the patriarch stayed mum, and the family remained in a state of quiet turmoil.
Clara settled at her desk, and Simon shot her a sneer. "Still pretending you're not here for me?"
Clara took a deep breath, just as a young girl approached and dumped a mountain of files on her desk. "You're
the newbie, right? Get these sorted by tomorrow."
The girl rolled her eyes, her disdain for Clara barely hidden. Clara didn't say a word, and just opened the first file
and got to work. A few people nearby whispered among themselves.
"Isn't that Clara? Why's she in the department again?"
"She's here for Mr. Simon. Didn't you see how much he despises her? How does she have the nerve to keep
chasing him?"
"Just wait. She'll keep stirring up trouble, and slap any girl who gets close to Mr. Simon. What's HR thinking,
letting her in?"
Clara pretended not to hear and kept her head down. She finished the files by nine that night. The office was
mostly empty by then.
Yawning, she set down the last file and was about to head out when Simon walked in. He watched her with
disdain. "I was supposed to have dinner with you, but Quinn had a fever, so | had to check on her first. You're not
mad, are you?"
Already in a foul mood from working late, Clara felt her temper flare. Simon adjusted his tie, exuding arrogance.
"Well, it's late, and most places are closed. How about a kiss instead?"
Clara's lips twitched in disbelief. She grabbed her keys and made for the door, but Simon caught her wrist, tilting
her chin as he leaned in.
Startled, Clara felt goosebumps rise. "Simon, doesn't your penis hurt today?"
Simon stepped back, suddenly wary. "Are you gonna kickagain? Clara, are you done with this yet? I'm still
interested, but you'd better not keep saying no. Who knows when I'll offer a kiss to you again?"
Even with her good nature, Clara was fuming at his arrogance. Her cheeks reddened with anger. Simon noticed
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmthe flicker of emotion on her usually calm face. Initially reluctant to kiss her, he found himself reconsidering. He
couldn't deny Clara had a striking face.
Clara let out a cold laugh, brushing past him. "You still smell like Quinn's perfume. Desert Rose, her favorite."
"Are you jealous?"
Already in the elevator, Clara's anger faded at his words, replaced by a surprising calm.
Simon followed her inside. "You can't be jealous. Quinn is way out of your league."
Too tired to argue, Clara saved her energy, stepping out of the elevator only to run into Quinn. The moment
Quinn saw them emerge together, her eyes welled up.
"Simon."
Feeling inexplicably guilty, Simon quickly moved to hug her. "What's going on? Didn't | say I'd be working late?
Why are you waiting here?"
"Was it work, or were you with my sister?"
Her head bowed, and tears flowed freely. Simon kissed her cheek, then turned to Clara. "Clara, aren't you going
to apologize?"