Chapter 7

The public humiliation drained the color from Cecily's face, even though she no longer had feelings for Clyde. As soon as Clyde finished his announcement, he ended the meeting and walked out briskly with Isabel at his side. Anna was waiting for him outside. She immediately handed over Cecily's resignation letter. "Mr. Steiner, this resignation letter needs your review and signature." Clyde signed it with a cold expression, not even glancing at the contents. After he led Isabel away, Cecily's colleagues from the design department gathered around her, offering words of comfort. Cecily stayed composed. She smiled and tightened her grip on the signed letter in her hand. "Whether I'm the director or not doesn't matter anymore. I've already decided to resign. Mr. Steiner accepted my resignation, and today's my last day. There's a long road ahead, and I wish you all the best. Maybe our paths will cross again someday." Everyone was shocked and upset when they heard she was leaving. Some even said they'd speak to Clyde and try to get her the director position. Cecily smiled, shook her head, and thanked them before heading back to her office to gather her things. After work, she took her colleagues out for a farewell dinner. The mood was somber, and the sadness was clear as they said their goodbyes. Once Cecily got home, she called a real estate agent and listed her apartment at the lowest price she could. It sold the next day. After finalizing the transfer paperwork, she made arrangements with the buyer to move out within two days. Cecily got a call from Evelyn once she was done with everything. "Cece, tomorrow's my birthday. You haven't been too busy to forget, have you? I've been looking forward to your gift, you know!" "How could I forget your birthday? I've had your gift ready for a long time, and I'll make sure you get it tomorrow." She had picked out Evelyn's gift and planned to tell her about her upcoming departure. In previous years, Cecily always arrived early to the party to spend extra time with Clyde. But this year, she waited until the celebration was in full swing before hailing a cab to head over. As usual, the party was being held at Steiner Manor. Cecily had been there so many times that she knew the place by heart. She slipped in through the back entrance. Evelyn stood in the center of the hall, surrounded by everyone, as she blew out the candles, her face glowing with happiness. To her left were her parents, Stephen Steiner and Eunice Raftery, smiling happily. On her right stood Clyde and Isabel, both radiating warmth and contentment. They looked like the perfect family. Cecily watched from a distance, overhearing snippets of quiet conversation among the Steiners' housekeepers. "It's been years since Mr. Clyde and Ms. Jacoby broke up. I never thought they'd get back together, but here they are—back together. He must really love her!" "No doubt. Ms. Evelyn's best friend chased Mr. Clyde for years, but she never stood a chance. It just shows how devoted he is to Ms. Jacoby." "Mr. Stephen and Madam Eunice have been pushing him to settle down all these years, and he has always put it off. Now that he's brought Ms. Jacoby home himself, it's clear he's serious. I wouldn't be surprised if they're engaged soon!"