Chapter 14

Ethan stayed temporarily in the city under the guise of inspecting a collaborative project.

But strangely, since that day, Lucas rarely joined me for lunch anymore.

Whenever I sought him out, he would make excuses about being busy.

Honestly, there was a thorn in my heart too.

When Ethan asked about our relationship, Lucas’s eagerness to distance himself made me uncomfortable.

Perhaps he was just worried about the impact of an office romance?

A few days passed.

I noticed my colleagues’ gazes towards me had become somewhat peculiar.

A male colleague half-jokingly, half-sourly said, “Congratulations, Avila, climbing the ladder so quickly?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve latched onto such a big opportunity, why didn’t you give us a heads-up?”

Another male colleague chimed in, even more sourly:

“Exactly, no wonder you were the only newcomer on last quarter’s promotion list, thanks to Mr. Sterling.”

“Nonsense! I have no relationship with Ethan Sterling!” I said sternly.

“Hey, we get it, in these situations, people usually don’t admit it.”

“Tsk, that’s why you girls have more ways to rise.”

Just as I was about to get angry, a female colleague, who had had some friction with me at work and wasn’t particularly close, suddenly stood up and grabbed a bottle of mineral water from the table, throwing it over.

“Shut up, all of you!” she angrily rebuked, “Just by flapping your lips, you erase all of Avila’s efforts?”

“Last quarter, her KPI was the best in the group! Her promotion is well-deserved, isn’t it?”

The two male colleagues were left sheepish by her scolding.

Mumbling quietly, “It was Lucas who said it, nothing to do with us…”

I looked up sharply, “Who did you say?”

“Lucas Shaw…”

I stood there, as if struck by lightning.

Last quarter, the final promotion spot was between Lucas and me.

In the end, I got it.

Lucas had congratulated me with a bright smile, saying, “You deserve it, my promising junior.”

His smile was sincere and candid, just like the breezy senior he was during our school days.

Could it all have been a lie?

No, I need to confirm it myself. Lucas shouldn’t be that kind of person.

I called Lucas to the pantry.

“What’s up?” Lucas still wore his usual gentle smile, “Just so you know, I’ve been insanely busy lately, grabbing quick bites at noon, can’t join you for lunch.”

“Did you mention my relationship with Ethan Sterling to others?” I asked directly.

“No!” Lucas immediately denied, looking innocent, “Why would I say that? What happened? Someone spreading rumors?”

I nodded.

“Ignore them! Colleagues just can’t stand others being excellent, there must be plenty jealous of you.”

“Such a precise rumor, Lucas Shaw, could only have come from someone in the know.”

Lucas frowned, feigning contemplation: “Makes sense. But you did go into the meeting room alone with Mr. Sterling that day, it’s no secret, many saw it. Maybe a witness spread it.”

I looked at him silently.

Lucas nonchalantly changed the subject: “By the way, is the company’s ‘Girls’ Education Program’ project under your charge?”

“Yes.”

“Could you add me to it? I’m interested in such projects and can help share some of the workload.”

The project was indeed short-handed.

I agreed.

But looking at Lucas’s face, more enthusiastic than ever, something felt off in my heart.