Chapter 135: He’s so in love with me.
The event ended just fifteen minutes before midnight, and guests began exiting the building one after another.
Meanwhile, all the cleaners were instructed to remain behind, awaiting a final address from their head of staff.
The moment the clock struck midnight, Gyapm Corporation officially launched its clothing designs on the company website.
Thanks to the earlier event—where guests had eagerly snapped pictures of the outfits before their official release and posted it online—anticipation was already sky-high.
Within minutes, the website was flooded with customers.
Screens lit up across the country as people rushed to get their hands on the pieces that had mesmerized them during the show.
Orders poured in, carts filled up, and the once-quiet site buzzed with life as fashion lovers claimed the styles they had fallen in love with.
Half an hour later, the event hall had mostly emptied, leaving only the company workers.
The cleaners and staff gathered together, and were addressed by the head cleaner.
"Tonight, you all did an incredible job keeping this place spotless," the head cleaner said with a warm smile, clapping her hands in appreciation. "You’ve worked hard, and I’m proud of every one of you. But remember, tomorrow morning we’re back here by 9 a.m. sharp to clean up whatever’s left behind."
The cleaners all nodded in agreement, relieved they wouldn’t have to rush back very early in the morning.
With cleaning scheduled for nine o’clock, they knew they’d get a bit of rest before diving back into work.
The head cleaner smiled warmly. "Now, you may all leave," she said gently.
As her words settled in the air, the cleaners began to disperse, gathering their belongings and chatting quietly as they exited the grand hall, their footsteps echoing through the now-quiet space.
Just as Charles reached the threshold, his hand brushing the door, the head cleaner’s voice rang out, sharp and clear. "Charles," she called, her tone slicing through the air. "Don’t think I’ve forgotten—you’ll still be disciplined for showing up late tonight."
A few heads turned. Charles froze, shoulders tensing as the weight of her words clung to him, a bitter end to an already emotional evening.
Charles sighed, gave a small nod, and stepped out of the building with Freda trailing closely behind him.
"Hey," Freda purred, nudging his shoulder playfully. "Why do you look all moody all of a sudden?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
Charles let out another sigh. "I’m just... exhausted," he murmured, his gaze fixed ahead as they finally stepped into the quiet night.
The warm midnight breeze swept over Charles, brushing against his skin as he folded his arms across his stomach.
He turned his gaze to Freda.
"You’re heading home, right?" he asked softly.
Freda gave a small nod, a tired smile on her lips. "I guess you could say that."
She inhaled deeply, her gaze steady on Charles. "Are you sure you’re alright?" Freda asked again, unable to shake off the feeling that Charles gloomy face meant more than just exhaustion.
Charles swallowed hard, his throat tightening. "Stop looking at me like I’m lying," he muttered, forcing a small, unconvincing smile. "I’m just tired. Besides, shouldn’t you be more worried about finding a cab right now?"
Charles had shifted the conversation on purpose, using his last phrase as a distraction—he simply couldn’t bring himself to admit that his gloom stemmed from CEO Augustine.
Almost as if summoned by Charles’s very thoughts, Augustine appeared, striding towards Charles with quiet determination.
As Augustine stood silently behind Charles and Freda, both of whose attention was fixed on the road, he slid his right hand deep into his trouser pocket. "Hmm... umm," he purred, his voice drawing their attention.
Freda spun around first, her eyes widening in surprise. "Ohh my gush!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together and holding them close to her lips, her excitement evident.
"Good day, CEO Augustine," Freda said, her voice slightly breathless as a soft blush spread across her cheeks. "By the way, if you don’t mind me saying, you were so cool back there," she added, practically squirming in excitement, her words tumbling out in her enthusiasm.
Augustine forced a smile, the tension in his body hidden behind a carefully composed expression.
"Thanks," he replied, his voice cool. "I need to speak with Charles Donald, so would you please excuse us?" He added, his tone slightly firmer as he glanced over to the other side of the road, where Reginald stood waiting. "Also, my secretary is waiting for you," he said, offering a subtle nod towards Reginald before turning his attention back to Charles.
"I’ve instructed Reginald to take you home, so for now, have a nice day," Augustine said, his voice smooth but with an underlying tension that Freda didn’t miss.
The moment the words left his lips, Freda’s excitement couldn’t be contained.
Her fingers dug into her mouth, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Wait, what?!" she gasped, the excitement flooding her.
She looked between Augustine and Charles, a mischievous grin creeping onto her face. "CEO Augustine is so in love with me," Freda purred, her voice barely a whisper but full of playful confidence.
"What?" Augustine’s brow furrowed, his attention snapping back to Freda.
He’d heard her words but they didn’t quite register, leaving him staring at her in mild confusion. "What did you just say?"
Freda quickly shook her head, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. "It’s... it’s nothing," she stammered, her words tumbling over each other. "Do... do have a good night too," she added with an awkward smile.
Leaning in closer to Charles, she whispered softly, "Goodnight,"
With that, With Freda happily crossed to the other side of the road, heading towards Reginald, while leaving Augustine and Charles standing alone, a palpable tension between them.
Charles scoffed, his jaw tightening as his hands balled into fists.
His gaze fixed on Augustine, burning with frustration.
Every nerve in Charles body seemed to pulse with anger, his blood boiling as he fought to keep his emotions in check.