MIDNIGHT FLOWER

CHAPTER 16 : BREAKING THEM APART

“And let’s not forget our dear Jenny,” she said, her tone sickly sweet. “She’s always there for Shau, isn’t she? I mean, where would Shau be without his lovely assistant? Jenny, you must be exhausted with all the work you do for him.” Veronica’s voice oozed with false concern. “Why don’t you tell us about your… special duties?” she added, her gaze sharpening as she set her trap.

A few of the colleagues exchanged awkward glances, sensing the tension in her words. The atmosphere shifted slightly as everyone waited to see how Jenny would respond.

Shau glared at Veronica, and glance to Jenny with worry.

Jenny, however, wasn’t fazed. She smiled politely, knowing full well what Veronica was trying to do. Slowly, she set her drink down and stood, her movements calm and composed. All eyes were now on her, but she didn’t shy away from the spotlight.

“Well, Ms. Chen,” Jenny began, her voice smooth and confident, “I wouldn’t say I’m exhausted at all. In fact, working for Mr. Zhang has been a pleasure.” She glanced at Shau, offering him a genuine smile, which he returned with a look of quiet admiration. “He’s always been incredibly professional, and I’m more than happy to help him succeed in his new role.”

Veronica’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, but Jenny wasn’t done.

Jenny continued, her tone playful yet pointed, “it takes a lot to support someone in a position like Mr. Zhang. It’s not just about doing tasks—it's about understanding the nuances of leadership, helping to manage priorities, and making sure everything runs smoothly. Shau is a remarkable leader, and I’m glad I can play a part in his success.”

Veronica’s eyes flashed with irritation, but she forced a laugh, clearly struggling to maintain her composure. “Of course,” she replied, her voice strained. “You’re absolutely right.”

“But I’m sure Mr. Zhang would manage just fine even without me,” Jenny's smile never wavering. “He’s more than capable.”

Shau, who had been silently watching the exchange with a bemused expression, finally spoke up, his voice light but carrying an undertone of amusement. “I couldn’t have said it better myself,” he said, raising his glass toward Jenny. “Thank you for all the hard work, Ms. Gonzales. It doesn’t go unnoticed.”

The group followed suit, raising their glasses again in Jenny’s direction, offering her sincere smiles and nods of approval. Even those who hadn’t been fully aware of the tension before were now clearly on Jenny’s side, impressed by how effortlessly she had handled the situation.

Veronica, meanwhile, seethed quietly, her plan to undermine Jenny having blown up in her face. She let out a sarcastic laugh, trying to mask her frustration, but it was clear to everyone that Jenny had come out on top in this round.

As the night continued, Veronica found herself increasingly sidelined in conversations, while Jenny, managed to win over more of the group. And though Shau tried to keep the peace between the two women, his eyes lingered on Jenny far more than they did on his so-called fiancée.

The night continued, with the group growing more relaxed as the drinks flowed. Conversations bounced around the table, with everyone discussing the company’s future under Shau’s leadership, sharing stories about the party, and making plans for the coming weeks. Yet, underneath the lively chatter, the tension between Shau, Veronica, and Jenny remained like an undercurrent, unseen but ever-present.

At one point, Veronica excused herself to the restroom, leaving Shau and Jenny seated across from each other, a quiet moment settling between them.

“I’m sorry about her,” Shau muttered, his gaze dropping to his glass. “She can be… intense.”