Sidney tightened the scarf around her neck, feeling both shy and irritated. She shot him a glare but didn't want to say anything more. He, on the other hand, continued with his work.
Sidney quietly stayed in Jayson's office, watching him work. It was only now that she realized this was his way of working. After signing all the documents that required his authorization, Mr. Smith reported on the progress of today's work. Once the order details were passed on by Atticus, Jayson reviewed the negotiated prices. During the breaks, he also had to attend a video conference with the resort's investors to report the progress. Then he began calling the contractors handling the resort's construction to have them fax him the revised quotation forms for review.
Sidney watched, her gaze fixed on him as his hands moved quickly, skillfully, and his lips never stopped, speaking, making calls, handling the constant flow of work. Mr. Smith came and went, his brow slick with sweat, his movements quick and purposeful as he juggled the demands of the day.
Finally, around 4 or 5 in the afternoon, he lifted his head for the first time. Sidney saw that he finally had a moment to rest, so she quickly handed him a glass of water.
He picked up the cup of water and looked at her in confusion. "What are you doing here?"
"…You didn't tell me to leave, so I just stayed there," Sidney pointed at the sofa.
"Sorry, I got so caught up in work that I almost forgot you were here today." Jayson took a sip of water, clearing his slightly hoarse throat.
"You're taking on too many things yourself. You should delegate some tasks."
"We're still in the startup phase, and there are many things I'm not comfortable letting others handle. After all, I consider this place the culmination of my life's work."
"Oh..."
"I'm almost done here. I have some free time now. How about take a walk around the mall nearby?"
"Are you not tired?" Sidney looked at him with suspicion.
"You've already seen how much stamina I have, haven't you?" Jayson said with a suggestive smile.
Sidney felt like she had been taken advantage of again. She pretended not to hear and grabbed her canvas bag.
Jayson only grabbed a set of keys and led her out of the office. Mr. Smith, who was swamped at his desk, quickly stood up and watched them leave, relieved that with the boss gone, he wouldn't be constantly watched. Before entering the elevator, Jayson turned around and pointed at Mr. Smith, "When I get in tomorrow, I want to see the financial reports and the operational plan at 100% completion. Keep an eye on them. If they can't finish, make them work overtime."
Inside the elevator, Sidney saw Mr. Smith's miserable face and felt sorry for him. "Aren't you pushing them too hard?"
"Exploiting them? I pay them more than others and honestly pay for overtime. They should put in equal effort," Jayson said dismissively.
"Aren't you afraid they'll quit if you push them too hard?"
"Afraid of what? With money, who can't hire employees?"
"... " Sidney couldn't help but think that he was a workaholic, as if everyone else should be as dedicated to their jobs as he was, giving everything for work.
Arriving at the mall in the next building, Jayson led her into a store and, according to his own preferences, casually picked a few clothes for her. He also had some accessories and scarves brought out.
Sidney awkwardly took off his scarf and quickly tied a plain black silk scarf around her neck.
Jayson raised an eyebrow, looked her over from head to toe, and said, "It's fine." Then, he signaled for the cashier to proceed with the checkout.
While she was waiting at the counter, Sidney saw a familiar face but couldn't immediately place it.
As soon as the woman spotted them, her face immediately changed, and she looked directly at Jayson, calling out, "Jayson!"
She recognized the high-pitched, sweet voice and suddenly remembered—it was the woman who had provoked her at the Opal Lounge before.
As for her name, Sidney still couldn't remember.
The woman had just come out of the fitting room, straightening her messy V-neck, low-cut dress, and walked straight toward them.
