One night stand with my president(chapter 288)

 Chapter 288: Hoping She Will Like It

Adeline couldn't refute what Georgia had said because it seemed to be true.

Between her and Harrison, there was just that thin, almost invisible line they hadn't crossed yet.

They both knew it.

Adeline could also sense that Harrison had been preparing something recently.

It seemed the day to cross that line was getting closer.

After finishing her call with Adeline, Georgia reported the whole exchange to Harrison.

It wasn't to boast. It was just that her loyalty to Harrison meant she felt obligated to keep him informed.

"Thank you for your efforts" Harrison said. 

"Your end-of-year bonus will be doubled."

Even Georgia, stoic as she was, felt a bit excited at hearing about the bonus.

But she quickly collected herself and relayed her entire conversation with Adeline to Harrison.

When she mentioned that Adeline had said she wasn't his girlfriend, Harrison looked a bit disappointed.

"She said that?"

"Yes, and then I told her not to worry. She'd be your girlfriend eventually."

"And? How did she respond?"

"She didn't say much, just talked a bit more and then hung up."

Harrison instantly focused on the key detail.

"Wait, so she didn't deny it?"

"No."

Harrison's earlier disappointment turned into a wave of excitement.

"Got it. Your end-of-year bonus is now tripled."

Georgia hesitated. "Isn't that a bit much?"

She'd merely made a phone call and was now getting a hefty bonus increase. She felt a bit embarrassed.

Rowen was sure to be jealous.

Harrison said, "You've earned it."

After hanging up, Harrison thought about Adeline's comment that she wasn't his girlfriend.

And she was right.

After all, he hadn't actually confessed his feelings.

He shouldn't expect her to claim the title.

Harrison felt a sudden impatience.

He couldn't help but make another call.

As soon as the person on the other end picked up, he eagerly asked, "When will the ring I ordered be ready?"

"Mr. Harrison, don't rush me," said the voice on the other end. "The ring design is intricate, and you know me. I don't cut corners. I want to deliver the perfect ring, so it'll take a bit longer..."

"How much longer will it take?"

"About a week."

Harrison frowned slightly.

It would still be that long.

"Alright," he said.

"By the way, I'm curious who this ring is for. Is it that actress?"

Harrison's expression darkened immediately.

"Not a chance."

"Oh, not her? I'm so out of touch with gossip. I saw something online that suggested you two were involved. So it's not her?"

"No way," Harrison replied firmly. "She's just a business partner. This ring is for someone I truly care about."

"Well, I figured it was for someone special. But who exactly?"

"Finish the ring, and I'll tell you."

"Hey, you're keeping me in suspense..."

"Get back to work on the ring."

Harrison hung up before his friend could protest.

As he thought about the ring he had

personally designed, a slight smile curved on his lips.

He hoped Adeline would like it.

Early the next morning, Adeline took Joyce to the airport.

As they reached the security checkpoint, the two friends hugged tightly, reluctant to part.

Callan still hadn't caught on that Joyce was leaving.

But it was only a matter of days before he would realize.

He could easily find her flight info once she left.

So, as soon as she landed, she'd take a prearranged car.

By the time Callan tracked her arrival, she would be far from the landing city.

She had no intention of being easily found by Callan.

She genuinely never wanted to see that madman again.

"Any idea when you might come back?" Adeline asked.

"I'm not sure. Maybe two or three years," Joyce replied.

"Oh... Once you're settled, make sure to contact me right away."

"I will."

The plane was about to take off, so they had to say goodbye, no matter how reluctant.

Watching Joyce disappear into the crowd, Adeline sighed, her eyes glistening.

Joyce was her one true confidante.

From the moment they met, they had never been apart for long.

But now, with Joyce's departure, it might be years before they saw each other again.

Still, it was inevitable.

Joyce wanted to see the wider world.

She'd endured enough hardships recently.

Perhaps leaving the city would make things easier.

As Adeline left the airport, she saw Harrison waiting by the entrance.

"Why are you here?" Adeline asked.

"I figured you'd be feeling down, so I came to pick you up," Harrison said.

He'd only learned this morning that Joyce was leaving.

Joyce had reached out to him herself.

She told him that Adeline would be sad about her leaving and hoped he'd be there to be with Adeline.

Harrison readily agreed.

He had heard plenty about Joyce and knew how close she and Adeline were.

With Joyce leaving so suddenly, it was only natural that Adeline would feel heartbroken.

At Harrison's words, Adeline's eyes reddened even more.

Harrison sighed. "If you want to cry, just let it out. It's fine."

But Adeline shook her head.

She didn't shed a tear. She just took a few steps forward and rested her head against his chest for a moment.

Harrison raised his hand, gently patting her back.

When she finally lifted her head, she looked composed once more.

Adeline said, "Come on, let's head to the office."

Seeing her act this way only made Harrison feel more protective.

Sometimes, he wished she wouldn't be so strong.

He knew she didn't like to cry. Ever since he met her, the times he'd seen her shed tears could be counted on one hand.

But at moments like this, he wished she could just let herself be vulnerable and release her emotions.

"I'm fine," Adeline reassured him with a smile.

"Joyce is off to explore the world she's always wanted to see, and I should be happy for her. Besides, it's not like we can't stay in touch or meet up again. She's my best friend, and as long as she's living the life she wants, I'll be happy for her."

Joyce would surely do well out there.

Adeline truly believed it.

As dusk settled, Harrison visited Sam in the hospital.

"Harrison, the doctor said I can be discharged soon and continue recovering at home," Sam said happily. "Finally getting out of here. I was going stir-crazy."

"Just don't get too wild when you're out,"

Harrison advised. "Make sure you fully heal first."

"Alright, just don't worry about me. By the way, why didn't Miss Hensley come with you today?"