Forsaking the Years of Longing novel Chapter 101

Chapter 25

The next morning, Daphne continued her usual routine, heading to work as if nothing had happened the previous day.

Downstairs, Jonathan was already seated in the living room, leisurely flipping through a newspaper. His calm demeanor caught Daphne off guard.

"Brother, why are you still here? Shouldn't you be at the office?"

she asked, descending the stairs.

Jonathan looked up with a slight smile.

"I was waiting for you, Daphne. After yesterday's events, everyone knows you're my sister now. Let's go to work together from now on; it'll be safer that way."

"But.. your head," Daphne said, stepping closer and gently touching the bandage on his forehead.

"Don't worry, it's just a scratch," Jonathan replied, brushing her hand away with firm reassurance. "And from now on, you'll sit in the office right across from mine."

"Fine, fine, whatever you say," Daphne sighed, shaking her head with a hint of resignation.

At breakfast, the two chatted casually, the warm atmosphere easing the tension from the previous day. Afterward, Jonathan drove them to the company in his understated yet luxurious Porsche Cayenne.

Walking into the company building side by side with Jonathan, Daphne felt the weight of countless eyes on them.

"Brother, you go ahead. I need to stop by my department and pack up my things," she whispered.

Jonathan nodded, understanding her sentiment.

"Alright, I'll wait for you in my office."

Daphne entered the Finance Department, where all work seemed to halt. Colleagues stared at her with a mixture of curiosity and unease.

The department manager approached her with a slightly awkward smile.

"Ms. Walker-oh, I mean, Daphne, you..." He trailed off, unsure how to address her.

Having been out on a business trip the previous day, he'd returned to find the department in upheaval.

"Just call me Daphne; it feels more natural," she interjected with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.

Colleagues surrounded her, peppering her with questions.

Daphne answered each one patiently, expressing her gratitude for their support over the past year.

When they arrived at her new office, Daphne noted its sleek, modern design. What stood out most was the glass wall —fuly automated and transparent-that allowed her to see straight into Jonathan's office.

Jonathan emerged from his office with a grin.

"Well? What do you think of the glass? Pretty neat, huh?"

Daphne rolled her eyes, half amused.

"Why don't we just share an office? What's the point of giving me my own if you can see everything I do anyway?"

Jonathan chuckled.

"This way, I can always keep an eye on you and make sure you're safe."

Daphne glanced at the glass wall and thought to herself, Even a mosquito flying by would be crystal clear.

Her attention shifted to her desk, where a nameplate awaited her:]

"Daphne, Walker Group Vice President's Secretary."