Chapter 669
He figured James Mercer must have checked into Gwyneth as well, though she was a tougher nut to crack.
“Starting tomorrow, double the security detail watching over Mrs. Everhart. But make sure she doesn’t notice-it needs to be discreet protection.”
James Mercer wasn’t exactly a saint. He’d tried to use Patti Yale to seduce him- probably attracted by her looks and figure, and, judging by his wandering eyes, he’d clearly had more than just business on his mind. Patti, for her part, had always lived large and never known hardship, so the two of them hit it off right away.
The only thing Hawthorne regretted was that, back when he was young and naïve, he hadn’t seen through Patti Yale’s true colors.
Suppressing a wave of disgust, he stubbed out his cigarette with a sharp flick, the cold glint in his eyes hard to describe. He signaled Hans to drive them into the company’s underground parking garage.
Back at her desk, Gwyneth could barely contain her excitement thinking about the upcoming exhibition.
She pulled open her drawer and found it stuffed with snacks again. She remembered when she first started-her coworkers would sneak treats into her drawer. At first, they’d assumed she was Hawthorne’s girlfriend, so there was a bit of brown-nosing involved. But as she got to know them better, they genuinely liked her, and her drawer had stayed well-stocked ever since.
Still, hiding her true identity made her feel a little guilty.
If the day ever came when they discovered who she really was, she’d probably lose these friends for good.
But-
“Gwyn, are you coming to the company exhibition?”
Word had barely gotten out before someone ran over to ask her.
“Yeah, I think I’ll go.”
Sooner or later, you have to meet the in-laws, she thought wryly.
“Great, our department’s going together!”
Seeing their eager smiles, Gwyneth couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt.
A few days later, Gwyneth picked a cherry-red Ferrari from Hawthorne’s garage.
When he saw her, his brow tightened with concern.
“You’re driving yourself? Didn’t you say you wanted to keep a low profile?”
He was still uneasy after her last fender-bender.
“I figured it’s best to let them get used to the idea that I might be from a wealthy family. Then, when I reveal I’m Mrs. Everhart, maybe it’ll go over more smoothly.”
Gwyneth had clearly thought things through; Hawthorne offered no comment on her plan.
This time, she decided not to bring Leonie along. Leonie couldn’t keep a secret to save her life, and Gwyneth was re that within ten minutes, gure her entire department would know everything if Leonie tagged along.
Most Everhart Group employees owned cars and the exhibition hall’s entrance was a steady stream of vehicles. The gaming department had agreed to gather at the entrance and head in together once everyone arrived.
Ten minutes before nine in the morning, nearly everyone was already there- except Gwyneth.
As they waited, a blazing red Ferrari glided up to the curb.
When the car stopped, the woman who emerged practically outshone the sun-her porcelain skin luminous, her thick dark curls
tumbling over her shoulders, a
crimson lips a striking contrast. Dressed in a tailored white dress that fell just above the knee and oversized sunglasses, she looked both elegant and effortlessly cool.
her
When she finally pulled off her sunglasses, someone actually gasped, “Gwyneth?”
“No way. Is that really Gwyneth, or am I seeing things?”
Gwyneth handed her keys to the valet, then strolled over to the group. Her colleagues from the gaming department were utterly stunned.
“It really is you, Gwyneth.”
She nodded. “Yep.”
“Did you win the lottery, or did you land yourself a rich boyfriend?” someone blurted out.
Gwyneth didn’t bother hiding the truth. “Didn’t I mention before? I’m married.”
The group exchanged looks. She had mentioned it before-but hadn’t someone spotted her being dropped off at work by a middle-aged man?