Chapter 2

Two days ago, I had to return to the office for something important. Passing by Elaine's office, the lights were still on. Lily was sitting on Elaine's lap, her arms wrapped around his neck, leaning into him. In a sweet voice, she said, "Elaine, I want to get married."

I don't habitually eavesdrop, but her words made me stop. Elaine wore a lazy smile, his eyes half-closed, gently running his fingers through Lily's hair. "Why, little girl, can't wait to get married?"

"No, it's not that!" Lily pouted. "I just want to marry you. Will you marry me, Elaine?"

I stood outside, watching Elaine through the half-open door. He was silent for a long time, the smile fading from his face. Quietly, he met my gaze. Then he softly said, "Okay."

"Leader Demi, Elaine doesn't like you anymore; he likes me now," Lily said confidently. She looked at me with a mix of nervousness and pride. I lowered my gaze. "Well, congratulations."

Elaine returned to the office the next afternoon. As soon as he entered, he called me over. Entering the office, I found him holding his head, pressing hard on his temples. The aftermath of a hangover, the migraine was acting up. "Sort out Julia's project and hand it over to Lily," he suddenly said, making me pause for a few seconds.

"What?"

He didn't repeat himself, just looked at me intently. "Julia's project is important, and Lily is new... So she needs a chance, a head start, a glamorous resume."

I stayed silent again. "Demi, I'm not discussing this with you."

Elaine struck the table heavily, clearly impatient. Taking a deep breath, I relaxed my clenched fists. "Fine. But I have one condition." Elaine raised his chin, signaling me to continue. "Don't change the original team, just replace the leader with her. The dividends and bonuses for the project members must remain unchanged."

"Fine, I agree."