Off-Work Duty

The next day.

"Mr. President, here's your breakfast."

"Mr. President, the grocery store owner downstairs would like to discuss product placement with you."

"Mr. President, the factory is pressing for payment."

All day long, Victoria sees Sebastian no more than five times. In total, she delivers documents three times, makes two cups of coffee, and steps out to pick up lunch once.

The following day, Victoria's work is even quieter. She doesn't see Sebastian at all throughout the entire day. When she finally does see him, the world outside is already dazzling with stars. It is seven in the evening.

Sebastian, exhausted, walks into the studio. As soon as he reaches the third floor and sees Victoria standing at the door, he pauses, then with a slight chuckle, says, "An employee who doesn't leave after hours isn't a good employee."

Saying so, he pours himself a cup of water from the dispenser, quenching the dryness in his mouth, and feels some relief.

But looking at Victoria, who has followed him, he asks curiously, "Is there something you need?"

"Do you still dislike me, Mr. President?" Victoria asks with a somewhat complicated expression.

"Why would you say that?" Seb asks, curious.

"I've only seen you a few times in three days. If it's not because you dislike me..." Victoria begins but is cut off.

"But that's how my life really is!" Sebastian's face breaks into an easy smile as he explains, "When it's time to be busy, we're busy. When it's time to rest, we rest. There's no rest during our busiest times, just like why there are five workdays and two days off in the same week. My studio is still in its startup phase, and there are many things that need my attention."

"And the secretary's duties shouldn't be too troubling or complex, so Victoria," Sebastian stands up and sincerely adds, "Secretary Chelsea mentioned that you've done quite well these past three days. There's no need for any guilt."

"But..." Victoria becomes even more troubled. She feels less like she is repaying a debt of gratitude and more like she is a burden.

Across from her, Sebastian leans against the corner of the desk, watching all this with a light laugh and no intention of asking her to stay.

It is time to end things, and he doesn't like drama. To him, unnecessary persistence is almost equivalent to stupidity. Of course, that is assuming Victoria hasn't yet given up.

On the other side, Victoria seems to realize this. "I'm sorry for bothering you these past three days, Mr. President," she says, bowing deeply to express her apologies.

"I look forward to seeing you do well in the future," Sebastian nods with a smile. As he watches her turn to leave, he feels a sense of relief in his heart. It is finally over.

But then... The phone rings.

"Hello, Dad?" "Yes, what's up?" "Today's my cousin's wedding day?" Sebastian is taken aback; he glances at the time on his phone.

July 2nd.

"I'm sorry, Dad, I really lost track of time." "Yes, yes, I'll definitely get there by 8:30." Sebastian hangs up the phone and then, seeing Victoria nearly at the door, calls out, "Excuse me, could you wait just a moment?"

"Yes?" Victoria turns back.

"This time, I really could use your help," Sebastian says with a smile.

"Really?" Victoria's dim eyes suddenly brighten.

Ten minutes later, after coming out of the mall in her new professional outfit, Victoria gets into the car, a bit bewildered.

"Mr. President," Victoria's eyes hold a light confusion. After asking for her help, Sebastian had hurriedly taken her to the mall, picked out an expensive dress, and then rushed to the car.

"It would be perfect with a pair of glasses on you, but unfortunately, it's too late to buy them," Sebastian says with slight regret.

The night wind is cool, the light a bit dim. But even the dim light can't hide Victoria's beauty. Her hair is pinned up, revealing her fair and slender neck. Her figure is slender and elegant, her limbs delicate. Dressed in a silver professional dress, she has the air of an icy goddess.

If she wore glasses, she would probably become the dream girl of many young men at the upcoming banquet, Sebastian amusingly thinks.

Quickly realizing Victoria's confusion, he explains with a light laugh, "Don't be too nervous. It's just a simple family dinner. You don't need to do anything; just remember you're my secretary and quietly stay by my side."

"Yes," Victoria nods, not understanding but complying all the same.

Yet she can't shake off a certain unease. A family dinner for a wedding? Was it necessary to bring a secretary?

Another 30 minutes pass, and as they arrive at their destination, her doubts clear. Villa 01, Beacon Hill. One of the most secretive places in the suburban area. Victoria's mouth falls open in surprise, and after a couple of seconds, she looks towards Sebastian and can't help but say, "Mr. President..."

"That's right, this is my grandfather's house." Sebastian nods, "I know you have a lot of questions, but let's go inside first. I'll explain everything over dinner."

Inside the villa. Under the soft lighting, the place is splendid. After walking down a long corridor, Sebastian, dressed in a casual black suit, leads Victoria into the hall. The hall is bustling.

Arriving here, Victoria becomes even more nervous. In just a few glances, she recognizes several business tycoons she has seen in the newspapers.

The two make their way to the top end of the hall where there is a long table with only a few young people sitting at it.

Sebastian approaches, finds a corner spot, and sits down, with Victoria standing behind him.

Their arrival seems to draw the attention of everyone at the table.

"The business of our cousin seems to be booming lately!" Raymond Vanderbilt, from a different branch of the family, hints with a look towards Sebastian and his secretary, "A few days not seen, and you already have a secretary in tow?"

"My business is just going okay at best; it's hardly worthy of notice by my successful brothers," Sebastian pours himself a drink and smiles, "It's all quite small scale."

"As your elder, I should advise you—just close that studio of yours." John Nelson Vanderbilt from another branch can't help but say, "Everyone's been talking about how the Vanderbilt's youngest grandson has opened an adult toy shop, practically embarrassing the family name."