Chapter 2

I am a Cancerian, born sensitive by nature.

I've also inherited my mother's tendency to overthink and her easily agitated personality.

Any deviation from the daily routine in life tends to make me uneasy.

Shaving at night likely means he's preparing for a social engagement.

Since I don't have the habit of eating dinner, Archer usually eats at a few select private restaurants before coming home.

He never went out for drinks or meals with others.

So now, given Archer's current power and status, what situation would make him break this routine?

Could something have happened at the company that he's keeping from me to avoid worrying me?

I decide to go to his company and check.

If nothing's wrong, that's great, but if there is an issue, I don't want Archer to face it alone.

I called Scarlett.

She's the company's CFO and was my roommate for four years in college. Back when her family was in debt and had no way out, I lent her money and introduced her to Archer's company.

Scarlett practically ran down to greet me.

After a warm welcome, she happily pulled me towards the elevator.

"Jade, you come here so rarely! Everyone in the company looks forward to your visits. Mr. Stratton is ice-cold every day, and our lives only get a bit easier when you come and he's in a good mood." I stifled a laugh and asked with a smile, "Anything new happening at the company lately?"

"Yes, big news actually."

"What is it?" I paused mid-step.

"The company's profits have doubled, and so have employee bonuses. Does that count as big news?" Scarlett's face beamed with joy.

Despite the many hardships in her life, she always remained optimistic and enthusiastic. That's why I liked her and was willing to help her.

Archer was in a meeting, so Scarlett accompanied me to wait in his office.

As we passed by the executive office, I noticed several young, beautiful girls inside. All unfamiliar faces.

A strange thought crossed my mind:

Could Archer be paying more attention to his image because of one of them?

The sudden emergence of this idea startled me.

I immediately scoffed at myself:

What are you thinking? That is Archer!

Back when his company hosted beauty pageants, he was surrounded by countless stunning women, yet he remained completely uninvolved, without a hint of scandal.

Now, those girls... No way!

"What's wrong?" Scarlett asked.

I pursed my lips, but couldn't help asking:

"Did Archer hire new assistants?"

Scarlett thought for a moment.

"No new assistants as far as I know. Oh, you're talking about those girls. As the company expanded, there was a lot more external liaison work, so Mr. Stratton had a PR team put together so he could get home on time.

She looked at me with a playful smile, tilting her head. "Jade, you're a top-tier beauty, the cream of the crop. Are you really worried about this?"

I sighed, "Yeah, yeah, you've got me all figured out."

Scarlett hugged my shoulders and laughed, "Your overthinking habit died hard. Don't worry, they're specifically in charge of external socializing. Mr. Stratton never calls on them."

After Scarlett left, I sat in Archer's office chair, sighing as I looked at the row of my photos on the desk.

So it wasn't about the company, nor was it about pleasing someone else.

When a guy shaves, maybe he's just trying out a new razor, or maybe he's just in the mood.

Joy and Scarlett had already hit the nail on the head about me.

If I hadn't found a perfect husband like Archer, I'd probably worry myself to death with my daily obsessions!

I really am a sensitive soul, born to overthink.

A woman came in with her head bowed, bringing tea. She bent low at the waist, respectfully setting down the cup, and whispered:

"Mrs. Stratton, please don't hesitate to call me if you need anything."

I was taken aback for a moment.

This woman was Iris, Archer's secretary.

What I hadn't expected was...

She was still by Archer's side.