Chapter 7: One-of-a-Kind Love, CEO Style

Worthy of being the future Maddox & Co. boss lady—so generous.

Firing an employee comes with half a million in relocation compensation.

No need for the money, I’ll leave. But my home is here, I’ll still come back.

The money felt too hot to keep.

If people found out, they’d say it was Mrs. Maddox’s severance pay.

That would ruin my reputation—not worth it.

It’s just a job. I’m so capable, I can shine anywhere.

I quietly slipped my resignation letter into the folder and set off on a spontaneous trip.

On the plane leaving, I just dozed off for a bit.

How come the person sitting next to me was Grant?

I mumbled, "I must be dreaming, this can’t be real."

I slept again, but when I woke up, it was still Grant.

I was stunned: "What’s going on?"

"As you can see, I’m on the same plane as you."

"You’re not helping."

Coincidence isn’t an excuse. Tell me, what’s up?

But Grant didn’t answer, instead asked back: "As the person in charge of my happiness project for the rest of my life, is it professional to want to run away before the job is done?"

"I didn’t take your money, so what if I run?"

For once, I have the moral high ground—why should I be afraid?

Then Grant handed me a so-called all-powerful black card.

"Now you’ve taken it."

Why does everyone want to give me money?

I pretended to be reserved, declining: "This isn’t right."

"Don’t you want to revive your Carter Designs? Giving up before you even start?"

He knows me! Honestly, I’ve long wanted to revive my dad’s clothing company.

But without startup funds, I could only stay by Grant’s side as a muddling assistant.

Now, my Carter family’s comeback chance has finally arrived!

Just off the plane, and it’s already time to wait for the return flight.

The blue skies, white clouds, sea, and shirtless guys on the beach I imagined—didn’t see any of it.

But I did get a one-day airplane tour.

In the VIP lounge, I couldn’t help but stroke the card Grant gave me.

Is this a card? This is Carter Designs’ startup capital.

By the way, how much is in here?

"Five million."

Five million? That number sounds familiar.

Isn’t that the amount I’d have to work for since the Prohibition Era to earn?

"Are you sure this isn’t your marriage fund?"

"It’s the dowry I saved myself over the past two years."

Such hot money—I quickly returned it to Grant.

Grant forced it back into my hand.

"Take it, don’t talk so much."

"Are you crazy? If I take it, how will you get married?"

Never seen anyone so willing to go all out for a friend!

"I don’t even have a girlfriend, no rush to get married."

"You broke up with Hannah? So fast!"

I spoke so fast my voice cracked from anxiety.

"You’re overthinking. I just used the blind date as an excuse to meet her."

Seeing me still dumbfounded, Grant explained:

"Her family has a building for sale, very popular. I negotiated the deal for you during those days I wasn’t at work."

I stared at him in shock.

"Then why did she try to kick me out?"

"She was teasing you. Otherwise, why do you think I’d show up here?"

Wait, let me get this straight...

So, Grant and Hannah weren’t dating, just negotiating a deal?

And all the dowry he saved was spent on me?

I suddenly felt like I was carrying a thousand pounds of debt.

"Why do so much for me?"

"I’ve been slowly simmering a pot of stew for over twenty years, and couldn’t bear to let anyone else have even a sip." I flagged this for a more familiar American metaphor.

Stew? What kind of stew simmers for twenty years?

At this moment, Grant looked at me deeply.

"Can’t let someone else take the whole pot and bowl in the end, right?" See above note on stew metaphor.

Um... first time hearing a confession using stew as a metaphor for a girl—what a straight man.

I hadn’t recovered from Grant’s veiled confession.

He started questioning me again:

"So why wasn’t your name on the blind date list you made for me?"

"Mr. Maddox only pays me this much, and still wants to use my off-hours for blind dates?"

Hmph, wicked capitalist, don’t even think about it.

"In that case, you shouldn’t be my subordinate anymore."

I vaguely sensed what Grant was going to say next.

"Savannah Carter, as Maddox & Co.’s president, I officially notify you: you’re fired."

Ugh, fired by my boss—not happy.

But the boss took out his dowry to help me start a company.

I went back to Maddox & Co. to go through resignation and hand over my assistant work.

But as soon as I entered, I was surrounded by coworkers.

"Ms. Carter, did Mr. Maddox really fire you?"

"Did the future Mrs. Maddox pressure him?"

"Ms. Carter, take care even after leaving Mr. Maddox."

"Savannah, I’ll miss you!"

I packed my things in silence.

Seeing this, my coworkers got even more excited.

They surrounded me, chattering non-stop.

Only when Grant arrived did it quiet down.

I looked at Grant, head held high in pride again.

"Once I leave, this company will fall apart."

"Mind your own company, you don’t need to worry about mine."

"Ms. Carter is starting a company?"

"What’s going on?"

Coworkers eating popcorn were all dumbfounded.

But then came an even more dramatic scene.

Grant took the box from me, and with his other hand, led me into the elevator.

The elevator doors slowly closed—Maddox & Co. would never have Ms. Carter again.

But there would be President Carter of Carter Designs.

At 27, I registered a clothing company with full payment.

Registered capital: $5 million.

Not relying on parents or friends, just my boss.

Legal representative: Grant Maddox; absolute controlling shareholder: Savannah Carter.

I’m the beneficiary, you’re the scapegoat—I’m sure to win this round.

My smug face was on full display.

"Don’t be too happy—if you go bankrupt in a year, I’ll nag you for life."

At least I worked hard for it.

But if I go bankrupt, your dowry is gone.

"It was meant for you anyway, spend it however you want."

With a boyfriend like this, my wealth and glory are guaranteed for life.

On the day Carter Designs was founded, Grant made a special effort to show up.

"Grant, smile a little, be sunny."

