Jealousy and anger

Benjamin Clarke's presence created a frenzy in the office, and many employees started clamoring to get a glimpse of him. Many of them could not contain their excitement at seeing him here.

Two employees managed to get closer, and one of them exclaimed, "I cannot believe he's really here, in our office!"

The other replied as she got her phone out, "I know, right!"

The excitement in the office reached a fever pitch as employees continued to buzz with anticipation and awe over Benjamin Clarke's unexpected presence. The atmosphere crackled with energy as colleagues exchanged excited whispers and sidelong glances.

One enthusiastic employee, unable to contain their excitement, exclaimed, "I never thought I'd see the day when Benjamin Clarke himself would set foot in our office! This is unreal!"

Near the water cooler, a group of employees gathered, their animated chatter a mix of disbelief and joy. One of them said, "Do you think we can ask for a selfie? I mean, it's Benjamin Clarke! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

Another employee, grinning from ear to ear, chimed in, "I'm updating my social media right now. #BenjaminClarkeAtTheOffice is going to break the internet!"

As the news of Benjamin Clarke's presence spread, even employees from other floors started making their way to the design department. Many of them pretended to be bringing in some documents while some pretended to come and see Sharon Toll, but it was Benjamin Clarke who truly brought them here.

A hushed conversation erupted near the elevator, with someone asking, "Is it really him? I need to see this for myself!"

The situation was getting too hard to control!

Benjamin Clarke's simple attire did nothing to diminish the star quality that emanated from him. The soft smile that lingered on his lips only added to the allure, creating an atmosphere of approachability and genuine warmth.

As Cindy found herself drawn to him, Benjamin Clarke's chuckle broke the spell. "Since you have thrown these away then I can have them?" he asked, referring to the flowers Cindy had discarded.

Cindy, momentarily lost in the unexpected encounter, stammered, "That…"

Benjamin Clarke's presence, however, had created a lively commotion in the office. Excitement rippled through the employees as they clamored to catch a glimpse of the star in their midst. Whispers and gasps of disbelief filled the air.

Benjamin Clarke had never once come to the company to have his measurements taken; he always sent his manager or some employee from his agency to bring over the details, yet he had this nagging feeling to show up personally.

The nagging feeling was really right this time around; the girl he was interested in was actually here!

Cindy watched the flowers in his hands guiltily. She had thrown them away, yet seeing them in someone else's hands made her feel very weird. She looked down and then said, "It's alright. You took them so you can have them."

Benjamin Clarke looked excited, "Okay, thank you!"

His smile was very infectious, and the women in the design department felt their cheeks heating up just from staring at him.

Joanna Bloom was still holding the flowers when she saw the commotion. She looked keenly and saw Benjamin Clarke speaking with Cindy. Jealousy filled her, and she quickly ran in to get Benjamin Clarke's attention, "Mr. Benjamin Clarke, it is really a pleasure to meet you. I am Joanna Bloom, and it is my team that you have been working with in the past!"

Benjamin Clarke looked away for a second and then noticed the flowers in Joanna Bloom's hands, "You have flowers too?"

Joanna Bloom nodded and then answered while staring at Cindy, "I got these from someone very special."

Cindy heard that and looked away. She did not have the energy to feel anything anymore.

Once the employees heard what Joanna Bloom had said, they quickly started conversing amongst themselves once again.

Many of them had seen Alexander Sterling walking with a bunch of red roses, and some who were bold enough had taken a picture of him and sent it to the company's group chat.

The flowers Joanna Bloom was holding looked quite similar to those Alexander Sterling had, so that someone special could be…

One lady sipped her water and said, "Joanna Bloom is really a lucky woman! She even has the CEO buying her flowers!"

The one next to her replied, "Remind me not to offend her later in case she becomes madam boss, things will be easier for us!"

Hearing the whispers, Cindy's whole body froze before she walked slowly towards her desk and left Benjamin Clarke and Joanna Bloom to discuss whatever they wanted to discuss.

Joanna Bloom had also heard the whispers, and a smug smile etched on her face. She could just imagine being the boss' woman and being the madam boss. Just the thought alone made her very excited!

Benjamin Clarke did not know what to think about what was happening, but he could still piece together the whole scenario after hearing the bits and pieces.

Alexander Sterling was the boss here, that he knew, and the woman who had introduced herself as Joanna Bloom seemed to have gotten flowers from him and she made sure everyone saw her with the flowers.

Cindy had also gotten the flowers, which were somewhat identical to the ones Joanna Bloom was holding.

This reality must have gotten to Cindy because she had thrown her flowers away either as a result of jealousy or anger.

Benjamin Clarke looked at Cindy for a good while before he turned back to Joanna Bloom, who was looking at him with excitement, "Those are beautiful flowers, Miss Joanna, they suit you very well!"

Joanna Bloom smiled, "Thank you."

She looked at Cindy and sent her a glare before turning to Benjamin Clarke, "You came down to discuss your designs, right? Here, let me take you to the office so that you can sit comfortably and we can also discuss what changes you want to be made on the designs."

Benjamin Clarke nodded, and Joanna Bloom took him away, relishing the visible jealousy in everyone's eyes as she passed.

Cindy was at her desk. Arianna Stephens sat down beside her and exclaimed, "I am so jealous of her!"