From Now On, Let Me Protect You

Jerome, with his usually astute mind, found it rare to cease its relentless operation at this moment.

He couldn't fathom why the dinner, originally intended for three, had transformed into a twosome, and the one sitting in front of him was none other than the supposed third wheel, Carl.

Staring at Carl, Jerome' visage turned as dark as the night, and it was unclear towards whom his displeasure was directed.

Carl, sitting upright and looking at the CEO with bated breath, clutched the menu, his face contorted like a bitter melon.

"Mr Williams, shall we head back?"

Jerome shot a disdainful glance at Carl, and a humph emanated from his nose.

"What, unwilling to have dinner with me?"

Hearing this, Carl shook his head like a tambourine.

"No, it's just that I feel a bit pressured."

Jerome, raising an intrigued eyebrow, inquired, "What pressure?"

"Your are my top boss. I never dreamed of having the chance to dine with you. Your presence is imposing, and it makes me nervous."

Growing up in the countryside, Carl, despite achieving numerous accolades at MFC after coming to Western City, hadn't experienced much of the world.

Added to that, Jerome was the lofty CEO and a benefactor to him.

Carl couldn't help but show great respect in the presence of Jerome.

Jerome tapped the table thoughtfully, contemplating.

Vivian's refusal to dine with him might be related to this.

After all, he had visited Vivian's home before, and their respective statuses were worlds apart.

Being favored by his long-time idol unexpectedly brought not only joy but also a sense of trepidation, much like what Carl experienced.

Jerome could fully comprehend it.

Lost in these thoughts, Jerome eventually burst into laughter, realizing that his girlfriend was perhaps too sensitive.

As his mood brightened once again, he found Carl more agreeable, squinting and saying, "Feel free to order whatever you like."

Late at night, Jerome lay on his luxurious and comfortable bed, tossing and turning without sleep.

Suddenly, he thought of something, pulled out his phone, and abruptly realized that he didn't have Vivian's number.

He couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret; it was his oversight.

Vivian, usually prone to feelings of inferiority in front of him, likely hesitated to ask for his number, fearing rejection. Jerome, in his negligence, hadn't considered it either.

When Vivian received Jerome' call, she was engrossed in reading a German book.

Interrupted by an unfamiliar number, her eyebrows furrowed.

Answering the call, she was met with a falsely deep voice, "Hey, it's me."

The typical opening line of a scam call.

Vivian promptly hung up the phone.

Jerome:?

Was the signal bad?

Dialing again, Jerome's voice was filled with confusion.

"I'm Jerome. Why did the call get cut off just now?"

The name immediately made Vivian furrow her brow, and her voice sounded slightly cold and distant.

"It's quite late. Mr Williams, is there something you need?"

Upon hearing Vivian's voice, Jerome squinted contentedly, found a comfortable position leaning against the bed, and even pulled a pillow to hold in his arms.

"Nothing much. The restaurant we went to tonight had excellent food. It's a pity you didn't join."

"Oh."

Jerome swung his foot absentmindedly.

"But it's okay; I can take you there anytime."

Which word did she just say that made him think she would want to go?

Growing increasingly impatient, Vivian said, "I understand. Is there anything else?"

"In fact, there are a few things I want to tell you."

After a moment of contemplation, Jerome spoke, "One cannot choose their background when born; therefore, no one has the right to look down on others. In the future, I will stand by your side and protect you against discrimination."

Vivian lost in confusion: ...

"Sorry, but I'm starting to discriminate against you a bit now."

Listening to the clean and efficient busy signal on the other end of the phone, Jerome wore a puzzled expression.

Sighing into the phone, he wondered if Vivian's signal was too weak or if she was still using a 2G phone.