Chapter 21
Chapter 21: You Deserve an Award for Loving Your Job
“So Professor Jennings really doesn’t have a girl he likes? Has he never dated anyone p>
Joanna Sutton sighed. “Him? All he ever thinks about is studying and work. Women would just be a stumbling block to his progress. No one can ever catch his eye. Seriously, the women who’ve chased him are absolutely top-tier—they have family background, education, looks, you name it—and he’s never shown interest in any of them, let alone a scheming, two-faced woman like Claire Ainsworth p>
At the mention of Claire Ainsworth, Joanna’s voice faltered. She glanced sideways at Rachel.
Hearing the sudden pause in her tone, Rachel Royce turned to look at Joanna. A moment later, she realized what was happening and curved her lips into a small smile. “Everyone has their own type. There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to matters of the heart p>
“Then Tristan Sterling’s taste is questionable too p>
Rachel Royce didn’t respond.
Joanna changed the subject. “You’re the only person my mentor has ever praised p>
Rachel was surprised. “Me p>
“Yeah. He said you were the most hardworking, ambitious, and intelligent student he’d ever seen. He even said you were definitely more capable than me and ragged on me for a while p>
Rachel chuckled. “Did you do something to annoy him p>
“Well, it was because I messed up at work, but his praise for you was genuine. That’s why, for someone as smart and capable as you, with such a bright future, to get married and have kids… to put it bluntly, it’s really self-sabotage. But you’re still young. Even after having a baby, there’s still time to get back on track p>
“A scumbag like Tristan Sterling should be kicked to the curb. Once we’re successful in our careers, there’ll be plenty of excellent men chasing after us. Who does he think he is p>
Rachel Royce smiled, nodded, and hummed in agreement.
’She could tell Joanna was genuinely angry, probably reminded of some other unpleasant people and events p>
Just then, Joanna’s phone started vibrating.
She picked it up, checked the caller ID, and answered via her Bluetooth earpiece. “Dad, what’s up p>
The voice of Joanna’s father came from the other end. “Where are you right now p>
Noticing something was off with her father’s tone, Joanna asked quizzically, “I’m driving. What happened p>
Mr. Sutton said, “Cedarwood has canceled its strategic financing partnership with Eastar. I’m already in Kingsland p>
Cedarwood had suddenly canceled the partnership that morning without any explanation. Conrad Sutton couldn’t reach Tristan Sterling himself and had only managed to contact a senior executive, whose reply was simply that it was President Sterling’s decision, and he didn’t know the specifics.
This strategic partnership was a deal Eastar Bank had spent nearly two years negotiating. It was crucial for Eastar’s development over the next five years. Canceling it without warning would result in incalculable losses.
He had hastily asked someone to investigate the reason and also contacted Suzanne Sullivan before immediately booking a flight to Kingsland.
Joanna Sutton clenched her fists.
Hearing Mr. Sutton’s words, Rachel’s heart sank. ’So Tristan finally made his move.’ She knew about the strategic financing partnership with Eastar; canceling it would be a devastating blow to Eastar.
’I never thought Tristan would care about Claire this much p>
She took a deep breath, gazed out the window, and pressed her hands tightly against her lower abdomen, trying to calm herself down.
Joanna ended the call with her father. She pulled the car over to the side of the road, her hands gripping the steering wheel, her expression grim.
Rachel Royce watched her.
’Mr. Sutton just told Joanna to go to The Gilded Hall immediately. He must have arranged to meet someone there p>
Joanna was silent for a long time. Rachel said, “Should you call Professor Jennings p>
The words had barely left her mouth when Joanna’s phone rang again. It was Julian Jennings.
Joanna answered the call, her voice turning a little hoarse. “Mentor p>
Julian Jennings said, “I heard what happened. Did your father call you p>
Joanna hummed in affirmation. “He told me to go to The Gilded Hall now p>
Julian Jennings said, “Then you should head over and see what’s going on. And don’t be reckless or try to handle it all on your own.” He emphasized the last sentence.
Joanna said, “I know p>
After hanging up, Joanna took a moment to compose herself, then said to Rachel, “Sorry, Rachel. I’ll drop you off first p>
Rachel said, “The subway is just up ahead. I can take it home p>
’My husband is getting revenge for his girlfriend, and I’m powerless to help. I even wonder if what I said to Tristan that day only angered him further p>
Joanna didn’t insist, only reminding her to be careful on her way back.
Before getting out of the car, Rachel advised, “Joanna, please don’t be impulsive about this. Your father’s company’s interests have to come first p>
’She could tell Joanna had a strong sense of justice and an unyielding personality p>
Joanna said, “Don’t worry, I know p>
Joanna drove away.
Rachel stood on the spot, watching the car drive off until it merged back into traffic and disappeared. Only then did she avert her gaze and walk toward the subway station.
Just as she was about to reach the subway entrance, her phone vibrated.
She took it out of her bag and saw it was a call from Thomas Sterling. She answered, “Hello! Thomas p>
“Look across the street p>
Rachel looked up and saw Thomas Sterling waving at her from the other side of the street.
Rachel crossed at the intersection ahead and walked toward Thomas Sterling. He opened the passenger side door for her and said, “Get in p>
Rachel got in the car.
Thomas Sterling closed her door, strode around the front of the car, and got into the driver’s seat. He asked, “What are you doing here all by yourself p>
Rachel said, “I was supposed to have dinner with a friend, but she had an emergency and had to leave p>
Thomas Sterling smiled. “Well, I guess I lucked out. Let me take you to dinner p>
“So, should I congratulate you on your good luck p>
“My luck has been pretty good lately. I feel like if I bought a scratch-off ticket right now, I’d win a million dollars p>
“Then how is that any different from the rest of us winning a hundred bucks p>
Thomas Sterling started the car and merged back into the flow of traffic.
They arrived at a private kitchen restaurant.
They sat at a table by the window with a view of the river at night.
After they ordered, Rachel informed the waiter of her dietary restrictions.
The waiter acknowledged her request.
Rachel asked, “Has the contract for the partnership been signed p>
Thomas Sterling said, “It’s signed. Things are about to get busy. Today’s a rare moment of free time. By the way, are you still working at Cedarwood p>
Rachel took a sip of juice and explained, “I’ve already quit. I switched to a less demanding job as an assistant to my former mentor p>
Thomas Sterling sighed. “You really deserve an award for loving your job p>
Rachel raised her eyebrows. “If it comes with a cash prize, I suppose I can accept it p>
Thomas Sterling laughed out loud. “Careful, you’ve got dollar signs in your eyes p>