As the realization dawned on the others that it was nothing more than a misunderstanding, their expressions softened into pity, though it did little to curb their curiosity.
Normally, I might have smiled politely, but not this time. I did not care about their flattery or empty words. My mind was entirely focused on what I had just seen. Without looking at anyone else, I turned to Caleb with a cold expression.
"That necklace. The one that the secretary was wearing just now… wasn't that the same one you gave me last time? The one I told you I didn't like because I thought the design was not my style? How on earth did it end up on her?"
I spent the entire night sulking, unable to shake the bitterness gnawing at my heart. Even though Caleb tried to explain it away, claiming that the necklace he gave Scarlett was part of the company's employee benefits, I refused to let him off so easily.
"Then you shouldn't give away something so personal." To me, gifting a necklace was an intimate gesture, far too private to be dismissed as a mere work perk.
"Nora, dear, please don't be upset. I wasn't thinking clearly. You know, I'm a man, sometimes I can be insensitive, but I swear I didn't mean anything by it. It won't happen again in the future." His apology sounded sincere and laced with regret.
However, his words did not ease the tight knot in my chest. I did not want to say anything else and did not feel like prolonging the conversation. I could not shake off the unease and sleep did not come easy that night.
Morning arrived far too soon and I woke up with a pounding headache, my temples throbbing with every beat of my heart. Rubbing my temples, I slowly got out of bed and opened the door.
As I glanced downstairs, I was met with an unwelcome sight. Scarlett and Caleb sitting together on the sofa. They were not sitting too close, though, just facing each other. However, something about the scene felt... off. Irritating, even.
Caleb noticed me coming down and stood up with a gentle smile on his face. "Nora, you're awake. Quick, come down. I know you were upset yesterday, so I asked Scarlett to come over early this morning to apologize in person."
I cast a cold, indifferent glance at Scarlett. Her expression had not changed from last night. There was no guilt, no regret. If anything, her eyes still carried that same subtle hint of provocation.