One night stand with my president(chapter 320)

 

Chapter 320: What a Coincidence 

Truthfully, Adeline used to feel a bit nervous around Harrison too.

As his chief secretary, she couldn't afford to make any mistakes.

But now, after she saw the side of Harrison that could pout and send her memes, all that tension had vanished.

Of course, she wouldn't share this with Anna.

After all, that side of Harrison was hers alone.

Besides, revealing it might ruin Harrison's

"perfect CEO" image.

"He's not so scary once you stop thinking of him that way," Adeline said with a smile.

"I hope I can be braver next year," Anna replied, making a little fist-bump gesture to encourage herself.

After tidying up their things, the two women took the elevator downstairs.

"I just texted my boyfriend," Anna said. "He lives near the office and said he'll pick us up soon."

"Sounds good" Adeline replied.

When they reached the company lobby, they ran into Isaline.

Since it was the last working day before the holidays, many departments had allowed employees to leave early.

"Miss Hensley!" Isaline greeted her cheerfully as she ran over. "You're off work too?"

"Yes." Adeline nodded.

"Will you be spending Christmas with the Thomson family?" Isaline asked.

Adeline thought for a moment and replied, "I will, but not until after Christmas."

She had plans to spend Christmas in Yewhaina.

But once the holidays were over, she'd need to return and visit the Thomsons for greetings.

"Oh, I see." Isaline looked a bit disappointed.

Sensing something, Adeline asked, "Are you spending Christmas at the Thomsons' family?"

"Yes," Isaline sighed. "I don't have any family here in Marifort City, so I figured I might as well stay and spend Christmas here. I heard the Thomson family hosts a big gathering during the holidays. I was hoping you'd be there so l'd know at least one more person. What a shame."

Isaline had even considered spending Christmas quietly in a hotel, but it seemed impolite to leave the estate for the holidays when she'd been staying there since her arrival.

"Don't worry," Adeline said with a smile. 

"With Mr. Ronan around, you'll be fine."

At the mention of Ronan, Isaline hesitated as if she had something to say.

But in the end, she said nothing, bid Adeline farewell, and left.

Adeline and Anna walked to the company entrance and didn't have to wait long before a white Audi pulled up in front of them.

The driver's door opened, and a young man stepped out.

When the man saw Adeline, a flash of admiration flickered in his eyes.

However, he quickly hid it and turned his attention to Anna.

"Sorry I'm late, babe," he said as he walked over to Anna.

"It's fine," Anna replied. "We didn't wait long. Oh, by the way, this is Miss Hensley, the person I ve been telling you about. Miss Hensley, this is my boyfriend, Manuel Snider."

Adeline nodded politely at Manuel.

"So, you're Miss Hensley! I've heard so much about you," Manuel said with a smile. "Hop in. I've already made dinner reservations."

"Let's go, Miss Hensley," Anna said.

The three of them got into Manuel's car, with Adeline sitting in the back and Anna in the passenger seat.

As they got in, Adeline noticed that Manuel hadn't opened the car door for Anna.

She found it slightly odd —not that she thought men were obligated to open car doors, but they were still in the honeymoon phase of their relationship. Considering Manuel had walked past the passenger side, it would've been a simple gesture.

She said nothing, chalking it up to differences in personality. After all, it wasn't her place to comment on someone else's relationship.

On the way to the restaurant, Anna chatted excitedly with Manuel about her holiday plans.

Although Manuel responded, his tone felt a bit dismissive.

To Anna, it probably seemed normal, but Adeline, as an observer, had already furrowed her brows.

After about twenty minutes, they arrived at the restaurant.

Manuel gave his name to the server, who led them upstairs.

As they approached a private dining room, Manuel suddenly said, "Oh, I forgot to mention.

My aunt is joining us for dinner tonight."

Anna looked surprised.

"Your aunt? Why didn't you tell me earlier? I came empty-handed; this feels so rude!"

She also felt it odd to see his family members.

"Don't worry about it," Manuel said with a laugh.

"It's just a casual dinner. No need to bring anything. My aunt is very kind; she won't mind."

Then he turned to Adeline. "I hope you don't mind, Miss Hensley?"

Already at the restaurant, Adeline couldn't exactly refuse.

Although she found Manuel's lack of communication irritating, she decided to stay composed for Anna's sake.

"Not at all," Adeline replied with a polite smile.

"Great, we're here. Let's go in," Manuel said, pushing open the door to the private room.

Inside, a woman was already waiting for them.

As Adeline stepped into the room and saw the woman, she froze.

Adeline thought, "Jasmine? So, Manuel's aunt is Jasmine?"

It made sense. They shared the same last name.

Still, Adeline couldn't believe this was just a coincidence.

"Miss Hensley." Jasmine stood up and greeted her with a smile.

Adeline's lips curved slightly, but her smile was cold.

"Mrs. Hunt.. What a coincidence."

Jasmine caught the sarcasm in her tone but didn't seem offended. She continued smiling. "I'm glad to finally have dinner with you, Miss Hensley."

Adeline's expression darkened.

She wasn't angry at Jasmine for scheming against her; she was furious that Jasmine had dragged Anna into it.

Manuel's strange behavior earlier now made sense. He wasn't truly interested in Anna. He had only approached her as part of Jasmine's plan to get to Adeline.

But Anna seemed blissfully unaware, still caught up in the excitement of her new relationship.

Adeline thought, "How despicable they are to manipulate someone's emotions just to achieve their own ends."

"Miss Hensley, is everything fine?" Anna asked in a low voice, sensing the tension.

Adeline took a deep breath, suppressing her anger, and replied softly, "It's fine. I know her."

Anna wasn't naive. She knew something was wrong and cast a questioning look at Manuel.

Manuel avoided her gaze, refusing to make eye contact.

Adeline wanted to walk out then and there, but she could not leave Anna alone.

"What on earth did Jasmine want from me to go through all this trouble?" Adeline thought.