Chapter 2: Blind Dates and Office Scandals

"What’d you two talk about?"

"She asked me right away if I wanted to go to her place to see her cat."

I had a bad feeling. My left eye twitched.

"Who does she think she is? I have my own cat."

I was so shocked I twisted my ankle in my heels. Honestly, this was just dumb. I’d never heard Grant mention pets before—was this a hidden side?

But if Grant failed like this, it must have been my poor guidance. I slapped my chest dramatically, determined to do better.

"Come here, watch closely, I’ll only teach you once."

Without further ado, I jumped right into a demonstration, channeling every rom-com I’d ever binged.

I gave Grant a textbook example: flash a crooked smile, then gently but firmly grab her waist—okay, maybe not actually grab, but you get the vibe. I even threw in a playful, self-aware wink.

I demonstrated passionately on myself, committed to the bit. This was Oscar-worthy.

Then, hold back a little and whisper in her ear, "Come on, give me a smile and I’ll give you my whole world." As I said it, I cringed internally—cheesy, but effective.

Imagining this scene, it was both cringey and addictive, like watching a rom-com with swelling background music.

But Grant didn’t appreciate it. He deadpanned, "Maybe you should have stayed in drama club."

I shot him a glare. "Ha-ha. Very funny."

Grant snorted and shook his head, rolling his eyes.

Looking down on me, huh? I’ll show Grant what I’m made of!

For Grant’s second blind date, I tagged along for moral support. If anyone should be embarrassed, it’s not me.

"Just pretend I’m not here."

The next second, Grant really acted like I didn’t exist, smooth as butter, clinking glasses with the woman and flashing his signature Maddox smile.

"Maddox & Co. does luxury jewelry—do you have any styles that’d suit me?"

I screamed internally: Compliment her! Quick, compliment her! I sent him mental telepathy, but he just nodded.

Grant said, "Our company’s featured product this quarter is pretty good. If you buy in bulk, I’ll give you a discount."

Something felt off—why does this sound like a business negotiation?

I coughed twice to remind Grant. "Mr. Maddox, maybe drink some more water?" I nudged his glass, hoping he’d catch the hint.

He replied, "Ms. Carter, is your throat uncomfortable?"

Me: ...

I gave up. I told Grant to do whatever he wanted and let a train wreck happen.

Then the beauty said, "Good jewelry really brings out a person’s style."

Grant nodded in agreement. "So, do you want to buy some? I’ll give you a discount."

Having a boss so dedicated to sales is truly my fortune. I wanted to crawl under the table.

"I heard that top luxury jewelry is a hugely profitable industry."

But my boss, who has a chronic case of workaholism, could only talk about sales.

Grant was completely immune to hints! Discount, discount, discount—does he ever stop?

Ahem, Mr. Maddox, the topic is off! I wanted to tear my hair out.

But even if I banged my head on the table, he wouldn’t get it.

Grant still acted like I wasn’t there, and the beauty’s expression grew more and more awkward.

Arranged blind dates with no common topics usually end up like this. This was doomed from the start.

I couldn’t take it anymore and pounded the table. "This is a blind date, talk more about the other person!"

"Aren’t I sharing my life?" Grant replied, deadpan. I nearly rolled my eyes out of my head.

Seeing the blind date about to fail again, I sighed. This was doomed from the start.

"This is a blind date, talk more about the other person!"

Grant paused, looking a bit clueless. He really is clueless.

"Miss, although the diamond on your necklace doesn’t look fake, it’s actually moissanite. You got scammed by online sellers." She looked like she wanted to disappear.

Giving up, huh? Then I’ll give up too.

I cleared my throat and abruptly started a new topic, hoping to salvage the date.

"Miss, can you accept a short-term relationship?"

The beauty shook her head, confused. "Our Mr. Maddox said a woman can’t monopolize him for too long."

The beauty’s face changed, clearly offended.

I nodded helplessly, thinking, Let me be the bad guy if it helps.

The beauty finally couldn’t take it and stood up, angrily cursing, "What a turn-off, seriously!" She dumped her water on Grant’s lap.