Chapter 19- home
The 10th-floor restaurant of Black Rock Co. gleamed with polished floors that reflected the sparse movement of diners. The massive hall, capable of seating over a thousand, was spotless—its scale rivaling that of a five-star hotel.
As Janet stepped in, tray in hand, she couldn’t help but notice how many eyes were on her. In the past, no one ever paid her much attention—her style had always been mature and modest. But now, having shed that loose, boxy suit, her elegant dress accentuated her graceful, curvy figure. Her bare face, untouched by makeup, was strikingly beautiful—no wonder she was drawing so many looks.
As she searched for a seat, her gaze landed on a window-side booth where August, dressed casually in white, was sitting with his assistant. He looked up and gave her a bright wave.
Janet glanced around at the packed tables—finding an open seat would be tough. So, she made her way over to August’s table.
"August," she greeted politely and took the seat across from him.
Almost instantly, curious glances and whispers from the surrounding diners turned their way. It wasn’t clear if they were looking at her, at August, or at the two of them together.
It was rare to see someone like August—clearly from a privileged background—dining in the staff cafeteria. But what shocked Janet even more was what happened five minutes later:
A sudden stir broke out near the entrance. Moments later, Charles, in a sleek black suit, pushed through the glass doors and stepped inside.
The once-bustling hall fell completely silent, as if a king had entered court.
At the sight of Charles, department heads and managers quickly rushed forward with ingratiating smiles, bowing slightly as they exchanged pleasantries. But Charles remained cold, his face a mask of indifference.
His sharp gaze swept the room—and landed at a forty-five degree angle, squarely on Janet and August.