Chapter 4

After breakfast, Samuel and Emily went to his office together. She was still put off by the thought of the front passenger seat, so she insisted on sitting in the back. "I'm going to get car sick, so it's better if I sit in the back. I can keep the windows down for some fresh air." Samuel didn't insist otherwise. "Okay. I'll try to drive at a steady pace." When they got to the office, Samuel once again jogged over and opened the door for her. Since it was during the early morning rush hour, a group of employees who had just arrived at work spotted Emily getting out of the car. Some of the senior executives even hurried over. One said ingratiatingly, "You're here, Mrs. Porter! Mr. Porter has always mentioned your fondness for lattes. Allow me to get you one right away!" Another one called out, "I'll get you some refreshments and a slice of your favorite cake, Mrs. Porter." "Stop it, all of you," Samuel snapped teasingly. "Emmy has put on a bit of weight lately. Her wedding ring doesn't even fit anymore." "That can't be true, Mr. Porter. Mrs. Porter looks as slender as ever! I'm sure the wedding ring doesn't fit because it shrank in the water somehow!" "Cut that out. It's one thing to try and curry favor, but can't you at least be more subtle about it? Why would a silver ring shrink from water?" "That's where you're wrong. Mr. Porter adores Mrs. Porter. As long as we make her happy, he'll be happy too, and that'll make our lives much easier!" Chuckling, Samuel remarked cheerfully, "I see you people have figured out my weakness." Everyone else began chuckling as well. It felt as though Emily was escorted into Samuel's office by a swarm of fans. The refreshments were all set up, including her latte as well as some fruits and snacks. Samuel even put on a television series on his computer and said, "I've got to focus on work now, Emmy. You can relax and enjoy yourself here. If you need anything, just tell Walter." "Where's Jessica, that personal assistant of yours?" Emily asked on purpose. "Why don't I see her here today?" "I don't know either," Samuel remarked. "I'll get the HR department to call her and ask." Before leaving, Samuel even stroked Emily's head fondly and murmured, "Wait for me. We'll have lunch together when I get back." He left, and so did the other senior executives. Emily spotted his phone on the table, so she quickly hurried after him. Alas, she ended up overhearing a conversation between the senior executives. "The rooftop, huh? Mr. Porter and Jessica are getting kinkier with their playtime." "They've got no choice this time. Who expected Mrs. Porter to show up at the office today? All they can do is find some other place to have their fun." "Do we still need to bring Mr. Porter some condoms then?" "Nope. I saw several packs of condoms in his pockets just now when he headed up." "Oh, my. How incredible. How did he manage to get those condoms right under Mrs. Porter's nose?" "He could get it delivered to him, of course. It's super convenient these days. You can get anything you want delivered right to your doorstep." The truth dawned on Emily. The incessant calls this morning had been from the deliveryman. Samuel had placed the order bright and early so that he could have the condoms delivered to him. It looked like he was really looking forward to his rooftop rendezvous today. He'd gotten up early just to get everything ready. "I wonder if a few packs of condoms would suffice. The last time, they did it in the car for an entire day and night. Jessica was walking funny when she came to work the next day." "If he runs out, we can always just bring more to him. As his subordinates, it's our duty to serve him well." "Didn't you say we need to serve the boss' wife, too?" "Hah! What does she know? All it takes to keep her happy is a latte and some snacks. It's no surprise that a man of Mr. Porter's standing keeps a paramour or two outside. After all, it's not unusual for guys with money and power to fool around with women. All they have to do is hide it from their wives." "That's true. Mrs. Porter looked quite gullible too. I guess it won't be hard to hide the affair from her." They were still mid-conversation when Samuel appeared. "Watch what you say in front of Emmy, got it?" Samuel warned. The senior executives nodded earnestly. "Of course, Mr. Porter. We know what to do." One of them asked, "Why did you bring Mrs. Porter to the office today, Mr. Porter? Because of that, you and Jessica have to hide out on the rooftop, and we even have to be careful about what we say." Samuel glared at him. "Emmy is my wife. She has every right to come over if she wants. What gives you the nerve to make comments about it?" "Yes, you're right, of course." Stern-faced, Samuel warned them all once more, "Take good care of Emmy. She has an upset stomach, so don't give her anything that might worsen her condition. Also, if anyone dares to tell her about what's going on between Jessica and me, they'll be out of a job within the day. Are we clear?" The senior executives all nodded with sycophantic smiles. Emily didn't hear the rest of the conversation. She swiftly went back inside Samuel's office and stuffed his phone among the snacks. A little while later, Samuel came in. Looking as affectionate and gentlemanly as ever, he asked, "What are you munching on, my greedy kitty?" The words "greedy kitty" made Emily feel repulsed. Resisting the wave of nausea that hit her, she asked, "I thought you left for a meeting. Why are you back?" "I left my phone here. Did you see it?" Shaking her head, Emily replied, "Nope." Samuel checked among the pile of snacks and pulled his phone out. "Oh. I dropped it among the snacks. Well, enjoy the snacks. I'll be off now." Just then, Emily's phone started ringing, and she took the call. "Hello, am I speaking to Ms. Aria Skye?" "Yes, that's me." "Good morning, Ms. Skye. I'm calling to confirm your booking for a flight ticket to Verusa a week from now. When the time comes, all you need to do is bring your passport with you when you check in." "Do you need anything else besides the passport?" "No, Ms. Skye. Just your passport will do." "Okay." After Emily ended the call, Samuel asked in confusion, "What's this about a passport? What are you doing with a passport, Emmy?"