Tempting The Mysterious CEO

“Candace! Cody! Mommy’s home!” Cristelle announced the moment she pushed open the door.

The babies ran out to welcome her instantly. Cristelle crouched down and let the babies run into her open arms, leaving kisses on their cheeks.

“Mom, how was the work today?” Cody asked as he poured Cristelle some water.

Cristelle smiled at her boy, “Your mom got really lucky today.”

And then, she told the babies how she got the best job in the world.

Candace’s eyes lit up as she noticed how happy her mom was. Cody, however, seemed a bit worried.

Cristelle noticed the look on the boy’s face, so she pinched his cheek, “Don’t worry. Mommy’s friend recommended this job. It’s completely safe.”

Cody nodded, still seeming worried. The boy was too mature for his age. And he tended to worry about a lot of things. Cristelle blamed herself for not being able to give the boy the childhood he deserved.

If she were more wealthy and capable, her babies would have a steady life, and they wouldn’t worry about things that shouldn’t be their issues.

The babies couldn’t enjoy the toys and theme parks like other kids could because they didn’t have much money. Cristelle even made most clothes by hand. She felt she owed her babies too much.

After tucking the babies in, Cristelle left their room gently and grabbed her sketchbook. She knew she needed to work really hard to provide the babies with the life they deserved.

****

Candace was still asleep the following day when Cristelle woke up. Cody had already prepared their breakfast. He got some toast from the refrigerator and poured Cristelle a glass of milk.

Cristelle pulled the boy in and kissed his little cheeks, “Honey, we’ve talked about this. You’re still growing. You can’t wake up this early to prepare breakfast. Mommy can handle it, okay?”

“Mommy, it’s okay. You know I can’t sleep after 6 am. It’s a habit. Just let me do it. You’re so tired every day. This is the least I can do for you,” the boy looked into Cristelle’s eyes when he said that. Cristelle tried so hard to hold back her tears.

She couldn’t show her vulnerable side before the babies, or they would get upset.

Cristelle only kissed Cody’s cheek again and again.

She didn’t leave the house until the social worker came to babysit the babies.

After making sure everything was in place in her house, she ran toward the train station immediately.

“Cristelle, have you had your breakfast? Do you want some croissants?” Izzy asked as Cristelle stepped into the office.

Cristelle blinked, “I’ve eaten, thanks!”

Juliette scoffed, “Just look at her. She doesn’t look like she would eat any breakfast.”

This sentence didn’t have any explicit meaning, but it sounded offensive and weird. Other colleagues sniggered. It was probably an inside joke generated when they talked about her behind her back.

Cristelle didn’t know what it was, but she also didn’t care. She only wanted to do her job and get paid. Starting a war sounded stupid and boring.

Izzy noticed her reaction, secretly deciding that Cristelle Friesley was probably a marshmallow. She didn’t even counter back when she felt insulted. Maybe she was weaker than she thought.

Cristelle pulled out her lunch box from her bag when it was lunchtime.

However, Izzy suddenly walked over at the moment, “Cristelle, let’s go to the cafeteria together. Don’t mind what they say. They’re just being silly. We’re colleagues, and we still have to work together. Just don’t mind them, okay? They can be quite stupid sometimes.”

Izzy was right. They probably still needed to work together for a really long time. On the other hand, Cristelle needed to try to fit in as fast as possible. She couldn’t be a loner forever.

Cristelle and Izzy came together to the cafeteria.

Their colleagues noticed that. Some of them didn’t sound happy about this, “Izzy is so kind to that new woman. I don’t even know why.”

“Well, Izzy has a big mind. We should learn from her, though. We still need to work with the new chick.”

Izzy led Cristelle to their team’s table before selecting her food. Cristelle sat down and put her lunchbox on the table.

Juliette gasped, “Are you kidding me right now, Cristelle? Did you bring your own lunch? You can’t even afford company lunch?”

Cristelle nodded and said, “I packed some. food at home. It’s more healthy and cheap. I do need to save money recently. What is the problem, Juliette? You seem surprised.”

Cristelle sounded genuine and open, making Juliette’s comment sound a bit childish. Juliette thus shut her mouth, not knowing what to say anymore.

Izzy came over soon, and everyone started to eat their lunch quietly.

Suddenly, Juliette remarked, “What is our boss doing here?”

And then, she pulled out her powder and started to fix her makeup.

The rest of the group also looked up and saw Linford standing in the line, waiting for his turn like a random company employee. However, his face and body didn’t allow him to blend in with the crowd.

Izzy was also excited to see Linford, but she was more composed than Juliette, “I heard Alfred just left for a business trip. I bet no one’s taking care of Mr. Bradley’s lunch today.”

Other colleagues nodded. No wonder their boss suddenly came here today. However, Linford suddenly approached their table and sat down beside Cristelle. The entire cafeteria fell deadly silent after what Linford did.

Boss was having lunch with them!

No one even dared to raise their voices in the room anymore.

The ladies at the table wanted to seize the opportunity to impress Linford. But no one wanted to be the first to speak.

Izzy felt that the atmosphere was too tense. She turned to Cristelle and smiled, “Did you bring salmon today, Cristelle? Can I try?”

“Of course,” Cristelle instantly forked a piece of salmon and put it on Izzy’s plate.

Izzy put the piece of fish in her mouth and hummed in satisfaction, “Not bad. You’re an excellent cook, Cristelle.”

“Thanks,” Cristelle smiled.