His Unveiled Passion novel Chapter 399

Tessa glanced at Stephen. "When did I ever say I wanted her fired? I didn't make an appointment, and she was just doing her job. It's rare to find staff who take their responsibilities seriously. Don't be so quick to threaten someone's job."

A smile played at the corners of Stephen's lips. His voice was gentle. "Alright."

Maisy finally breathed a sigh of relief. The knot in her chest loosened at last.

Stephen remained seated next to Tessa, trying to find ways to keep the conversation going.

"A new restaurant just opened at Grandwell Center. Want to try it together sometime?"

"No. I've been really busy lately," came Tessa's response.

"Even busy people still need to eat."

"The Grandwell Center is too far. It's a waste of time going back and forth."

"Fair point," Stephen said, then paused. "What about this weekend? A friend of mine just opened a hot spring resort in Willow Heights. Want to relax for a bit?"

Tessa replied coolly, "I have to meet a client in Haverford this weekend."

"Alright."

…

Already, 20 minutes had passed, yet Samson still hadn't come down.

Tessa checked her watch. "Why is it taking so long?"

Stephen had no choice but to make a call to check in.

Samson finally came down, holding the documents.

"Apologies, Ms. Yates. Sorry to keep you waiting. Mr. Montague was caught up in something."

Upstairs, Justin had the puzzling inkling that someone was badmouthing him.

In truth, he had signed and stamped the documents a while ago. Samson had deliberately stalled for time.

After working as Stephen's assistant for so many years, he had learned a few tricks. With Stephen and Tessa spending time alone downstairs, the last thing he wanted was to interrupt early and face the consequences.

…

Upstairs, Marissa had been waiting in the reception room on the 27th floor for nearly 40 minutes.

She had called Stephen twice, but he didn't answer either time.

Growing impatient, she left the room and walked into the secretarial office.

There were four desks inside, each occupied by male secretaries in identical gray suits. One was typing away at lightning speed, and another was speaking on the phone.

She walked over to one of the desks and tapped lightly on the surface. "Is Mr. Jacobson still in a meeting?"

The secretary paused, then glanced up at her.

"No. He finished his meeting about half an hour ago."

Marissa frowned. "Then where is he? I've been waiting over 40 minutes and haven't seen him."

The secretary replied, "I'm not sure either."