“You’re just in time!” he exclaimed, relief softening his expression. “I brought lunch for Elizabeth, but she says she’s too weak to get up. Can you take it in for me?”
Scarlet hesitated, a faint blush coloring her cheeks before she nodded. “Sure.”
Asher handed her the bag with a thankful smile before heading back to his room, his mood visibly lifted.
Scarlet steadied herself and knocked gently. “Elizabeth, it’s Scarlet.”
Before the door could open, Oliver appeared from the opposite direction, carrying several bags.
Scarlet greeted him with a smile. “You’re Mr. James’s assistant, right?”
“That’s correct. Oliver Brooks,” he replied, nodding courteously.
“I’m Scarlet Estrada.” She smiled awkwardly, recalling the murmurs from the previous night.
Elizabeth opened the door just as the two exchanged pleasantries.
Her eyes darted between them, taking in the scene.
Oliver, who had been Elijah’s assistant for years, was like a shadow, barely noticeable. Now, under closer observation, he appeared an academically handsome man with refined features.
Scarlet, in contrast, had a strikingly bold presence, her long hair neatly tied in a high ponytail and her eyes sparkling.
Scarlet’s sharp, expressive features clashed with Oliver’s calm, intellectual demeanor.
Scarlet held up the lunch bag Asher had given her, shaking it lightly. “Asher sent this for you.”
“This is from Mr. James, along with some ointment,” Oliver stepped forward, presenting his own bag.
Before Elizabeth could respond, Oliver added with practiced precision, “The ointment was expedited overnight to minimize swelling quickly. Mr. James is concerned about your on-camera appearance. He values your career greatly.”
Oliver felt a pang of guilt as he remembered Elijah’s instructions to simply deliver the package without elaboration.
Elizabeth hesitated before taking the bag, murmuring a soft “Thank you.”
Oliver seemed relieved, nodding approvingly and offering a few words of reassurance before departing.
“What do you think of Oliver?” Elizabeth asked casually, eyeing Scarlet with curiosity.
“He seems decent enough,” Scarlet replied, shrugging.
Just decent?
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow but let it drop, redirecting her attention to the food Oliver had brought.
Scarlet, however, appeared more intrigued by examining the contents.
The ceramic jar holding the soup was elegant and sturdy, radiating a quiet luxury.
“This definitely isn’t from the neighborhood restaurant!” Scarlet exclaimed, her face lighting up. “Elizabeth, Mr. James is incredibly kind to you. A wealthy, charming CEO doting on you? That’s the dream.”
Elizabeth’s lips curved into a faint, sardonic smile. “These things are effortless for someone with wealth. For people like him, it’s the simplest gesture.”
Scarlet paused, reflecting on her words. “You’re right,” she said thoughtfully. “Still, I heard he once carried Sandra to the hospital and stayed by her side the whole time when she was ill. Even with everything he did for her, though, he couldn’t escape being… well, a man.”
She had intended to generalize, but as a particular face surfaced in her mind, her words faltered.
Looking at Elizabeth with a sudden surge of admiration, Scarlet added, “You’re so grounded. No wonder Asher respects you so much.”
Elizabeth forced a smile and changed the topic. “Have you eaten? There’s too much food for me alone. Join me?”
Was she truly grounded? If she were, she wouldn’t have let herself remain in such a precarious, degrading position.
If she were, she wouldn’t have hesitated when their one-year agreement concluded.
