MIDNIGHT FLOWER

CHAPTER 9: WHIRLWIND OF CONFLICTING EMOTIONS

As soon as he step forward to meet her, he then stop.

She was here, working in his family’s company, and yet she had been hiding from him? Why so?

He couldn’t dwell on those questions for long, though. A plan was already forming in his mind.

Without wasting another moment, Shau stepped back, retreating to a more private spot where he pulled out his phone. He dialed the number of the department head, who answered promptly.

“Mr. Zhang?” came the department head’s voice, a mix of surprise and professionalism.

Shau kept his tone measured, hiding any trace of the emotions swirling within him. “I need a favor,” he began. “The employee named Jenny Gonzales—please assign her additional tasks today. Make sure she has enough to keep her occupied for the rest of the day and into the evening. It’s important that she stays to complete the work, even if it means working overtime.”

The department head hesitated only for a moment. “Of... Of course, Mr. Zhang. I’ll make sure it’s done. But, may I ask if there's any problem?”

“I need the report tomorrow morning. Thank you,” Shau replied before ending the call. He put his phone away, his eyes drifting back to where Jenny was seated, still unaware of his presence.

As he walked away, a sense of satisfaction settled over him. He had seen her, confirmed her presence, and now, he had a plan to keep her close—at least for a little while longer. He wasn’t ready to confront her just yet, but he wasn’t going to let her slip away again either.

Jenny was wrapping up her day, ready to head home, when her phone buzzed on her desk. She glanced at the screen and saw that it was Mr. Duavis, the department head, calling. A small frown tugged at her lips as she answered.

“Hello, Mr. Duavis?”

“Jenny, I need you to stay for overtime tonight,” Mr. Duavis said, his tone firm. “There’s a report that needs to be finished by tomorrow morning, and I’m counting on you to handle it.”

Jenny felt her stomach drop. The last thing she wanted was to stay late, especially after the draining day she had already endured. “Overtime? Mr. Duavis, I—”

“It’s urgent, Jenny,” Mr. Duavis interrupted, cutting off her protest. “This report is crucial, and I need someone reliable to get it done. You’re the best person for the job.”

Jenny sighed, leaning back in her chair. “But it’s already late, and I’m exhausted. Can’t someone else help out? Maybe we can split the work?”

“No, Jenny,” Mr. Duavis replied, his voice unyielding. “This is something that needs to be done by one person, and that person is you. I need you to handle it alone. Please, Jenny, it’s important.”

Jenny bit her lip, frustration bubbling up inside her. She couldn’t understand why this was being dumped on her so suddenly, and why it had to be her, alone. But the way Mr. Duavis insisted left her little choice. He wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

“Alright,” she finally conceded, feeling a mix of resignation and irritation.

“Thank you, Jenny. I knew I could count on you,” Mr. Duavis said, sounding relieved. “I’ll make sure everything you need is ready.”

As Jenny ended the call, she slumped back in her chair, a sigh escaping her lips. She glanced around the office, now mostly empty, and couldn’t shake the feeling that something about this situation was off. But with no one around to share her concerns, she had no choice but to get started on the mountain of work that had just been dumped on her.