The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 770

The fourth project team's office suddenly came alive as heads swiveled towards the commotion, the mix of men and women all craning their necks to get a better view.

Even Austin, who rarely left the sanctuary of his private corner office, felt the disturbance and emerged with a look of concern.

Stepping out, he witnessed Dorothy yanking Ophelia's arm, his brow furrowing in alarm at the scene. Without missing a beat, he commanded, "Ophelia, my office. Now."

Ophelia, her pride wounded, shrugged off Dorothy's grip and stormed off to Austin's office.

Dorothy, not one to make a mountain out of a molehill, simply returned to her desk. With years of experience in the corporate jungle, she had climbed the ranks from an assistant to a director at East Star Enterprises, navigating a labyrinth of obstacles. She wasn't about to be rattled by the likes of Ophelia.

As lunchtime approached, Dorothy finalized the day's schedule and distributed the printouts. She was about to head to the employee cafeteria for a bite to eat when Austin appeared at her door, a smile playing on his lips.

"Ms. Sanchez, how about I treat you to lunch?" he offered.

"For what?" Dorothy was always wary of unexpected invitations, especially considering her and Austin's casual acquaintance. It wasn't like them to share a meal on her first day at work.

Austin chuckled awkwardly. "Consider it an apology on behalf of Ophelia. She's a bit reckless and young, you know how it is. Don't take it to heart, please."

Dorothy waved him off. "Really, it's fine. I'm not upset with her.”

She had too many other things going on in her life to be upset over such a trivial matter.

Austin continued, “She’s new to the team, and erm... a relative of mine.”

Even he was embarrassed by his own words. He was aware that Ophelia had been rather disrespectful and bloated because she was his relative, and he never bothered to knock her down a peg. To think she had the audacity to offend the boss’ lady was unimaginable!

But the light lunch did more harm than good. Returning to her desk, Dorothy felt the nagging pain of indigestion. A search through her bag yielded no relief; she had forgotten her antacids.

Taking deep breaths, she decided to power through until the end of the day when she could pick up some medicine. But just then, a knock at her door interrupted her thoughts.

She looked up to see Everett's assistant, a familiar face, holding out a small box.

"Ms. Sanchez, Mr. Lopez wanted you to have this," he said a bit sheepishly.

"He told me not to tell you it was from him, but I couldn't come up with a good excuse. So, I just went for the truth. You would've guessed it anyway once I handed you this, right?"

Dorothy glanced down to find a box of antacids in his hand.