Chapter 5 Step Aside

Michael's face was filled with anger, and his voice turned colder. "Alice, answer me."

Alice took a deep breath and looked him straight in the eyes. "Mr. Woods said he waited for you for two hours and felt that we were insincere, so he refused to see me."

"Are you saying this is my fault?" Michael frowned at her. "Alice, you are my secretary. These things are your responsibility, aren't they?"

"Is that so?" Alice's gaze fell on Aurora.

Aurora dropped the dessert in her hand and hid behind Michael in fear. "I'm sorry, it's all my fault. I accidentally got hurt and caused the delay."

Alice watched her tears roll down, her gaze extremely calm.

Michael pulled out a tissue and handed it over, his voice softening a bit. "It's not your fault."

He then looked coldly at Alice. "You go and resolve it."

Alice clenched her fists and suddenly smiled. "Fine, if I solve this on my own, the commission will be doubled according to the rules, right?"

"Yes, if you have the ability." Michael snorted coldly and left the office with Aurora.

Winter quickly stepped forward. "Alice, that Vincent is not a good person. Don't go."

Alice's phone suddenly rang, showing a hospital bill reminder. She lightly pressed her lips together. "I can always use the money. Don't worry, I have a way." Alice patted her shoulder and turned to leave the office.

Vincent was certainly not a good person, but Vanguard Innovations Group was indeed one of the Johnson Group's biggest clients.

Whether it was to maintain the relationship or for the commission, she had to go.

This time, she didn't go to the front desk but followed the employee's passage directly to the CEO's office.

"Ms. Baker, you don't have an appointment!" The secretary at the door was shocked, but it was too late to stop her.

Vincent was sitting at his desk, looking troubled at a few boxes in front of him. When he saw Alice come in, a look of amazement flashed in his eyes.

She had a good figure, and even in a suit, she was curvy and full of charm. But she had a cold face that made people wonder if she would moan when pressed down.

Vincent couldn't help but swallow.

Alice acted as if she didn't see his lecherous gaze and sat down with a smile.

"Mr. Woods, are you choosing a gift?" She looked at the jewelry boxes on the table, clearly meant for a woman.

Vincent gave the secretary a look, and the secretary immediately closed the door and left.

He then raised an eyebrow at Alice. "Ms. Baker, you came at the right time. Today is my wife's birthday. Help me pick a gift."

Alice answered confidently, "Mrs. Woods likes blue. I saw her order a blue evening dress at the store, which she must be wearing today. So this sapphire necklace would be more suitable."

Alice placed the contract under the box and pushed it over. "High-end, elegant, and valuable. Both the necklace and the business partner should be chosen like this."

"You make a good point." Vincent reached out and stroked the back of Alice's hand.

Alice quickly withdrew her hand, suppressing her disgust. "Mr. Woods, we had previously discussed the cooperation. If there are no issues, shall we sign the contract?"

"No rush. Since you picked the gift, why not accompany me to deliver it to my wife?" Vincent stood up without even looking at the contract.

Alice frowned but quickly picked up the items and followed him out.

Vincent got into the car, leaving the door open. He patted the seat next to him. "Here, Ms. Baker."

"Mr. Woods, I'll sit in the front passenger seat." She opened the front passenger door and saw a large bouquet of flowers.

Vincent chuckled. "Ms. Baker, come sit with me."

Alice took a deep breath and then sat in the back seat.

As the car started, Vincent became restless.

He moved closer to Alice, placing his hand on her lower back.

"I heard Mr. Johnson found a new lover who is a dancer? Ms. Baker, don't you want to try something new as well?" He pulled her into his arms, teasing.

Alice pushed against his chest. "I'm just a secretary working for Mr. Johnson."

"Is that so?" Vincent tightened his grip, his other hand moving to Alice's thigh. "Don't you think for yourself?"

As he finished speaking, the driver stopped the car by the roadside and quickly got out.

Alice's eyes widened, and she pushed Vincent away with all her strength. "Mr. Woods, today is your wife's birthday."

"So, let's have an appetizer first." He grabbed Alice's arm tightly, making it impossible for her to move. "Ms. Baker, didn't you come here to talk business? Mr. Johnson sent you here, and you still don't get it?"

His hot breath, mixed with a strong cigar smell, made Alice nauseous. She struggled desperately.

A slap landed on her face, making her head buzz. "Bitch! You've been fucked by Michael for so many years, and you're still pretending to be pure? You should be grateful that I'm interested in you!"

He grabbed Alice's chin, forcing her to look up. "Think I'm disgusting, huh? Look at yourself."

"Satisfy me and I'll forget about Michael standing me up today. Otherwise..." He lightly patted Alice's face, his hand moving down to roughly tear open her shirt, exposing her black lace bra.

Seeing Alice's ample chest, he swallowed. "Fuck, Michael's woman is really something."

Alice finally reacted and started to resist frantically.

But she had just had an abortion and was a woman. How could she be a match for Vincent?

In no time, Vincent had her pinned down. "Alice, I warn you, you'd better behave, or else..."

Suddenly, someone knocked on the car window.

Michael stood outside with a dark expression.

Vincent's hand trembled in fear, and Alice took the opportunity to open the car door and escape.

Michael's gaze lingered on her disheveled clothes and swollen face before turning to Vincent. "Looks like you are in high spirits on your wife's birthday, Mr. Woods."

Vincent tidied his hair and got out of the car, raising an eyebrow disdainfully. "Thank you for the gift."

"You're welcome." Michael casually pulled out a jewelry box. "I have some matters to attend to and will be there later. Please deliver the gift to your wife for me, Mr. Woods."

Vincent snorted and got back into the car, driving away.

Alice shakily stood up. "Mr. Johnson."

"Is this your solution?" Michael's tone was frighteningly cold.

Alice closed her eyes, not defending herself. She had indeed done something foolish today.

"Thank you." Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Michael snorted, "No need! Do your job well and don't make me clean up your mess!"

As soon as Michael finished speaking, Aurora's sweet voice came from behind him, "Mr. Johnson, are we still going?"

She looked at Alice timidly, hiding behind Michael.

Michael gently stroked her hair, his anger instantly dissipating. "Of course, let's get in the car."

He turned to Alice, his tone even colder. "Since you can't do your job as a secretary, step aside."