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Novel Catalog
Chapter 46
The news of Veronica becoming Elizabeth’s god-granddaughter weighed heavily on Floch and Rachel. The sense of impending doom was suffocating. Knowing that Tiffany’s future with the Kings Family was at risk, they began plotting desperately in their villa, scheming to ensure their daughter’s stability once she married Matthew.
Meanwhile, Veronica arrived at the Glory Medical Equipment Company, one of the businesses owned by Xavier. The company was barely surviving despite the backing of the Crawford Family. While it wasn’t exactly losing money, it wasn’t exactly thriving either. It seemed to be stuck in a holding pattern, and from the looks of it, it could easily go under with one wrong move.
Standing in the CEO’s office, Veronica watched Xavier lounging in his chair, seemingly unconcerned with the state of the company. “What work do you want me to take on here?” she asked, her voice flat with disappointment.
She had hoped for a more professional environment, but the reality of the company crushed any enthusiasm she had. The employees moved sluggishly, inefficiently, as if they were just marking time. Veronica couldn’t help but wonder how this place had survived this long.
Xavier, casually leaning back in his chair with his legs propped on the desk, took a long drag of his cigarette. “You could be the manager of the warehouse, sales department, project department, supervisor of the accounting department, or the head of the secretaries. It’s up to you.”
Veronica stared at him, her disappointment growing. How could he be so relaxed about everything? “Xavier, are you just going to let your youth waste away like this?”
He took another puff of his cigarette, unfazed. “To live unexamined while being supported is also a kind of enjoyment.”
Veronica shook her head, feeling a pang of frustration. He was smart, capable, and had all the resources he needed, but he was squandering them all. “You really believe that?”
Xavier grinned, as though he had already reconciled himself to his life choices. “Do you know how many people would dream of living a life like mine?”
The truth of his words hung in the air, and Veronica had no response. She couldn’t deny that some people would envy his position, but it still felt like a waste.
A long silence stretched between them, before Veronica finally broke it. “My sincere thanks for looking after me, but I don’t want to work here. This company’s a mess, and I don’t want to get caught up in it. I’ve got my own path to walk.”
Xavier didn’t speak right away, his expression unreadable. She turned to leave, but then she paused, a thought coming to her mind. She turned back to him. “Do you have someone you want to protect?”
Xavier didn’t immediately respond. He looked perplexed, as though her words had caught him off guard.
“I’ve heard the rumors about you,” Veronica continued, “but if you keep wasting away like this, you’ll only regret it one day. You won’t even be able to protect the one you love. If you care about someone, don’t let yourself drown in apathy.”
She had fought hard to protect the people she cared about, even when it felt like the world was pushing against her. She didn’t want Xavier to make the same mistakes she had.
With that, she left the office, closing the door behind her. As she walked down the hall, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Xavier was still standing there, lost in thought.
Back in his office, Xavier stared at the lighter in his hand, now resting on the floor. Veronica’s question echoed in his mind: Do you have someone you want to protect? Yes, he did.
A small smile tugged at his lips as he thought of Veronica. She was the first person who had ever made him feel something more than indifference. He had never cared about the insults or criticisms that came his way, but Veronica… her gaze had cut deeper than anything before.
Her words had hit him harder than he was willing to admit, and in that moment, he realized something. She was right. If he didn’t take action, he wouldn’t be able to protect her—or anyone else—when it mattered most.
Meanwhile, Veronica made her way toward the motorcycle parking area, intent on leaving the company and clearing her head. But as she was about to exit, she heard someone call her name.
“Roni?”
She turned and saw Xavier hurrying toward her. A curious expression crossed her face. “What’s wrong?”
Xavier stopped in front of her, out of breath but with a glimmer of determination in his eyes. “Are you willing to stay and help me develop Glory Company into the giant it can be?”
Veronica blinked in surprise. “What?”
“Do you really believe I can manage this company properly?” Xavier asked, a slight edge in his voice.
Veronica hesitated. “Then you’ll have to ask yourself if you’ve ever truly managed it before.”
Xavier wasn’t the lazy, incompetent man the rumors painted him to be. She had seen his potential, and deep down, she believed he could turn things around. But was he willing to put in the effort?
“I’m lacking a competent assistant,” Xavier continued. “So, are you willing to stay and fill that position?”
His eyes were steady, serious.
Veronica was taken aback but nodded. “Of course, I will. You’ve helped me so much already. It’s time for me to return the favor.”
Xavier’s face broke into a wide grin. “Then welcome to Glory Company.”
Before she could say anything more, Xavier reached out his hand for a handshake. Veronica hesitated for a moment before shaking it. She had agreed, but there was one more thing. “You still haven’t told me what work you want me to do.”
Xavier smirked. “What work do you want?”
Veronica thought for a moment. “I want to be in sales.”
“Then, you’ll be the head of the sales department and my personal secretary,” he said without hesitation.
Veronica raised an eyebrow. “Just like that?”
Xavier laughed. “We specialize in medical equipment, so the scope of our operations isn’t that wide. Whenever there’s a business deal, I’ll be with you. No need to worry about whether you’re qualified or not.”
Veronica was taken aback by his sudden trust in her, but she couldn’t deny that he was serious about making changes. After some initial hesitation, she agreed, and Xavier immediately made the arrangements.
Later, back in the CEO’s office, Xavier had the team present Veronica with the company’s financial statements for the past two years and introduced her to each department head. Veronica, with her background in marketing management, was impressed by Xavier’s transparency and trust in her.
The two worked from midday until late afternoon, diving into the details of the company. By six o’clock, they broke for a quick dinner. But Xavier wasn’t done yet. “Let’s go celebrate. I’m taking you to a club to congratulate you on joining.”
Veronica felt a bit uncomfortable at the thought but agreed to go along. The atmosphere in the club was stuffy and overwhelming, and after a few rounds of drinks, she began to feel nauseous.
Stepping outside for some air, she was immediately struck from behind, her vision going black as she collapsed to the floor. The last thought in her mind was that she was in danger, but she couldn’t cry out for help.
