Due to his condition being so poor, I didn't feel comfortable leaving him alone, so I personally took him back to his apartment.
After helping Leander onto the bed, I rummaged through the cabinets and finally found some stomach medicine.
While searching for the medicine, I noticed in the most prominent corner of the living room a gift I had given him a few years ago.
Looking at the cute cartoon character that clashed with the house's decor, I couldn't help but drift into a daze, and at that moment, my emotions became hard to control.
Forcing myself to push the thoughts aside, I quickly gave him the medicine. After he had fallen asleep, I wiped him down with some warm water and then left.
The next day, before heading to the office, I had to drop my brother off at kindergarten.
My parents were still abroad and hadn't sorted out some matters, so my brother and I had returned home early, leaving me to take care of him.
I didn't expect to run into the department supervisor, Olivia Ashton, on the way to the kindergarten.
Olivia Ashton looked at my brother's retreating figure and sneered, "I didn't expect you to look so innocent, but you've already got a child, huh?"
I frowned, not wanting to engage with her provocation.
Olivia wasn't done, "I don't see any men around you, so it seems like you and your son have been abandoned, huh?"
"How's that? After being abandoned, are you now thinking of making a move on Mr. Caldwell?"
"I'll tell you now, don't even dream about it. Mr. Caldwell is not someone like you can fantasize about. Even if he's been kind to you recently, it's just because you're new. He feels sorry for you. He has someone else in his heart, someone much better than you, and someone like you will never catch his eye."
After saying all that, Olivia looked at me smugly, seemingly waiting to see my breakdown, but I remained completely composed.
"Okay."
Perhaps my reaction angered her. Olivia glared at me, stomping her foot in frustration as she watched me walk away.
Olivia had always tried to make herself stand out in front of Leander at the office, and everyone in the company knew about her ulterior motives.
She was someone with impure intentions, but projected such filth onto others.
Maybe because I ignored her in the morning, during the work schedule arrangement, Olivia deliberately assigned me a lot of menial tasks. But I didn't mind, as it gave me a chance to learn more about the company's history.
For convenience, I decided to have lunch in the company's cafeteria.
To my surprise, the cafeteria food was quite delicious, and it even made me feel at home.
I was enjoying my meal when suddenly, a tall figure appeared and sat down across from me.
I looked up and was momentarily stunned to see Leander sitting across from me.
But he just casually enjoyed his lunch, without any extra gestures.
I bit my lip, ultimately choosing not to say anything.
Before long, someone else appeared beside me. Olivia Ashton smiled brightly and took a seat at our table.
"By the way, Mr. Caldwell, did you know Belle has a son? I saw him last time, and he's actually quite cute!" she said with a grin.
Leander didn't even look up, responding faintly, "Hmm."
Not getting the reaction she wanted, Olivia bit her lip in frustration and continued, "Belle must have separated from the child's father. I wonder if any of our male colleagues might be interested in Belle."
Her words were clearly pointed, yet her expression remained innocent as she looked at me.
I couldn't be bothered to argue with someone like her, so I just gave a polite smile and didn't speak.
Olivia persisted, "If she already has a child, she should find someone more suitable for her, rather than trying to climb too high."
At this point, she was almost directly telling me to stay away from Leander.
But I didn't care for her intentions and continued eating, pretending not to understand.
After several failed attempts to provoke me, Olivia turned her attention to Leander. "Mr. Caldwell, don't you agree with me?"
Leander stopped eating, casting a cold glance at her. Then, he looked at me with a gaze full of meaning and said, "So what? I actually like women with children."
Hearing this, my body stiffened. I subconsciously looked up at him.
When our eyes met, my heart skipped a beat.
I didn't expect such a reply, and Olivia's expression froze. Even though she was upset, she had no choice but to keep quiet.
After finishing his meal, Olivia immediately looked at Leander. "Mr. Caldwell, I have a contract that needs your input. Are you available now?"
Before she could finish her sentence, Leander's gaze landed on me.
"Belle, are you done? Once you finish, come back to the office with me to discuss work."
At that moment, Olivia's frustration intensified.
After all, my work is my priority now, and my boss has made it clear. I have no reason not to follow their instructions.
"Alright."
