As he came nearer to her, Clarissa felt a chill running down her spine.
She instinctively grabbed the chain of her bag and stepped back.
Matthew towered above her, his gaze dark.
“Ms. Quigley, are you still mad because of the joke I made over dinner that night?”
“No, no.” She shook her head vigorously.
She did not have the guts to be mad at him.
“Then is there a misunderstanding between us?”
“Huh?”
Clarissa blinked twice before answering in a hurry. “No, of course not.”
“Then why are you so afraid of me?”
Can’t I be afraid? He’s suspecting me of having an ulterior motive!
Clarissa chuckled. “No, I’m not afraid. I was just nervous because you’re so much older than me. Mr. Tyson, I’ve always been polite to my elders.”
“Oh? Really?”
Matthew brought the cigarette to his lips and took another puff. The stench of tobacco attacked Clarissa’s nostrils.
It wasn’t choking at all to her.
“Yes.”
“Ms. Quigley, you don’t have to reject it. Ellie wants to help you. If you want to reject her help, talk to her.”
“I…”
“If you insist on saying no, that tells me you’re feeling guilty instead of being nervous in front of an elder.”
Clarissa frowned unhappily at his words.
“I’m feeling guilty? It’s all because of you-”
“What about me?”
Upon meeting Matthew’s gaze, Clarissa fell silent.
“Nothing. I just don’t want any misunderstanding to happen.”
“What exactly do you mean, Ms. Quigley?” Matthew probed.
He just won’t give up!
Clarissa’s brows knitted together before she gazed at him boldly.
“You might think I’m after the Tysons!” That must be what Matthew had in his mind.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have made that joke that day.
As Matthew said nothing, Clarissa pouted.
“Looks like you’ve gotten the wrong idea about me.”
Ha!
I got the wrong idea about you?
Are you seriously going to deny it?
“Ms. Quigley, you’re Ellie’s friend, right?”
“Of course!”
“You don’t have an ulterior motive, right?”
“No, I don’t!” Clarissa reiterated firmly.
Arching his brows, Matthew responded, “You’re sure of yourself, and Ellie trusts you. Donnie will give you the keys to the apartment. Ellie will be upset if you refuse to let her help you.”
He spun on his heels and returned to his seat coolly to resume working. It was obvious he wanted Clarissa to leave.
After a brief pause, she mumbled, “Thank you, Uncle Matthew. I’ll leave now.”
She addressed him politely, like the elder he was.
Perhaps she was too sensitive.
Clarissa had nothing to fear because she wanted nothing from Ellie and the Tysons. However, the more she tried to show her sincerity, the more Matthew got suspicious of her. I must’ve misunderstood Mr. Tyson earlier, she thought guiltily.
I automatically assumed the worst of him. I should apologize to him sincerely.
Should I return to his office and apologize?
“Clare, did you get the keys?”
Ellie appeared out of nowhere. As Clarissa was daydreaming, she got curious. “What’s wrong? Why are you in a daze?”
“Err, nothing.”
Right then, Donnie showed up with the keys.
Ellie grinned happily and took the keys from him. “Thanks, Don. Tell Uncle Matt I came. I won’t disturb him at work.”
Both of them left and went to the so-called apartment.
When Clarissa saw the apartment, she was dumbfounded.
This was the first time she had ever seen such an “apartment.” It was huge, spanning a 120m², fully renovated and fully furnished living area. The view was fantastic, while the security was tight. The neighborhood was quiet. Is this even an apartment?
This is considered a mansion in D City!
“How is it?” inquired Ellie.
Clarissa giggled like a fool. “Is this the benefit of being Tyson Corporation’s employee? Are they still hiring? Let me send in my resume!”
“Don’t blame me for being cruel. They won’t hire someone like you. Hmm, this apartment is nice. I never knew they have such great benefits. Anyway, this is yours now.” Ellie nodded in satisfaction. “The rent is only two thousand every month. Don’t haggle the price lest our feelings get hurt.”
Clarissa wanted to express her gratitude, but she wasn’t talented enough to weep prettily. Flinging her arms around Ellie, she declared, “Ms. Tyson, my friend, you’re a wealthy heiress! I’m lucky to be your friend! I’m afraid I can’t repay you in this lifetime.”
Ellie snorted. “You must repay my favor!”
“How? I’ll do anything within my means. Oh, only my skills are for sale, not my body.”
“No, I demand both! Come on, let’s unpack. I’ll make sure to sell you out tonight.”
Indeed, Ellie sold her friend out that very night.
After dressing Clarissa up, she brought the latter to a cocktail party.
Ellie sponsored the fancy dress and accessories Clarissa wore. The former thought she looked like an expensive doll.
Ellie dragged her all around the venue and introduced her to all the available single men.
Looks like Ellie hasn’t given up. She won’t stop until I get a boyfriend!
The smile on Clarissa’s face grew stiff as the night went by, but her bestie seemed pleased with herself.
“I’ve shared your contact with everyone I know. Just think of it as networking. Ah, you’re such a homebody. It’s a waste of your good looks.”
Clarissa stared into space blankly. From a distance away, Matthew couldn’t help but chuckle at her plight.
“Oh, Uncle Matt is here! Grandma must’ve asked him to come. This party is…”
Is a matchmaking session in disguise?
Clarissa was certain she was right. As the man kept chatting to her, suddenly something occurred to her.
“Ellie, let’s go say hi to your uncle.”
She dragged Ellie over and greeted Matthew courteously. “Hello, Uncle Matthew.”
He grunted in acknowledgment and glanced at her, noticing her bare collarbone.
After Ellie left to chat with her friend, Clarissa stood beside Matthew gleefully.
Yes! It’s so much better here.
He’s too imposing. No one will come near us.
