Chapter 6 Wearing Multiple Hats

Calliope felt kinda lost. "You're exaggerating."

"Today's plot twist totally threw me off!" David dragged a chair over, glanced around to make sure no one was eavesdropping, and then leaned in to share a juicy story about Matthew.

David's serious face piqued Calliope's curiosity.

Word on the street was that the Moore Family ran a tight ship. Even the servants were handpicked for their top-notch education, looks, and character.

But over time, some long-time servants got a bit too comfortable and started acting out, thinking they could get away with their blunders because they knew the family so well.

For instance, a nanny who had taken care of Matthew since he was young was caught by Matthew for merely sneaking a taste of some imported fruit from the kitchen and was immediately fired!

Over twenty years of service couldn't compare to a single grape. That showed just how strict Matthew was.

This no-nonsense attitude was why Matthew could whip the company into shape so quickly.

But Calliope? She'd publicly smacked down the head of the company's marketing department and barely apologized. Yet she wasn't booted from the company! It was mind-blowing!

Calliope was just as shocked. If Matthew was such a hard-ass, why'd he hook up with her in a hotel?

Matthew was a walking contradiction!

Calliope couldn't help but think back to the time what had happened in the breakroom. If Matthew hadn't shown up, she'd probably be in the ER or worse.

Thinking about Matthew's strong, firm grip, Calliope felt her cheeks hot.

That hand had once held her waist so tight, she couldn't even think about breaking herself from...

In the CEO's office, James was marveling. "Calliope looks so delicate, but she's a real firecracker! She's not just your secretary, but also your one-night stand. That's wild!"

James's laughter was cut short by a cold glare from Matthew.

James continued, "Anyway, I dug up what you wanted. This woman has no ties to your brother. She got in through regular campus recruitment and was picked by HR for her skills."

Matthew already knew Calliope was talented. Even as an intern, she handled things with a maturity that belied her age, if you ignored the fight.

From the moment Matthew met Calliope, he'd had her investigated.

When he found out she had no connection to his brother, he felt oddly relieved.

At least he wasn't being played. Calliope was a wild card.

Robert walked in, holding a tablet. "Mr. Moore, I found out what caused the break room fight."

Matthew's voice was icy. "Let's hear it."

Robert hesitated, then stepped forward and placed the tablet on the desk.

"Mr. Moore, you should see for yourself," Robert said.

Some things were better shown than told, especially by his special assistant.

The surveillance footage showed it all. Lisa had started the fight and even rallied others to gang up on Calliope. Cliques were everywhere, but this level of nastiness was rare, even for James.

James chuckled, "Calliope should work in HR; she's got a way with words. I can almost see it."

Matthew's eyes turned icy, staring through the office wall, thinking about Calliope in the next room.

Whenever he thought of her, that night came rushing back. It was ridiculous, but in a good way.

Every time he remembered, a restless feeling bubbled up inside him. He hated it, but with Calliope, it felt different. He just didn't know how to handle her.

At first, he kept her around to dig into her background and see if she had any ties to the Moore Family.

Now that those doubts were cleared, she should've been let go.

But after her big screw-up today, he gave her another chance, even surprising himself.

His rational and emotional sides were at war, making the air around him tense. Anyone else would be scared stiff.

Seeing Matthew still frowning, James thought it was because Calliope had caused too much trouble. He decided to lighten the mood.

James grinned, "You look like you got dumped. If you're so torn about Calliope, why not give her a few days off? See how you feel when she's not around. If you can handle it, let her go."

People said James was even more ruthless than Matthew. At least Matthew played by the rules, but James? He'd do anything if pushed.

James was a wolf in sheep's clothing. If Matthew hadn't known him forever, his methods would be hard to stomach.

Matthew snapped, "None of your business. Get out."

James feigned hurt, "Use me and then kick me out! So cold! I'm not talking to you anymore!" He walked away with a cheeky grin.

Matthew felt a headache coming on, rubbed his temples, and told Robert, "Reassign Lisa. She's not fit for her position. Demote her one level."

Robert nodded, "Yes, Mr. Moore."

It was quitting time.

Calliope packed up, said goodbye to her coworkers, and hurried out. She hopped on her electric scooter and stopped at a convenience store five minutes later.

This was her part-time gig, from 6:30 PM to 12:30 AM, six hours a night.

She'd been at it for over two months, and since joining Ascend Global Group half a month ago, she was running on less than six hours of sleep a night. But it was almost over.

The owner of the store said, "I'm heading out! The new guy's got two more hours. Show him how to stock the shelves. I'll teach him the rest tomorrow."

Calliope nodded, "Got it. Take care."

After owner of the store left, Calliope patiently showed the new part-timer the ropes.

She spoke softly, her voice like a gentle breeze.

The new guy, a college student, blushed several times being so close to her.

The doorbell chimed. A customer walked in, and Calliope quickly stood up.