Chapter 18 Do You Think I Would Believe That?

• "I'm not ... " Freya felt so embarrassed she wanted to vanish into thin air.
• Henry remained silent, his expression cold as he continued reviewing the documents while lightly tapping his slender fingers on the desk.
• Gurgle ...
• Once again, the sound filled the office, creating an uneasy atmosphere.
• Feeling the chill around her, Freya trembled and stood aside, apologising quickly, "I'm sorry, Mr. Jackman, my stomach isn't feeling well. May I use the restroom?"
• As the words left her mouth, embarrassment flushed her face crimson.
• This is so humiliating!
• Henry snapped the document shut, startling Freya into a shiver she couldn't control.
• "Ten minutes."
• Ten minutes? Should suffice.
• Clutching her stomach, Freya turned and hurried away. Watching her retreat, a faint glimmer briefly flickered in Henry's dark, cold eyes before he concealed it once more.
• Suddenly, the phone on the desk buzzed.
• Henry glanced at it—the phone case was a yellow SpongeBob SquarePants.
• It was Freya's phone.
• After hesitating for a moment, Henry reached out and answered the call.
• "Hello, is this Ms. Freya Lambert? We've reviewed your CV and believe you're suitable for our company. Could you come in for an interview tomorrow afternoon?"
• An interview? She's looking to leave?
• A cold light flashed in Henry's dark eyes, emanating a chilling intensity.
• The caller sensed the oppressive atmosphere and paused before asking cautiously, "Can you hear me?"
• "She's employed; she won't be attending."
• Henry's voice was cold as he ended the call.
• Meanwhile, Freya rubbed her stomach in relief, opening the door to the president's office.
• Instantly, she felt the tension in the air.
• Meeting the stoic man behind the desk, his piercing gaze felt like a brewing storm, ready to unleash at any moment.
• Nervously, Freya glanced at her watch.
• Has it been more than ten minutes? Why is he so serious?
• Pressing her lips together, Freya approached the desk, her eyes dropping to notice he was holding her phone.
• The next second, the phone was flung at her. Luckily, she had good reflexes and caught it in time, or it would've hit the ground and shattered.
• Wait! Why did he throw my phone?
• "Mr. ... "
• Before she could finish her sentence, Henry's face turned cold, his voice low and ominous as he hissed, "Freya."
• "Yes?"
• Freya responded reflexively.
• "You're quite bold." Henry's sharp black eyes gleamed with a chilling light.
• Freya was taken aback.
• "What did I do?" I just went to the restroom, and he even gave me permission. Now he is interrogating me as if I committed a crime!
• His mood swings are so unpredictable!
• Leaning back in his spacious, comfortable chair, Henry's black eyes narrowed slightly, emanating a cold and intimidating aura.
• "You still want to pretend, huh?"
• Pretend? How am I pretending? He threw my phone without reason, and I haven't even said anything yet!
• Wait ... my phone.
• A realisation dawned on Freya. She quickly unlocked her phone and saw a recent call in the log. It was from a nearby city.
• Caught red-handed, embarrassment and fear rendered Freya speechless, and she was unable to meet Henry's gaze.
• What should I do now? How could I forget to take my phone with me?!
• Clutching the phone tightly, Freya felt an overwhelming pressure, filled with dread.
• As she pondered her next move, Henry abruptly stood from his chair, his imposing figure looming over her. Startled, she instinctively stepped back, her hand nervously gripping the edge of the desk.
• "M-Mr. Jackman."
• "You were planning to run off as soon as you scored the collaboration project, weren't you?" His presence closed in, his tone carrying a heavy threat.
• Freya's fingers trembled slightly. "I-I'm not planning to run ... "
• "Still lying to me?"
• His handsome face enlarged in front of Freya's eyes. His deep, sharp black eyes emitted a chilling coldness that struck fear into her heart.
• Terrified, Freya closed her eyes, stumbling through an explanation. "I ... I just thought ... I'm so useless, and I always make you angry. It might be better to leave early to avoid annoying you."
• As the words left her mouth, her chin was gripped.
• Forced to open her eyes, Freya met Henry's sharp, intense gaze. She tightened her lips and clenched her hands tightly, trying to calm her inner fear and nervousness.
• "Do you think I would believe that?" Henry's low, icy voice echoed, his cold, sharp gaze reflecting Freya's tense demeanour.
• You can choose to believe it!
• Freya thought silently, but dared not speak it aloud.
• Henry's fingers played with her chin, his tone light yet carrying a chilling intimidation, "Don't think you can gain a lot of advantage by doing almost nothing."
• Freya knew he was referring to the collaboration project, and she was unable to find words. They stood dangerously close now; she dared not speak lightly, lest she provoke this fierce presence before her.
• Their eyes locked, the tension thickening.
• After a while ...
• Freya's eyes flickered, a pleading smile flickering in her clear eyes as she tentatively asked, "Mr. Jackman, could you please let go of me first?"
• Her posture was uncomfortable. Standing for so long had made her legs numb.
• They were very close, and Henry could clearly see her curled eyelashes, the fine, cute fuzz on her face, and feel the warmth of her breath lightly brushing his face when she spoke.
• It caused a slight stir in his heart.
• Freya waited anxiously, but after a long while, there was no response from the person before her.
• She couldn't take it any longer!
• She wanted to move but feared angering the person in front of her.
• "Mr. Jackman ... "
• Freya called out as if pleading for mercy.
• She knew she was wrong. Next time, she would definitely take her phone with her.
• Henry's eyes flickered slightly, his gaze cold and indifferent. With a flick of his hand, he released her chin and settled back into his chair.
• Freed, Freya breathed a sigh of relief, cautiously moving her numb legs and observing Henry's expression cautiously.
• It was sombre.
• But she had no choice!
• If she didn't find another job, she woud have a hard time dealing with Bill's troubles if he came over.
• She had her two babies at home. If they were involved, she would surely regret it.
• Gathering her thoughts, Freya cleared her throat and gathered the courage to say, "Mr. Jackman, I don't think I'm cut out to be your personal secretary."
• His long, narrow eyes narrowed slightly, a frost settling over Henry's handsome face.
• "Now you say you're not cut out for it? Why didn't you say that earlier?"
• "Earlier, I thought I could handle it. But after working for a while, I realised my abilities are inadequate."
• Freya forced herself to speak, struggling to maintain composure.
• The atmosphere in the office instantly chilled, and a cold settled over Freya as her palms sweated profusely.
• "Hah!" Henry scoffed coldly, his deep voice both attractive and icy. "So now you're saying you're incapable after getting your hands on the collaborative project. Freya, you're quite something."
• Freya bit her lip. Taking on the project wasn't her choice.
• "You think handling this project is easy?" Henry's icy gaze held no emotion as a hint of disdain surfaced.
• He could grant access to the project, but he could also deny it!