Chapter 2
Eva never managed to have a third child.
I knew it was the result of a tug-of-war between several sides.
So, I became even more attentive to Robin.
He was the Floyd family's only heir, and Russell had already mapped out his entire future for him.
First, Robin was supposed to study at a great school in Vinands, then come back and take over the family business.
But Robin refused.
After graduating and returning to his home country, he started his own company.
After Sapphire passed away, her brother, out of concern for Robin, helped him secure plenty of investment.
Thanks to that, Robin's company was thriving right from the start.
Robin buried himself in work, first leaving early and coming home late, and then eventually moving out of the Floyd family home altogether.
He was barely around anymore.
It was driving me crazy.
Finally, graduation was just around the corner.
At dinner, I seized the moment to bring up my wish to intern at Robin's company.
Russell and Eva exchanged a glance, and Eva tugged at his sleeve.
"Barbara's got ambition. That's a good thing," Russell said.
He poured Robin a glass of wine.
"You're her big brother. You gotta help her out," he said.
Robin swirled his wine, gave me a sidelong look, and didn't say yes or no.
I knew he must be feeling disgusted.
But as long as I could stay by his side, I'd put up with anything.
I lowered my head, curling up like a bullied little quail.
"Brother, I promise I won't cause you any trouble," I said softly.
Robin gave a cold snort, grunted, "Whatever," and got up to leave.
Russell's face darkened.
I watched Robin walk away, a satisfied smile curling on my lips.
A week later, I showed up at the company to start my internship.
The receptionist gave me a once-over, then waved over a security guard.
"We don't hire temps here," she said coldly.
Her voice was icy, and she looked at me like I was some kind of beggar.
I clenched my fists, then let them go.
Just as I was about to step up to explain myself, a security guard grabbed me from behind.
He barked, "Get lost.
"What could someone like you even do here? You're not even qualified to be a security guard!"
I was shoved out the front door, and behind me, I could hear people laughing and jeering.
The sun was blazing.
I tried calling Robin, but it went straight to voicemail. I texted him, too, but he totally ignored me.
I knew this was his way of bossing me around.
I waited outside the company building until nine at night.
At long last, that familiar Porsche showed up.
Robin was the first to step out.
He looked a bit unsteady on his feet, and his usually cold eyes had a hint of redness to them.
His tie was hanging loosely around his neck.
The cuffs of his white shirt were carelessly rolled up, showing off his toned forearms.
He looked like he'd just wrapped up some after-hours schmoozing.
I stood there, hesitating, wondering if I really wanted to poke the bear right now.
After all, a cold, high-and-mighty man was even more impossible to deal with after he had a few drinks.
Just as I was about to turn away, Robin suddenly moved to the other side of the car.
He opened the door, bent down, and placed his left hand firmly on the roof to protect whoever was inside.
"Careful," Robin said.
His tone was flat, completely indifferent.
As soon as the person in the back seat looked up and locked eyes with him, I caught a soft smile tugging at Robin's lips.
It was genuine happiness, excitement, a side of Robin I'd never seen before.
Only after the car pulled away did I realize the person beside him was a girl.
She wore dark jeans and a plain white tee, her hair in a simple high ponytail, holding a stack of documents in her arms.
She had that raw, youthful look. She was definitely a recent college grad.
It turned out that Robin likes this type.
I honestly thought he didn't even like girls.
From childhood all the way up, Robin was always surrounded by girls chasing after him.
I'd collect his love letters at school and burn them at home.
I did that for five straight years.
All those years, the backyard grass got fat off the ashes of his love letters, but Robin never once showed a hint of romance.
I would've never guessed he'd finally fall for someone now.
The girl he fell for was so different, so refreshingly unique.
I hesitated for a moment, then turned and walked right up to him.
"Brother, I've been waiting for you all day," I said softly.
Robin's smile dropped instantly.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone cold.
He frowned, acting clueless.
But I caught a playful glint in his gorgeous eyes.
"Come on, just let me intern here, okay?" I said, trying to sound as sweet as possible.