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Novel Catalog
Chapter 25
“I haven’t thought of it yet,” Shawn replied, his tone steady.
Joe nodded, seemingly deep in thought. “Take your time, but remember to set aside some funds for the department.”
Shawn nodded in agreement. “Yes, but I need to remind you of one thing.”
Joe raised an eyebrow, expecting something important, but Shawn’s warning cut through the silence.
“Don’t cover for Gale. She’s just an employee I lent you, understand?”
Joe knew the situation well. Gale had indeed become more relaxed now that she worked under his management. Joe had spent years abroad, learning to manage with freedom and a focus on results rather than strict attendance. His employees could work from anywhere, as long as the job got done.
“I’m not looking out for her because she’s your wife,” Joe said, a knowing grin on his face. “Her skills are exceptional.”
Later in the jewelry department, Joe walked over to Gale’s workstation.
“Mr. Joe,” she acknowledged him quietly.
He leaned down, a playful glint in his eyes. “The sachet you gave Shawn. Make one for me too.”
Gale blinked in confusion. “What?”
“The sachet,” Joe repeated, gesturing. “But change the color. That one’s… ugly.”
Gale’s eyes widened as realization hit her. Shawn threw it away. Did he pick it up again?
“Okay,” she replied, her voice measured. “I’ll make one for you after work.”
Joe nodded, adding, “By the way, Shawn said it worked wonders. He wants you to make one for every staff member in the company.”
Gale’s jaw dropped. “Huh?”
Joe’s smile was sly. “Everyone’s under a lot of stress lately, losing sleep. The company will pay for it, and I’ll find a few people to help you.”
That afternoon, Gale found herself sitting with a dozen colleagues in front of a pile of herbs, carefully sorting and tying them into sachets. The task was tiring, but she didn’t complain. By eight in the evening, she had finally finished the last one.
Her neck ached, her back sore from the long hours of work. After clocking out, she gathered her things and left the office.
As she made her way back to Temperley Hall, her thoughts shifted to the growing list of things she still needed to take care of. The nurse had warned her about the instability of the pregnancy, suggesting more check-ups and treatment. She needed extra nutrients—things that required money.
On the long walk back home, Gale didn’t notice the car trailing her. It had been following her for some time.
Inside the car, Shawn sat in silence, watching her from the shadows. His eyes narrowed as he observed her picking up discarded water bottles from the street.
She’s… picking up trash?
His mind raced. Gale’s movements were practiced, as if she had done it many times before.
Fiona, sitting beside him, spoke softly. “President Wood, would you like me to call your wife?”
Shawn’s jaw tightened. “No need.”
He watched Gale in disbelief. She had been working all day and now this—picking up trash to make ends meet.
If it weren’t for today’s meeting, I would never have seen this side of her.
As they neared Temperley Hall, Gale glanced at her collection of bottles. It wasn’t much, but it was something. She was about to pick up a few more when suddenly, a hand shot out and grabbed her wrist.
“Gale!” Shawn’s voice was sharp.
She froze, startled. Her eyes widened as she saw him standing before her.
“Are you so lowly?” Shawn’s voice was a thunderous roar.
Gale recoiled slightly but met his gaze, her voice shaking with frustration. “I make money with my own hands! Give it back to me!”
She tried to pull the bottles from his grasp, but Shawn threw them to the ground with force. The sound of plastic crashing against the pavement echoed, each bottle scattering in every direction.
It felt like her dignity had shattered along with the bottles.
“Why did you throw it away, Shawn?” Gale’s voice trembled with raw emotion. “Do you have any idea how long it took me to collect those? Why did you do that?”