I Slept with My Boss and Ran Away

Rick Shepard's words left Justin momentarily stunned before he extended his hand in greeting, "Mr. Shepard, nice to meet you, I'm Justin."

Rick Shepard smiled, "Mr. Sterling sent me. Your law firm has passed our review, and Mr. Sterling specifically requested you to handle our legal cooperation. Unfortunately, I heard you've just been dismissed. I'll have to report back and select another firm."

These remarks were intended for Mr. Chandler to hear, designed to assist Justin. The shock was evident on Mr. Chandler's face the moment Rick approached Justin. Could Justin actually have a genuine connection to Sterling Corporation? Why else would Mr. Sterling specifically ask for him and send his assistant in person?

Justin, surprised, asked, "Mr. Sterling sent you?"

Mr. Chandler quickly changed his demeanor, smiling, "Justin, I was just joking earlier. Since Mr. Sterling has sent Mr. Shepard to speak with you directly, that's great news. I always knew you could do it. Mr. Shepard, has Mr. Sterling chosen our law firm then? Then I will let Justin handle all the rest with you. He's one of our best lawyers. I was even considering promoting him just now."

Justin was accustomed to Mr. Chandler's rapid shifts in attitude and knew Rick's visit was due to Meredith's influence.

Before Justin could decline, Rick Shepard interjected with a smile, "Mr. Chandler, you truly have great eyes for talent. A lawyer as capable as Mr. Hann indeed deserves better opportunities. Mr. Sterling appreciates him greatly." Loren Chandler, seizing the moment, added, "Of course, we value such talent immensely and won't let him be underappreciated."

Rick Shepard then asked, "Mr. Chandler, may I speak with Mr. Hann alone?"

The implication was clear, and Loren Chandler, understanding the cue, smiled, "Of course, you two may use this office; it's spacious. I'll leave you alone."

Before leaving, Loren Chandler gave Justin a knowing look, signaling him to make the most of the conversation.

Once they were alone, Justin asked directly, "You're Mr. Sterling's assistant, so you must be aware of his marriage. Did Mr. Sterling choose our firm because of Meredith?"

Rick Shepard quickly grasped Justin's implication. "Mr. Hann, let's sit down. Mr. Sterling does indeed appreciate your talent, and this is mutually beneficial. We prefer to keep valuable opportunities within trusted circles. Mr. Sterling trusts you, which is why he chose you."

Rick adeptly navigated the conversation, boosting Justin's confidence. "I believe, Mr. Hann, you also need an opportunity to prove yourself. Why worry about how it came about? If you succeed, you'll do right by Mrs. Sterling and Mr. Sterling." Justin, now reassured, affirmed, "I won't disappoint Mr. Sterling."

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Rick Shepard smiled, "Then, I look forward to our pleasant cooperation."

...

Meredith, having finalized the renovation plans, quickly returned to Thornfield Gardens.

She needed to prepare to properly treat Terrence Sterling that evening.

Upon arriving, Mrs. Wooten approached, informing her, "Mrs. Sterling, Mr. Sterling's mother is here."

Was Stella here to cause trouble?

Meredith briskly entered the living room, where Stella sat on the sofa with an air of expectancy.

Meredith respectfully greeted her with "Madam," using the formality Terrence preferred until Stella acknowledged her as family.

"You're sensible," Stella remarked calmly, then suggested, "Let's walk in the backyard."

"Alright," Meredith agreed, seeing it as an opportunity to possibly mend their strained relationship.

In the lush backyard, Stella paused by a pond and questioned, "Meredith, do you know why my son originally bought this house and moved here alone?" Meredith shook her head, "I don't know."

"It's because of this place, Thornfield Gardens," Stella said pointedly. "Terry's first love was named Azure Thornfield. You understand what this means, right? After Azure left the capital, things between Terry and me soured, and he moved here. If I hadn't interfered, they would have married long ago, and you wouldn't have had your chance."