Chapter 9

The next day, Emily threw on her work clothes and headed to the office right on time, only to find her desk completely empty.

"Hey. Emily, I already packed up your stuff and put it in the storage room. Patrick wanted to toss it, but I convinced him to let me keep it for you." Shirley said, batting her seemingly innocent eyes.

Shirley's tricks might work on Patrick, but they had no effect on Emily. She didn't want to get into it with her at the moment.

Emily said calmly,"Okay,thanks."

Emily looked up. revealing the red marks on her collarbone from the previous day's intense encounter.

Shirley recalled how Patrick had rushed off yesterday. Could it be?She trembled with anger.

"Emily, Mr. Rivera asked me to let you know that starting today, you've been reassigned to the Canyon Ridge project team," HR said as they approached Emily, "YouI'll probably be there for a while."

"Alright."

Canyon Ridge was remote, with only about a dozen people in the so-called project team. It was said that the area was swarming with mosquitoes in the summer, and the office was just a few small prefab buildings. Generally, the only contact with the main office was during the end-of-month payroll. Even the janitors avoided the place.

"Patrick is trying to force you out in a different way. Do you still think you have what it takes and the charm?" Shirley's mood improved instantly.

Emily was also pleased. Her brother was currently at a special needs school in Canyon Ridge, and the project site was only a ten-minute drive from the school. Besides, staying at the main office would only make her the subject of gossip.

Emily completed her handover, took her things from the storage room, neatly packed them into a box, and left the company.

The two-hour drive to Canyon Ridge made Emily feel inexplicably irritable. When she arrived, she didn't go straight to the project team but headed to the special needs school.

The so-called school was more like a children's rehabilitation center.The sun was warm, and Emily walked into the school with a light step.

In the classroom, Emily immediately spotted her brother Gordon Thompson sitting in the corner. She quietly walked over to him.Gordon glanced up at her, then continued drawing, as if the world consisted only of him and his pencil.

Emily smiled helplessly. She understood Gordon's condition.Although he couldn't communicate like other kids, seeing him healthy and safe filled her with happiness.

She sat beside him, quietly accompanying him, enjoying the rare peace and closeness.

Just then, a familiar figure appeared in the classroom.

"Emily, what are you doing here?"

"Mr. Hughes?" Emily was surprised. Marlon was known as a playboy.yet here he was at a special needs school. It was unexpected.

Marlon explained. "I was just reassigned to take over the Canyon Ridge project. What about you?"

Emily said, "I'm volunteering here."

Marlon noticed the little boy next to Emily.

Marlon asked. "Gordon, is that an aircraft carrier you're drawing?"

Gordon nodded. "Yes."

Emily was shocked. No matter how hard she tried. Gordon never responded to her. She had even thought he might be mute rather than autistic.

"Every autistic child is like a star in the night sky. They have their own unique universe," Marlon said, sharing his insights aboutautistic children.

"They're curious about the world and want to interact,but they're afraid of rejection and misunderstanding. This conflict makes them feel lonely and helpless, trapping them in their ideal corner," Marlon continued.

Emily said, "I've never heard it explained that way before."

Marlon smiled. "If you're interested. Ms. Thompson, how about we grab a bite and chat more?"

Emily shook her head, "No, thanks. I need to head to the Canyon Ridge project team."

Marlon grinned. "Perfect timing. Wait a bit, and I'll give you a ride."

Emily replied, "No need, I drove."

Marlon insisted, "Ms. Thompson, you promised to treat me to a meal last time. You can't back out! Plus, I know a great place near the project site."

Marlon looked at Emily with innocent, hopeful eyes

Emily sighed, "Alright, I'll wait here."

Seeing Emily agree, Marlon's face lit up with a childlike smile, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

Meanwhile, Patrick sat in his office, deep in thought, before finally calling the Canyon Ridge project team.

"Emily hasn't arrived yet?" Patrick asked.

It was already afternoon, and the drive from the company to Canyon Ridge was only two and a half hours. Why wasn't she there yet?

Patrick paced his office anxiously.

"Shirley, cancel tonight's party!" Patrick ordered.

Shirley said in confusion. "But Patrick, there will be many industry leaders at the party. Is something urgent?"

Patrick replied. "Yes, I need to go somewhere important."

Shirley asked, "Can Icome with you?"

Shirley clung to Patrick, and he reluctantly agreed to take her along.

Patrick drove fast, his mind racing with countless worst-case scenarios.each one making his heart pound harder.

As they neared the project site, Patrick spotted Emily at a pasta restaurant by the road.

He slammed on the brakes, ignoring Shirley's protests, and walked straight to Emily. She was discussing autistic children with Marlon,occasionally smiling in a way Patrick had never seen before.

"Emily, it seems like you're really eager to see him, huh?" Patrick stood before her, seething with anger.

Emily looked up, surprised and slightly pleased to see him.

Shirley hurried over and clung to Patrick's arm.

"So this is the important place you mentioned," Shirley said,smirking.

"Emily, shouldn't you be at the project team? What are you doing here with Marlon? Are you two hiding something from us?" Shirley sneered at Emily and Marlon.

Patrick shouted, "Emily, you're really pushing my buttons!"

He stormed off, dragging Shirley to the car. He sped off.leaving Shirley bewildered.

Suddenly. Patrick slammed on the brakes. "Shirley, you can go back on your own."

Shirley was left standing alone, stunned.