+25 BONUS
Chapter 13 Can You Not Blow My Cover?
Bianca was already waiting for her at the practice field.
She wore a pale yellow athletic dress that hugged her curves in all the right places, her voluminous wavy hair bouncing
with every step–youthful, sexy, and irresistible.
She gave Candice a once–over and sighed, clearly disappointed. “Girl, seriously, you might as well throw a scarf over
your neck while you’re at it.”
Candice chuckled lightly. “I’m here for a job interview, not a date.”
She didn’t think there was anything wrong with her outfit–a sky–blue tracksuit, her hair tied into a neat high ponytail,
and subtle natural makeup. Clean, presentable, professional. Totally fine.
“Babe, men are visual creatures,” Bianca reminded her with a dramatic sigh.
“If Charlie just wanted eye candy for a chief secretary, that position wouldn’t still be vacant.”
“Being hot and capable aren’t mutually exclusive, you know.” Bianca poked her playfully. “Lucky for you, I brought a
spare outfit. We’re about the same size–wear it.”
Before Candice could argue, Bianca dragged her into the changing room and basically forced her into it.
Candice couldn’t really protest–after all, she was here thanks to Bianca’s connections.
When she stepped out, she was transformed into a total bombshell.
A tight white sleeveless top paired with a black pleated mini–skirt that showed off every curve–chest, waist, hips-
nothing left to the imagination. Her creamy legs were smooth and toned, enough to drive any man crazy.
“Oh. My. GOD-~~” Bianca covered her mouth in mock shock. “Candice, you’ve been hiding this body all along? Kyle must be blind not to want you. And Mia Jones? Please, she doesn’t even compare!”
Candice pretended not to hear the last part.
She stared at her reflection, biting her lip. Dressed like this… would Charlie Clemens think she was trying to seduce him?
“Bianca, I really think-”
“Shhh.” Bianca held up a finger and picked up her phone. “Hello? Mr. Emerson? You and Mr. Clemens are already there? Alright, we’re on our way!”
With that, Candice didn’t get a chance to change back.
1/5
Chapter 13 Can You Not Blow My Cover?
They headed off to meet the infamous Mr. Clemens.
On the way, Candice leaned closer. “Bianca, have you ever actually met Charlie Clemens?”
+25 BONUS
“Once, yeah. I was six. My parents took me to the Clemens family’s New Year banquet. Charlie was just a chubby little
cutie back then–pale, round, and baby–faced. But he moved overseas in his teens, so not many people have seen him
around since.”
“Oh…”
Pale, round, baby–faced… Suddenly, all Candice could picture was a steaming pork bun.
The golf cart made a turn onto the fairway, revealing a lush green lawn stretching out ahead.
Beyond it were woods and a lake. Closer by, two men were chatting in their athletic gear.
Candice’s eyes landed on one of them–and her vision went black for a second.
The one in navy top and tan slacks was Mr. Emerson.
The man beside him, half a head taller, wore a crisp white tracksuit. He stood tall and elegant, with broad shoulders, a
narrow waist, and an aura of refined confidence. Even from the side, his features looked like they were carved from light
and shadow–like some walking I*******m filter.
Candice’s heart dropped.
She recognized Mr. Emerson. Which meant… the man next to him had to be-
“Charlie Clemens!” Bianca gasped in a low, giddy whisper. “Oh my god. He looks nothing like he did as a kid! When did he get so tall and hot? I’m officially swooning.”
I’m doomed, Candice thought.
“You too? What, did you fall head over heels for Charlie Clemens at first sight?” Bianca teased.
…
Candice’s face was a mix of regret and horror.
The cart came to a stop.
The two men turned toward them. Mr. Emerson smiled and waved, his gaze lingering on Candice, clearly impressed.
Charlie’s eyes flickered–surprised for a moment–then turned cool, distant, and unreadable. Like he’d suddenly
dropped ten degrees.
2/6
Chapter 13 Can You Not Blow My Cover?
Bianca dragged Candice toward them.
Alright, fine. Since she was already here, she might as well go all in.
+25 BONUS
“Mr. Emerson, Mr. Clemens,” Bianca greeted them warmly. Then she turned to Charlie with an enthusiastic grin. “This
is my bestie, Candice. She came just to meet Mr. Clemens today.”
Candice smiled politely, hiding the nerves churning inside her.
Mr. Emerson smirked. “No wonder Miss Hale showed up looking like a goddess today. So it wasn’t me she was interested in–it was Mr. Clemens. Ambitious.”
Candice ignored his teasing and nodded to him, then turned to Charlie with composure. “Mr. Clemens, it’s a pleasure to
meet you.”
Right after the words left her mouth, she realized something was off.
Her eyes twitched.
Dammit, stupid muscle memory!
“Pleasure to meet me?” Charlie’s tone was light, his gaze unreadable as it landed on her face.
44
“…” Candice kept her smile steady, even as her mind screamed. She doubled down, adding with exaggerated cheer, “Really happy to finally meet you.”
Then, nervously–hopefully–she looked at him.
Please don’t blow my cover…
Charlie seemed to read her mind and chuckled softly. “Miss Hale does look very happy.”
His voice was deep, rich, and laced with an unmistakable amusement. Every word felt like it was dipped in fondness.
That smile?
Bianca and Mr. Emerson both froze for a second.
Wait… did she just charm him that easily?!
Bianca threw Candice a look that said “See? I told you the outfit was a killer move.
Candice sighed internally.
That wasn’t a compliment… He was totally teasing me.
375
Chapter 13 Can You Not Blow My Cover?
They started the round of golf.
+25 BONUS
Charlie was excellent. Mr. Emerson held his own too. Bianca and Candice hit a few balls here and there, mostly just
vibing and looking cute.
After a while, they moved to the shaded lounge area for a break.
Bianca conveniently roped Mr. Emerson into helping her shop for a new club inside the clubhouse–giving Candice and
Charlie some alone time.
Charlie sat down.
Candice hurried to open a water bottle and offered it to him like a fangirl on a mission.
He stared at her hand for a moment, then casually took it—but placed it on the table without drinking.
Candice sighed internally again.
Yeah. Not looking good.
“Miss Hale,” Charlie said lazily, wiping sweat from his forehead with a towel. “You went through a lot of trouble just to meet me. You’re not here to ask for my measurements, are you?”
Two shots of sarcasm in one sentence.
Candice pressed her lips together and thought for a moment. “Saying this was our first meeting was a slip. The reason I asked Jim about you last time… was because I accidentally ruined your suit. I wanted to replace it.”
“And the reason I wanted to meet you today,” she added, straightening slightly, “is because I heard you’re looking for a secretary,”
She even switched from “you” to the more formal “sir” mid–sentence. Clearly showing she meant business.
Charlie set down the towel and didn’t hesitate. “You’re not suitable.”
Then he stood and walked off toward the woods.
No questions. Just rejection.
Candice blinked, then frowned and followed him.
Meanwhile, not far off, another golf cart cruised down the fairway.
4/5
Chapter 13 Can You Not Blow My Cover?
Kyle was in it with some clients–and Mia Jones was sitting beside him.
Kyle’s eyes landed on the curvy figure ahead.
His brows furrowed.
That silhouette… way too familiar.
And way too hot.
