The next day, Mary and Deniz decided to visit Diana's company after work to surprise Ava.
As they approached the building, the grandeur of the company left them speechless.
With her mouth slightly open, Deniz whispered:
"This is really Diana's company?... I can't believe it… Look at how magnificent and grand it is! Mary, was Diana a rich kid all along and we just didn't know?"
Mary shook her head uncertainly.
"I don't know… I'm shocked too. But I remember seeing her parents once at the school exhibition. They were simple people. Didn't look wealthy at all."
Deniz squinted.
"So Diana built this business empire from scratch?!"
Then, with a smirk, she added:
"Now I get why she hasn't married Yong yet… Love only beats money in the movies!"
Mary smiled.
"Well, what's it to us? Maybe she really loves Yong. If she didn't, she would've ended things long ago."
Deniz said suspiciously,
"That's exactly what makes it all suspicious…"
Mary laughed.
"Here we go, Detective Deniz again. Let's go find Ava. Come on!"
As they entered the building and headed toward the cafeteria, Deniz looked around wide-eyed.
"So this is what they mean by 'patience turns sour grapes into halva'... Look at Ava, she's way ahead of us. The cafeteria at our office is like a stable next to this five-star hotel!"
Mary smiled.
"Ava did say it was fancy, but I didn't imagine this… It's really elegant."
Deniz teased,
"What do you say we quit our jobs and come work here?"
Mary replied,
"With Ava? No, with Diana! Although I doubt Diana would hire you."
Deniz shrugged.
"I haven't even met her yet, but I already have a bad feeling about her…"
Just then, Ava saw them from across the room and came over with a smile.
"What are you two doing here? Why didn't you tell me?!"
Deniz laughed.
"We wanted to surprise you, but we ended up being the surprised ones!"
Ava chuckled.
"Well, yeah… this is where I work! Come sit. I'll be done in half an hour, and then we'll leave together."
Twenty minutes later, Ava returned to the table with a cup of coffee in her hand.
"By the way Mary, I forgot to ask last night… Did you thank Yong?"
Mary:
"No… I forgot. I'll call him now."
Deniz:
"Yeah, call him! Also ask if they're hiring—I'm in!"
Mary laughed and dialed with a smile.
"Hi Yong… How are you? I'm here with Ava at Diana's company cafeteria. Just wanted to thank you for your help."
Yong:
"No problem at all. I didn't do anything… I'm sure they accepted Ava for her own merit."
Mary:
"You're kind. We also wanted to thank Diana, if she has time."
Yong:
"Actually, I'm at the airport now. I came to pick Diana up. We're heading to the office—you can meet her here."
Mary:
"Great! We'll wait for you."
An hour later, Yong and Diana entered the building. On the way to her office, Yong said,
"Diana, if you've got a minute, let's stop by the cafeteria. Ava—the one I recommended—wants to thank you."
Diana said indifferently,
"Fine. I could use a coffee anyway."
When they entered the cafeteria, Yong walked over with a smile.
"Hi Mary… Ava… Deniz, you're here too?"
Deniz:
"Of course! I never miss a good scene!"
Mary:
"Hi Diana… I hope we're not bothering you."
Diana gave Mary a cold look, shook her hand briefly, and said,
"Thanks."
Ava stepped forward.
"Hello, I'm Ava. I wanted to personally thank you for the opportunity. I really appreciate it… And Mr. Yong too."
Diana, a little stiff and suspicious, asked:
"You were looking for a job? Are you related to Mary?"
Yong quickly replied:
"She's her sister. I mentioned that, didn't I?"
Diana raised an eyebrow.
"No… you didn't. That's why I was surprised."
For a moment, the atmosphere grew tense. But Diana quickly regained her composure.
"I hope you're satisfied with your work. I'll speak to the team on your behalf."
Ava smiled.
"Thank you very much."
Yong said:
"Diana, how about we have a coffee together?"
Diana stood up.
"No, dear. I've got work. A new project is waiting. You go ahead. I'll head to my office."
Yong looked at her, surprised, but said nothing. Diana left. Yong sat down and took his coffee. Mary whispered,
"Yong… why didn't you tell Diana that Ava is my sister? She seemed upset."
Yong shrugged.
"Come on… she's just tired. She just got back from a trip and her schedule is packed."
Deniz added:
"Yeah, she did seem tired. Don't worry, Mary."
Ava said firmly,
"I won't let you down. I'll work as hard as I can."
Yong laughed.
"Whoa, why is everything getting so serious?"
After saying goodbye, Mary, Deniz, and Ava left the building. Mary was quiet, lost in thought. Deniz noticed and whispered in her ear,
"Are you upset about Diana?"
Mary sighed.
"A little… I don't know why she acted like that."
Deniz whispered:
"Don't say anything in front of Ava. Now that she's been hired, Diana can't take it back."
Mary nodded, head down.
Meanwhile, Yong entered Diana's office. Diana looked at him coldly.
"Didn't I tell you to stay away from Mary?"
"You did."
Diana:
"Are you trying to spite me? How could you bring her sister here?"
Yong said calmly:
"She's not here. Besides, Ava's really talented. She could turn the cafeteria into a brand."
Diana gave him a sharp look.
"I know better what's good for my company."
Yong replied bitterly:
"Your company? Did you forget I provided half the capital? It was from selling my father's land. Just because I never said anything, you assumed it's all yours?"
Diana gave a fake smile.
"Darling, I'll always be grateful to you… You've always been by my side. I just don't like that girl. Please keep your distance."
Yong stood up, a frown in his eyes.
"Diana, I'm starting to feel like you're trying to control me. I don't want that. I know how to behave."
Diana paused, then stood up and hugged him.
"I'm sorry… I just… love you, like always. That's why I worry."
Yong said shortly,
"I'm leaving. I have to meet a friend. Goodbye."
As Yong walked out, Diana slammed her hand on the desk and muttered under her breath,
"Damn him… Where did that girl even come from?"