Chapter 913 Your Attitude
Jade woke up to shrill cry of her alarm clock on Monday morning, yet, instead of the usual groggy resistance, a jolt of pure excitement ripped her from sleep. Today was the day.
She stretched leisurely, savoring the moment before swinging her legs over the side of the bed and standing up.
Today wasn't just any Monday; it was her first day at I-Global, and she couldn't wait to get back to the office after such a long hiatus.
Today was going to be the start of something new, and she was ready to meet her new colleagues and dive into her work with fresh energy. The thought of a fresh start, new faces, and the exhilarating challenge of proving herself had her practically vibrating with energy.
Her heart raced with excitement as she walked over to her wardrobe, running her fingers over the array of clothes hanging neatly.
Today required something special, something that made a statement. Her hand paused on a navy blue pant-suit, stylishly tailored to fit her perfectly. She pulled it out, admiring the sleek lines and the way it exuded confidence and professionalism.
Not wanting to dwell on anything else but work, Jade quickly went in to freshen up so she would be ready to leave for the office with Tom and Lucy.
She knew that going back to work would help her all around. She was her most confident when it involved her job, and right now, she needed all the confidence boost in the world.
As she slipped into the suit, she felt a surge of determination. She wasn't going to hide under her brothers' shadows. She was Jade Hank, after all.
She was going to make a name for herself here in the exact same way she had succeeded in Varis and made a name for herself there.
After a quick glance in the mirror to ensure everything was in place, Jade grabbed her bag and headed out of her bedroom.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air as she went down the stairs, and she followed it to the kitchen where she found Tom and Lucy, both equally ready for work.
"Wow, Jade," Tom whistled, a playful grin spreading across his face. "You look sharp!"
Lucy, ever the fashionista, appraised her outfit with a discerning eye. "Love the suit! It looks perfect on you. Classic yet stylish. Perfect first impression material." Nnêw n0vel chapters are published at novelhall.com
Jade smiled, twirling a bit to showcase the elegant fabric. "Thanks, guys. I thought I'd make a good impression on my first day. No need to worry, I won't let you down on the fashion front."
Tom chuckled, setting down his coffee mug. "So, are you taking your own car to work today, or do you want to join us?"
Jade raised an eyebrow and tilted her head, amusement sparkling in her eyes. "Why would I take a different car? We're all headed to the same place, right?" She asked as she poured herself some coffee.
Lucy, ever perceptive, picked up on the unspoken worry. "Just thought maybe... In case you feel uncomfortable..."
"Why would I feel uncomfortable?" Jade asked, completely lost now.
"You know, first day and all, some people might get the wrong idea if you showed up with the CEO or think you got the job just because you're the CEO's sister." Lucy explained, her tone gentle but concerned.
Jade laughed, a light, carefree sound. "Even the chief judge here in Ludus admitted that I have an impressive record. Do you know what that means? I've worked hard, Lu, harder than most who are older than me. I've taken on risky and life threatening cases. I proved myself. I'm here because I want to be here, and anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool, and honestly, I have nothing to prove to a fool. And if they're so bothered about it, they should go get a job at their own brother's company," she said, mixing in the cream and sugar into her coffee.
Tom chuckled, clearly pleased with her confidence. Here was the fiery, independent Jade he knew and loved, back and ready to take on the world. Tom beamed with pride at his sister's confidence.
Lucy, too, couldn't help but admire Jade's confidence, her own worries easing. "Well said, Jade."
"Thanks. So? Aren't we having breakfast before we leave?" Jade asked when she noticed that Tom was merely drinking from a mug of coffee while Lucy was having a glass of juice.
Harry, caught off guard by her friendly greeting, blinked in surprise. Should he be worried about this friendly Jade? Or relieved that the frost between them seemed to be thawing?
"Good morning, Jade. I'm okay. How are you?" Harry asked, trying to regain his composure.
"Great, thanks! Starting a new chapter today," she replied, her smile unwavering. "You have a good day, alright?"
She turned to Tom and Lucy who were staring at them both, "I'm off. Have a good day," Jade said with a wave before walking away.
Harry watched her go, then turned to Tom and Lucy. "What was that?" he asked with a frown.
Lucy raised a brow, her expression neutral. "What was what?" She asked, not seeing anything wrong in what Jade had done.
"Is it just me or did you see what I'm talking about?" Harry asked Tom since he believed Tom would understand him better.
Tom chuckled, amused by the exchange, "I did. Would you have preferred if she was cold?" He asked, and Lucy resisted the urge to roll her eyes at them both.
"I'm off," Lucy said as she leaned in to kiss Tom on the cheek. "Have a nice day you two," she said to them both before heading to the elevator.
"Wait up. I don't see why the hurry when we are all taking the elevator," Tom said as he and Harry followed.
Lucy joined Jade in the elevator, and before the doors could close, Tom and Harry stepped inside too.
Although Jade could feel Harry's gaze on her, she didn't spare him a glance as she busied with her phone and once the elevator door opened at her floor, she got out of the elevator, and Harry got out with her to Tom'a amusement.
"Jade," he called before she could walk away and she looked at him.
"Yes, Harry?" She asked with a friendly smile.
"What are you doing?" He asked and she shook her head.
"Like what?"
"Your attitude."
"What about it?" She asked, and his brows pulled together.
He didn't know how to explain it, but he wasn't comfortable, "Why are you being so friendly?"
"Friendly? You were the one who said we didn't have to be enemies..."
"And you said you couldn't," he reminded her.
"So, you'd rather I act like we are enemies? At work?" She asked, and he shook his head.
"No. That's not what I mean," Harry said, while Jade stared at him patiently like she had all the time in the world.
"Make up your mind, Harry. And let me know what you decide when you're done," she said with a small smile, and squeezed his hand gently before walking away.
As Jade walked away, the smile slid off her face and she took a deep breath. She wished he knew just how hard seeing him was, and how she was trying her best to stay away from him until she was confident that she could be with him without any of those unhealthy feelings cropping up and getting in the way.