Chapter 4

Lianne was speechless. It was not a subject they, as employees, should be talking about. Nevertheless, the CEO had smiled at the mention of his wife yesterday, but today, he arrived at work with a long face. So, Liam had a point. Lianne sneaked a peek at Zane as the latter elegantly swung his club and scored a hole-in-one. Things were not looking good for Jefferson Tech’s CEO, as he could not get the ball into the hole despite taking several hits. After several rounds of golf, Jefferson Tech’s CEO gestured to someone to serve the drinks. It was also Lianne’s cue to hand Zane a bottle of water and a towel. Jefferson Tech’s CEO looked at Lianne, lustfully checking her figure out. Lianne adorned a white blouse and a knee-length skirt. Her black velvet hair was pinned into a bun, showing off her long and fair neck. She wore light makeup and dressed appropriately for the workplace. Jefferson Tech’s CEO fixated on Lianne’s chest, undressing Lianne with his eyes. “Mr. Atlas, your new assistant is not only young and pretty, but she has a hot body too.” Zane faintly responded, “You’re too kind, Mr. Larson.” Mr. Larson smiled and said to Lianne, “Ms. Simpson, do you play golf?” Due to the nature of her work, Lianne had picked up the basics of golf. However, she was not at all a pro. Besides, it was not her place to play golf with clients since her boss was present. “I can’t, Mr. Larson.” Although Mr. Larson’s lewd eyes made her sick to her stomach, Lianne was not at liberty to do or say anything about it. She took the empty bottle from Zane and was ready to retreat to a corner. To her dismay, Mr. Larson gave her bottom a tight slap and put his arm around her waist. “I can teach you if you don’t know how to.” Lianne stomped on Mr. Larson’s foot, prompting the man to release his hold over her in pain. He glared at her. Once she was freed, Lianne stepped aside and looked worriedly at Zane… For Lianne to, quite literally, step on the client’s toes during a business negotiation, it was likely she would get fired. Lianne was surprised by Zane’s response. “Mr. Larson, she is one of mine.” Zane turned to Mr. Larson with an emotionless face. Nevertheless, his narrowed eyes behind his silver-framed glasses let his displeasure slip. Having an a-ha moment, Mr. Larson smiled apologetically, “My bad, Mr. Atlas. The first round of drinks is on me as an apology.” While Mr. Larson was talking to Zane, his sleazy eyes remained glued to Lianne. “I thought you kept a distance from women like the rumors. Since you’re not bored with her yet, I can wait.” “Apologize to her right away, Mr. Larson.” Zane fiddled with the golf club between his slender fingers with a pretentious smile. It was hard to read his true emotions. Taken aback at first, Mr. Larson ensued with a smile. “We’re business partners, Mr. Atlas. She’s only a plaything to you…” With the word ‘plaything’ stabbing at Lianne, the bad memory of her past played in her mind. Lianne earned an honest living and got a job by her own means. Why was she subject to such humiliation just because she was a girl with a pretty face? Before Zane could say anything, Lianne spoke out, “Mr. Larson, do you not have women at home? Didn’t your mother conceive you for nine months before giving birth to you? Why must you feel the need to prove yourself by insulting a woman?” Standing tall, Lianne snapped back in a flat tone. Liam drew close. “Mr. Larson, the Atlas Group doesn’t mind losing a business partner. Our company respects and values each and every employee.” The gravity of the matter hit Mr. Larson now that the assistants were bold to speak up. “I’m sorry, Mr. Atlas. I shouldn’t have… I’m sorry, Ms. Simpson!” Zane swung his club with force, hitting the white ball onto a nearby tree. The ball ricocheted from the tree trunk and flew toward them, nearly smashing into Mr. Larson’s head. Jefferson Tech’s CEO went weak in the knees in fear. “It was my fault, Mr. Atlas. Please see through your heart…” Without a word, Zane stared sternly at Mr. Larson’s right hand before turning on his heel to leave. Lianne grabbed the laptop carrier and caught up to him. “Thank you for having my back, Mr. Atlas.” Zane walked ahead, towering over Lianne with his 1.88 meter height. Lianne could not get a look at his face since she was only 1.68 meters tall. All she could hear was his thick voice. “The person in the wrong was the one who harassed you. You’re not at fault. It doesn’t matter where you are. You must fight back when someone gives you unwanted attention in the workplace. Don’t put up with it. You have the whole company behind you.” It was the first time Lianne had ever heard so much from Zane. With his husky and firm voice, he assured her that the harasser was in the wrong instead of her. “Thank you, Mr. Atlas. I know what to do now.” Zane looked back and saw her teary eyes. Lianne demonstrated courage by standing up to her abuser, but now the feelings had caught up to her. He softened his voice. “You represent me when you work with me. Don’t fear anyone.” “Got it.” Lianne nodded and answered in a nasal voice. She was not afraid. She was grateful. Had somebody come forth and pointed their finger at her abuser back then, Lianne would not have been put through victim-blaming, losing her good name and a home to belong to in the process. Zane added. “You did good just now.” It was the words Lianne needed to hear. “Thank you.” Just then, Liam caught up to them. “Mr. Atlas, I’ve informed all relevant departments to end the partnership with Jefferson Tech.” The Atlas Group had yielded great progress in the development of chips in recent years. However, due to the unprocessed patent, the company split a fraction of its production with a well-established manufacturer like Jefferson Tech. Since the collaboration was abruptly terminated, the Atlas Group would sustain a significant profit loss. Although Zane came to her defense not just because she was an employee but also to uphold the company’s prestige, Lianne gained even more respect for Zane. In an era where capitalism reigned, Lianne considered herself lucky to work in a company with a boss who looked out for his employees. Now that they ended the collaboration with Jefferson Tech, the Atlas Group had to source for a new chip manufacturer. That afternoon, Lianne, Liam, and Zane flew to Montclaire to hammer out a deal with a new manufacturing company. After two weeks of intense negotiation, they finally reached an agreement with their new business partner. They had a morning flight back to Rosewood. Since it was still early after dinner, Lianne wanted to get a few local delicacies to bring back for Tyler and Sierra. Hearing that she was going shopping alone, Liam asked, “Do you want me to come along, Lianne?” It was dangerous for a beautiful girl to be out on her own at night, especially in an unfamiliar place. Acting nosy, he asked his CEO, “Mr. Atlas, do you want to get something for your wife?” Zane furrowed his brows at the thought of the man’s voice over the phone the other night. On second thought, the man’s voice did not prove anything. What if it was a misunderstanding…? He gave a nod. “You guys can decide for me.” Lianne had to say, “A gift is better when it comes from you, Mr. Atlas.” She would soon regret giving her two cents, as it was not a comfortable experience to go shopping with her superior. The three of them were supposed to go together, but because the mall’s parking lot was full, Liam had to drive around to find a parking spot. Hence, Lianne and Zane were left together.