Chapter 5: Engagement

The two strolled into Pansy Group, and the photo shoot went off without a hitch. Some of the clothing choices didn't meet Carl's taste, leading to a few complaints. However, whenever Jane reassured him, his opinion took an immediate U-turn. Her presence had an almost magical effect on him.

If he veered off course, one of Jane's glances would set him right. Carl was not only respectful, but also somewhat fearful of her. It wasn't just gratitude for her past heroics; he worried she might give him a spanking if he irritated her.

Despite Carl's potentially hindering attitude, what was estimated to take five hours ended in just two.

Once the shoot was over, Carl grabbed Jane's arm and suggested, "Let's go. We have a lot of catching up to do. Dinner's on me."

"No, I can't. I'm still on duty," Jane coldly rejected him.

A few employees were still on set, pretending to be busy while gossiping about the unfolding drama.

"Did Carl offer Jane dinner and get turned down?"

"Wow, what's going on? Doesn't she know who he is? Most girls would jump at the chance. She's acting pretty haughty."

"I'd gladly trade places with her and quit my job just to spend some time with Carl. Jane is a fool."

Rejected, Carl felt almost defeated. After a moment's thought, he inquired, "By the way, why did you start working here? Did your family go bankrupt? If so, I can support you. You don't have to work here, okay?"

Jane rolled her eyes and replied, "You don't know the whole story, Carl. If you'll excuse me..."

She returned to work, leaving everyone expecting a dramatic exit from Carl in frustration.

However, to their surprise, he managed a helpless smile and headed to the lounge to wait for Jane until her shift was over.

At closing time, Patrick walked out of his office and told Jane, "Grandpa has a reservation at a restaurant. Let's go have dinner."

Patrick had been reluctant to go, but Mike had resorted to threats. The old man had experienced a heart attack and, during a video call, he said, "You must go. If you don't, I'll pull the plug on this ventilator. Do you want me to die?"

Patrick had no choice but to comply.

Jane was about to respond when Carl entered the room. "Jane, are you off duty now? Shall we have dinner?"

It wasn't until Patrick cleared his throat that Carl realized he wasn't alone. "Oh, Patrick, you're here!"

Had Jane and Carl known each other all along? Patrick watched the two of them in puzzlement.

Jane, who had remained quiet until then, finally spoke. "How about we all have dinner together?"

In the end, the three of them made their way to the restaurant where Mike had made a reservation.

During the ride, Carl engaged in animated conversation with Jane, who responded warmly from time to time. When they arrived, Carl's chivalrous side emerged as he held the door for Jane, pulled out a chair for her, served her food, and filled her wine glass. Patrick found himself playing a supporting role, as if they were in their own world and he was simply a bystander.

"By the way, you still haven't told me why you decided to work at Pansy Group. Is there something between you and Patrick?" Carl had a suspicion that there might be more to their relationship.

Glancing at Patrick, Jane replied, "My grandfather asked me to work here. As for what's between us... we're engaged."

Carl nearly choked on his water.

"Wait, you two are what? What a small world we live in! So, you're the country girl Patrick is engaged to?"

Jane nodded nonchalantly.

The rumors of their engagement had spread far and wide in Guavo, so Carl was already aware of it. Given his knowledge of Jane's background, he couldn't help but sigh at how misguided the media had been. She might be from the countryside, but she was far from poor. The North family was incredibly wealthy, with dozens of mansions scattered around the world.

"Are you two in love?" Carl asked, looking at them incredulously.

Jane responded calmly, "Don't get the wrong idea. We're not in love. The engagement will be called off in three months."

Carl let out a sigh of relief and nodded.

In a candid admission, he said, "That's good. Patrick doesn't deserve you. I'm even better than him. You two are completely different. He's cold and boring. A marriage between you two would be a disaster."

Patrick angrily stabbed a piece of steak and chewed it vigorously.

Carl wasn't worthy of Jane? What nonsense! "By the way, Carl, your brother asked me to purchase the car you've always wanted. He plans to gift it to you. I thought..."

"Come on, Patrick. I didn't mean it like that. Can't you take a joke anymore?" Carl offered an awkward smile.

They enjoyed a pleasant meal.

Upon leaving the restaurant, Jane and Patrick bid Carl farewell.

"Goodbye, Jane! I'll come to visit whenever I have some free time."

Jane patted Carl's head as they hugged, waving to him.

"Farewell, Carl. Take care!"

She patted him affectionately, as if he were a pet dog, like her Alaskan Malamute. But in Patrick's eyes, it seemed as if she were flirting with him.

He grumbled and climbed into the car.

On the way back, he finally voiced his complaint, "Now I see why you were so confident when you said you'd never fall in love with me. You're in love with someone else."