229: Chapter 229

Chapter 229

2Mai was still busy in her office, replacing Mrs. Woods to do the menial paperwork. Of course, she would still ask Mr. Grant or call Mrs. Woods to confirm many big decisions, but she didn't want to clutter her pregnant boss' mind with too much unnecessary information.1

Nevertheless, she was BUSY and somewhat irritated towards Michael because that manager was always dazed whenever she came into his office.

He would stare at her without blinking and look at her in awe as if she was a goddess.

"Yeah, the only goddess in this office is Mrs. Woods. Too bad she won't be around for nine months or so, since she's pregnant, and still has to take care of the baby later," Mai rolled her eyes. "Ugh, he can spend all of his useless musing time for something more useful, such as finishing all the paperwork on his desk."

Mai was disappointed that Mrs. Woods didn't allow her to work close to her boss. She was so used to work near the Chief Editor that being surrounded by the ever-domineering Mr. Grant and ever-foolish Mr. Eckermann made her feel uncomfortable. 

She kept busying herself until she got a text.

Mai thought it was Michael again since that man somehow had difficulty talking to her in person. 

But it was actually from Mrs. Woods!

—

From: Mrs. Katherine Woods

Kate: *Lombard Cafe address sent*

Kate: I'm in the bank right now. Go to that cafe with Michael, and pose as a couple having lunch together. Book a seat at the corner of the cafe, the area with less noise. I will be there soon. 

—

Mai's eyes widened.

She didn't know what Mrs. Woods was doing right now, and she definitely didn't want to work with Mr. Eckermann, knowing how absentminded he could be.

But it seemed urgent, and Mai never doubted Mrs. Woods.

"Crap, is she in danger?" Mai panicked. She decided to go blind in this and do whatever task Mrs. Woods gave her. 

She got up and grabbed her bag.

But before she left the Chief Editor's office, the door was opened from the outside, and she saw Mr. Eckermann with a phone in his ear.

He looked serious as he glanced at Mai. 

Mai was actually quite surprised because she was used to seeing the dumb-looking Mr. Eckermann, not this serious one. 

"Yes, Sir. I'm on it," Michael said while staring at Mai seriously. He hung up and told Mai, "I got an order from Mr. Grant that we need to help Mrs. Woods. Let's go. We don't have much time."

Michael turned around and walked first, leaving Mai, who was stunned. 

She snapped out of her daze after Michael walked far enough from her. She rushed to catch up to him, "W—Wait for me, Sir!"

Michael stopped before the elevator and waited until Mai caught on him. He glanced at Mai, making sure she was okay. He was worried about her, but he needed to be serious right now because it was a mission given by his boss. 

Mai tried to calm down first before asking, "What will we do now? Mrs. Woods texted me the address of a cafe. She said she's still in the bank but doesn't specify what kind of plan she has."

"Mr. Grant said she has a plan to help with the prenup annulment. She will meet with her soon-to-be ex-husband, and she needs us to watch over her, ensuring she is safe," Michael explained. "You have the address, right?"

"Y—Yes, Sir!" Mai nodded vigorously. She didn't know that Mrs. Woods was going through a divorce. In fact, she didn't know that she had a husband who wasn't Mr. Grant because Mrs. Woods was very private.

So everything that Michael said just now shocked her to the core.

Michael glanced at Mai and said, "I know it's a shock to you, but I have no right to tell you everything unless Mrs. Woods gives me the right to."

"I—It's okay, I get it," Mai said. "That means you are a professional, Sir."

"A professional, huh?" Michael went silent for a moment until he grinned a little. Of course, he was happy that Mai praised him. But he had to be professional now, and when he was in full focus, he discarded any of his feelings and focused on finishing his mission, like a true soldier. "Glad you like that side of me."

Mai was dazed when she saw this part of Michael. Her heart was beating harder for an unknown reason, so she quickly looked away to ensure that Michael didn't see the tint of red on her cheeks. 

Michael and Mai entered his car, and Michael drove to the Lombard Cafe, where they had to watch over her. 

There was nothing but silence inside the car. Mai felt awkward. Usually, Michael started the conversation first, followed by Mai who'd answer curtly or ignored him completely. 

But he looked so cold and hyper-focused, 'Which made him look cool. I can't lie,' Mai thought. 'He looks so… professional…'

"By the way, we are going to act as a couple in the cafe," Michael mentioned. "You need to hold my hand, and act naturally, especially when Mrs. Woods' husband comes. Can you do that?"

Mai's reddening cheeks turned even redder until she looked like a tomato. She didn't understand why she got so excited. She was usually disgusted by any advances from men.

Getting no answer from Mai, Michael added, "I will keep my boundaries from touching you unnecessarily and excessively. But I need your professionality in this, Miss Ishikawa. This is for the sake of the mission."

Mai was surprised when Michael called her 'Miss Ishikawa' instead of 'Mai.'

It was like a switch that indicated he was in his hyper-focus mode. 

"I—I understand. This is for the sake of the mission," Mai agreed, though she couldn't hide her shyness. She lowered her head, trying to hide her shame as much as possible. "Yes, we should act like a couple, Mr. Eckermann. Just promise me that you won't touch me excessively."

Michael smiled, "I promise. Thank you for being cooperative, Miss Ishikawa."

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