Chapter 5 Can't Change It, Then Replace It
After hanging up, the bedroom fell silent once more.
Henry suddenly leaned in close, his warm breath tickling her ear. "Why didn't you stick up for her?"
Amelia turned her face away, avoiding his breath. "That's between you two. It's not my place to get involved."
Henry chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on her face. His laugh had a magnetic quality, especially clear in the quiet bedroom. He moved even closer, almost brushing her ear. "What did you say earlier? That I am really tired tonight?"
His tone carried a hint of flirtation, like a feather teasing Amelia's heart.
Her cheeks warmed instantly, and she shifted uncomfortably to the side. "I was just saying that. Don't read too much into it."
"I'm not reading into anything," Henry laughed softly, his eyes locking onto hers like hooks. "But you did remind me, I am pretty tired today."
Feeling uneasy under his gaze, Amelia threw off the covers and got up. "I'm going to get a glass of water."
The living room downstairs was pitch dark, except for a dim wall light in the hallway.
Amelia walked to the water dispenser and filled a glass with cold water. She had just taken a sip when she heard footsteps from upstairs.
Looking up, she saw Hayden coming down the stairs in his pajamas.
"Why are you up?" Hayden asked, his tone concerned. "Did you have a fight with Henry?"
"No," Amelia shook her head.
Hayden glanced at the glass in her hand and turned towards the kitchen. "Come with me."
After a moment's hesitation, Amelia followed him.
Hayden opened the fridge, took out a carton of milk, and poured it into a cup before heating it in the microwave.
Soon, he handed her a warm cup of milk. "You shouldn't drink cold water with your stomach issues," he said gently.
Amelia kept her distance and didn't take the cup. "Thanks, but no need."
"Take it," Hayden insisted, pushing the milk towards her. "If you really had a fight with Henry, just tell me. I'll set him straight."
Amelia responded coolly, "I was just thirsty. I'm going back to bed now."
Without looking at Hayden again, she turned and quickly walked back to the bedroom.
Despite their good relationship in the past, she was married now and knew she needed to keep her distance.
Henry was still lying in bed when she returned. He raised an eyebrow. "What took you so long?"
"Nothing," Amelia said, getting back under the covers and turning her back to him. "Let's sleep."
This time, Henry didn't tease her, and the bedroom soon fell silent again.
Amelia, however, tossed and turned for a long time before finally falling into a deep sleep.
Morning came.
When Amelia woke up, Henry was already gone.
As she went downstairs, she saw Henry and Hayden sitting at the dining table, a noticeable distance between them, as if they were strangers. Neither spoke.
Ava greeted her warmly. "Amelia, you're up? Come have breakfast."
"Okay," Amelia replied, sitting down at the other end of the table.
After breakfast, Henry and Hayden left the Phillips Villa one after the other, heading to the office.
Rhea mentioned she had a business trip and left early.
Amelia called a cab and headed to the office as well.
As soon as she entered the building, she overheard a few female employees whispering in the break room.
"Did you hear? Mr. Phillips was out with Emily again last night."
"Really? Isn't he married?"
"So what? Rich people are all like that. Luckily, Ms. Martinez is around to handle his PR messes."
"Mr. Phillips is good-looking and rich, but why is he such a player? Whoever marries him will have to worry forever."
They fell silent when they saw Amelia approaching, looking embarrassed.
Amelia smiled at them as if she hadn't heard anything. "It's okay, don't mind me."
But the employees quickly found excuses to leave, not daring to continue.
"Ms. Martinez became Mr. Phillips' secretary soon after joining the company. We can't gossip in front of her," one of them muttered. "She might report back to him."
Ignoring their comments, Amelia walked straight to her office.
She turned on her computer and began reviewing the Phillips Group's advertising plan.
As she read, her brow furrowed.
She picked up the phone and dialed the project manager's number. "Mr. Perez, there's an issue with the ad plan. I'd like to discuss it in person."
Terry Perez hesitated. "Ms. Martinez, I'm in Mr. Phillips' office right now. It's not convenient for me to leave."
Before he finished speaking, Henry's lazy voice came through the phone. "Let her come here. We'll discuss it together."
Amelia tightened her grip on the phone, debating whether to go. The line went dead.
Sighing, she straightened her clothes and headed to Henry's office.
As she reached the door, she heard Terry's obsequious voice inside. "Don't worry, Mr. Phillips. The ad plan is perfect. Ms. Martin has approved it, and it will meet all expectations."
Amelia knocked on the door.
"Come in," Henry's voice called out, still carrying that lazy tone.
She entered to find Terry standing by the desk, a sycophantic smile on his face.
Henry lounged in his leather chair, a cigar unlit between his fingers, his gaze coolly assessing her.
"Mr. Phillips, Mr. Perez," Amelia nodded in greeting, placing the printed ad plan on the desk. "Mr. Perez, I reviewed the plan and found several issues."
Terry's smile faltered but quickly returned. "What are your concerns, Ms. Martinez?"
Amelia pointed to several spots on the plan. "Here, the spokesperson's outfit doesn't match our brand's image. It's too revealing and not in line with the Phillips Group's style."
"And here, the slogan is too exaggerated and lacks sincerity, which could turn off consumers."
"Also, this set of shots focuses too much on the spokesperson and not enough on the product, which is counterproductive."
Terry wrung his hands, looking troubled. "Ms. Martinez, these changes are difficult."
"Why?" Amelia asked, looking him in the eye.
"These are Ms. Martin's requirements," Terry said, looking pained. "She's a hard-won spokesperson for us..."
Amelia's expression remained unchanged. "If it can't be changed, then we'll find a new spokesperson."