With so many people around, Grant still kept a cold face.

Carter Designs’ CEO Savannah Carter was not happy.

"Sorry, President Carter, I can’t smile."

Grant kept his cold face.

"Don’t make me slap you on the happiest day."

Grant’s cold face didn’t improve.

"Why did your company work with so many male models?"

"This quarter we’re focusing on men’s fashion, not like your Maddox & Co."

I rolled my eyes so hard they almost reached the sky.

"What’s wrong with Maddox & Co.?"

Hah, he dares ask me what’s wrong? As a former employee, I have something to say.

"During every promo, it’s all beauties. The male models are the same few, I’m bored of them."

Someone’s face turned even darker. Is my mouth from a sewer?

A year later.

Top luxury jewelry brand Maddox & Co. and niche clothing company Carter Designs jointly launched a fashion show.

I provided the clothes, Grant provided the jewelry.

In name, it was mutual benefit. In reality, it was the jewelry giant openly supporting a newcomer in clothing.

During show preparations, my flattery was known throughout Maddox & Co.

I used to be timid, always careful entering Grant’s office. Now I sashayed in on high heels, swinging my hips.

"Mr. Maddox~ I’m here again~"

My restless hands wandered over Grant’s face.

"Former employee, please behave."

Refusing was just for show, not real. That’s just how a stubborn man operates.

"Mr. Maddox, don’t be so distant. Even though I’m no longer a Maddox & Co. employee, our superior-subordinate bond still exists."

"Is that all there is between us?"

Good question, but I won’t answer.

Grant, the sly fox, took the chance to touch my hand! And asked if I was cold!

Workplace sexual harassment, finally happened to me!

But for my fledgling business, I had to endure, calmly pulling my hand away.

But Grant’s actions became more and more outrageous.

I stood up angrily and righteously accused him:

"Mr. Maddox, can you answer to Mrs. Maddox for this!"

Grant froze for two seconds, eyes confused and blank.

But quickly went back to being a rascal.

"Relax, she’s at Carter Designs right now, won’t find out. Come, give me a kiss."

Grant pulled me into his arms to kiss me—I dodged frantically.

"Mr. Maddox, stop, I’m a married woman."

But Grant, this wolf in sheep’s clothing, didn’t listen.

He just hugged me tighter!

Vice President Carter came in and saw me in Grant’s arms, still half-resisting.

Ugh, struggling hard.

When I saw VP Carter, I broke free, looking like a victim.

But VP Carter was blunt and exposed us.

Couldn’t help but complain: "You two are really kinky as a couple."

I gave Grant a coy look.

"Mr. Maddox, don’t do that again or I’ll tell Mrs. Maddox."

Grant made an "OK" gesture.

VP Carter looked disgusted and helpless.

I’m just here to deliver the model list, why do I have to suffer this?

Hmm? Model list? Such a good thing—I have to take a good look! Mr. Maddox, I’ll look first.

I was so absorbed that I blurted out, "Oh no, those abs are..."

Ahem, hold it in, can’t say that!

I told myself: I’m a married woman now, be tactful and steady.

I cleared my throat and knocked elegantly on the table.

"Three minutes, I want all the info on this man."

Tactful enough, right? VP Carter rolled his eyes and quietly left our two-person world.

Grant’s tender look turned speechless.

"I was just joking, you’re so petty."

"I’m never petty."

I was about to give examples to expose Grant.

But he quietly picked up the fashion show proposal.

"Maybe we should change the clothing partner for this show."

I could only swallow my pride, forced to admit he wasn’t petty.

And proactively offered a kiss, barely coaxing him back.

On the day of the fashion show, Grant gave me a set of jewelry.

Claimed it was Maddox & Co.’s featured product of the quarter.

My face turned red—this old Grant really knows how to be romantic.

"Are you trying to say I’m your best model?"

"The model for this set’s flight was delayed, that’s all."

I was furious.

All my effort wasted—I prepared matching clothes, it’s a couple’s outfit.

Grant corrected seriously: "It’s a husband-and-wife outfit."

I waved my hand. "Don’t mess with me, I’m being serious."

But are you sure you’re not just using me for advertising?

This year, every time Grant attended a public event, he wore Carter Designs.

Every style he wore became a bestseller.

Although I had a tiny selfish motive today, this time it’s a couple’s outfit!

Grant, is there only profit between us?

I put on a "are you really going to disappoint me" face. Marital conflict has finally broken out.

"Profit? What profit? Mrs. Maddox, doesn’t your conscience hurt?"

Why does he look so aggrieved?

After marriage, the biggest amount I got from you was twenty.

All love-brained people, stand up and greet ancestor Grant Maddox!

Go watch two episodes of old-school soap operas—see how your predecessor lived, you greedy man.

With such a greedy man, how could I dare marry him?

The whole neighborhood would laugh at me—I’m an only child, can’t lose face.

After the show, Maddox & Co.’s official Instagram immediately posted photos of the featured product.

It was indeed the set of top luxury jewelry worth millions that I wore.

Instagram caption: "Not for sale, only one in the world, just for Mrs. Maddox of Maddox & Co. to wear for fun."

Ahhh! What’s with this overwhelming pampering!

Now I see—this is how CEOs declare their love publicly.

One moment I was sulking. The next I was so touched I hugged Grant, twisting myself into a pretzel.

"Husband, I really love you!"

"Mrs. Maddox, are you schizophrenic?"

Grant: always refuses to be moved.

Don’t know what terrible things I did in my last life to get such an unromantic husband.

Sigh, what can you do, just muddle through—can’t get divorced, right?

I promised Grant his happiness in the second half of his life, can’t really run away, can I?

So, the boss finally got his wish to fall in love and get married—With me.

(The End)