No Escape from Love novel Chapter 77

Despite her attempt to hide it, I could sense that she was uneasy and dissatisfied in this place. I ate my meal in silence. Just as I finished eating, my phone rang, drawing the attention of the other three at the table.

I didn't recognize the number, but I answered anyway, "Hello?"

After I hung up, Alex's gaze lingered on my phone.

"Who was that?" Mom asked with concern. "I heard you talking about a housing agent on our previous call."

I nodded in response.

"What?" Mr. Hastings Senior exclaimed, turning to glare at Alex. "We have plenty of properties available. How could you let Serena rent an apartment? You're supposed to be her brother."

I quickly interjected, "It's not Al's fault, Mr. Hastings Senior. I want to find an apartment on my own. I can't rely on Al for everything."

"Why is that a problem?" Mr. Hastings Senior responded with dissatisfaction. "We're family, after all."

Mom chimed in, "Serena is right. Alex has already done so much by arranging a job for her. Serena can handle finding an apartment on her own."

I nodded in agreement. "Mom is right. And the housing agent just called me. He's found a perfect apartment for me. It's in Maplewoods, which is right next to the company, and the rent is affordable."

"Maplewoods?" Mr. Hastings Senior first looked confused with his brows furrowed, but then he quickly agreed. "Okay, okay. Maplewoods is great. Serena, about the rent…"

I held up two fingers in front of Mr. Hastings Senior. In Grandview, I was extremely lucky to find such a well-located apartment at this price.

"Actually, this will benefit us both," Alex explained abruptly. "When you and Nicole went upstairs earlier, my dad kept blaming me for not taking good care of you and only allowing you to be a regular employee. With this position, I can deal with him about it."

"Can you answer my questions now?" I looked at Alex.

"Sure."

I coughed before asking the first question, "In the past, the assistant office only hired from within the company. Why did you suddenly decide to recruit externally this year?"

I already had an answer in mind, but I never fully trusted my own thoughts. I needed to hear Alex say it out loud in order for it to feel true.

"Because there was a need for it this year," Alex replied slowly. "Did you think I opened up the recruitment specifically for you?"