Dear Sweetheart

Chapter 42

Chapter 42 Intolerable

Despite her surprise, she knew it wasn’t the time to show it. Just when she planned to take a seat after Curtis had greeted the men, a figure suddenly beat her to it.

“Ms. Garland, your place is over there.”

Kristie had placed her bag on the seat on Curtis’ left before seating herself on his right. After that, she —not wanting Rayna to be anywhere close to Curtis—directed the other woman to sit beside Jonathan.

Rayna raised her brow in seething anger as she took the seat next to Jonathan.

I’ll just bear with it.

After Rayna came over, the smiling Jonathan remarked, “Ms. Kristie is just naughty. I hope you don’t mind, Rayna. Anyway, it’s good that you’re sitting with me. Both of us can talk.”

Rayna whispered, “I wouldn’t dare offend the apple of Mr. Faymon’s eye.”

“Haha, I’m surprised you realize how much Mr. Faymon spoils her.”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Rayna broke into a helpless smile. “Mr. Faymon even tolerates her taking up the seat with her bag.”

Furthermore, she had never seen Curtis hit Kristie before. At most, he would just reprimand her.

Jonathan nodded. “That’s right. Ms. Kristie was personally groomed by Mr. Faymon. Despite her mischievous demeanor, she’s extremely capable. Otherwise, Mr. Faymon wouldn’t have allowed her to stay by his side all the time.”

How is she capable? In acting?

Soon, the answer would be evident to Rayna.

As the blond men spoke Anglandurn, there was nothing for Rayna and Jonathan to do. Thus, both of them sat quietly there, watching Curtis negotiate with them.

Meanwhile, Kristie had lost her earlier playfulness as she sat obediently beside Curtis. All it took was a look from him for her to take over the negotiations with their potential partners.

Not only did she know Anglandurn, but she could also speak it with a Lightspring accent. Speaking in a gentle voice and carrying herself with a confident poise, she would also pepper her conversation with humor, much to the delight of their guests.

After watching how Kristie carried herself, Rayna finally understood.

Despite her willfulness, Kristie had a talent for business. Coupled with her pretty face and alluring voice, she did earn her right to be pampered.

As the negotiations were about the export and transportation of commercial products and both sides would benefit from the collaboration, the deal was sealed in half an hour. Thus, the remaining time was spent eating and chatting.

Jonathan whispered, “Rayna, let’s go out for a chat.”

“All right.”

Cognizant that her supervisor had something private to discuss, she followed him out to the golf course.

As there weren’t many golfers around, one of the staff handed Jonathan a golf club. After casually hitting a few balls, Jonathan came back down with his forehead drenched in sweat.

Rayna, handing him a towel, commented with a smile, “Mr. Lawson, you’re really good to have your ball land on the green.”

“Age is catching up with me. Even golf tires me out easily.” Wiping his sweat with the towel, Jonathan chuckled and asked, “I’m going over to the Norham branch soon. Are you aware of that?”

“I am, but I thought you don’t like going overseas?”

Previously, he had already rejected the same transfer once due to the fact that his daughter was still young. Back then, he was concerned that coming back once every few months wasn’t enough time to bond with his daughter.

“Since it’s a direct order from Mr. Faymon, do I have a choice?” Jonathan sighed. “Furthermore, they’re short-handed over there. Other than hiring a few foreigners for senior management positions, the rest will be filled with internal staff.”

Rayna nodded in acknowledgment.

This practice wasn’t just limited to Faymon Group. Every global financial and technological firm would place its own people within senior management despite hiring a few foreigners as lip service.

“I’m sure you’re also aware that once I leave, the translation department will need a new supervisor.” Jonathan tapped his golf club on the floor. “Mr. Saunders plans to plant one of his own men in that position.”

After a brief silence, Rayna asked, “Mr. Lawson, what do you think about it?”

“Of course I’m against it, as his men will only stir trouble within the department. Internally, only you and Edith stand out, but she’s not under consideration.”

“Because she belongs to Mr. Grant’s faction.” The sharp Rayna quickly understood the situation. “If I— someone who is capable yet not politically aligned with anyone—takes that role, I won’t do any harm to the company’s interest.”

Truth be told, Rayna suspected something was amiss when Curtis returned from overseas and frequently visited the office. In fact, the latter had even transferred the reluctant Jonathan to the Norham branch.

Jonathan hummed in acknowledgment. “Rayna, I’m sure you’re aware that Mr. Faymon was adopted by Old Mr. Faymon. Considering that he isn’t a Faymon by blood, he will face a difficult time gaining the support of the Faymon family regardless of how capable he is.”

After a brief hesitation, he patted Rayna on her shoulder. “Even if you’re unwilling, I insist on having you take over my position. Other than you, I don’t trust anyone else.”

Rayna pursed her lips. “Mr. Lawson, I’m sure you know that I harbor no ambition, hence positions are of no interest to me. All I want is to make a simple living and avoid being embroiled in any conflicts.”

Once I get involved in the power struggles of prominent families, there’s no way I can escape unscathed.

She never planned to get herself entangled with Curtis until she fell into his trap and was forced to promise him that she would negotiate the partnership on his behalf. As for the fate of the Faymon family, she had no interest in it at all.

“I know. If it wasn’t because of that, I wouldn’t have spent my time grooming you.” After falling into a brief silence, Jonathan added, “Rayna, just think of it as protecting the department you’re working in. Anyway, I’ll talk to Mr. Faymon about letting you take over my role. You can assume it until I find someone else after which you’ll be free again. How about that?”

Rayna didn’t answer immediately.

If Mr. Lawson can’t find anyone for a year, wouldn’t I be stuck in the position the entire time? Plenty can happen in a month, let alone a year.

After much consideration, Rayna finally agreed, “Fine, but I’m not doing this for Faymon Group’s sake. After working here for so long, you have taught me a lot. You’re like my mentor. Hence, this is my way of returning the favor.”

A smile of relief descended upon Jonathan’s face. “In that case, my mind has been put at ease.”

“Didn’t you say that you don’t know how to play golf? Why did you come over to the course?” In the midst of their conversation, Kristie approached them and began to mock Rayna.

Ignoring her, Rayna turned her head away, for she knew that engaging in a conversation with someone like Kristie would be playing into her hands.

Just as expected, Kristie simply snorted at the cold shoulder Rayna gave her before ordering the staff to bring her golf bag over. Meanwhile, Curtis and his business partners found a place to sit and have coffee.

Kristie, looking adorable in her light-pink sports attire, tied her hair up before playing golf. When she did, she was so focused on the game that she looked like an entirely different person. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

With a swing of her golf club, she whacked the golf ball and landed it on the green. When the business partners clapped and cheered, Curtis curled his lips into a rare smile.

Kristie lifted her chin at Rayna. “The joys of playing golf is something you’ll never understand.”

“Really? In that case, I would like to experience it.” Rayna was finally infuriated after being repeatedly provoked. “Mr. Lawson, can I borrow your clubs?”

Jonathan replied with a smile, “My ordinary clubs pale in comparison to those owned by Ms. Kristie. I don’t think you can hit far with them.”

“It’s fine.”

As it had been two to three years since she last held a golf club, Rayna felt a little rusty. While she was taking some time to find the proper grip, Kristie ridiculed her, “There’s no need to force yourself if you don’t know how to play.”

Jonathan proceeded to guide Rayna a little.

Finally, Rayna firmed her grip on the club. Taking a deep breath, she swung the club with all her might, hitting the golf ball off its tee and sending it to the far end of the green.