Callia looked a little embarrassed. "I feel guilty that Chloe had to cancel her business dinner for me."
"Once work is over, you and Chloe aren't boss and employee anymore. You're like sisters, so don't feel guilty." Jane immediately wrapped an arm around Callia's and said, "Besides, I promised your mother that I'd take good care of you."
"I can take care of myself. I'm twenty-two. I'm not a child anymore."
"No matter how old you get, you'll still be a child in our eyes. Chloe told me you're still living in the company-provided dormitory. Why don't you stay at a hotel or come live with us? Your family owns a house here, too."
Callia replied, “The dorm is more convenient. I'm only working a summer job, and my income is limited. I don't want to spend all my money before I've earned it."
The company-provided dormitory made commuting easy.
It was also the most affordable option.
"That makes sense, but if you ever need anything, just tell us. And if anyone gives you a hard time, you must speak up," Iris reminded her.
Callia nodded.
She may be young and lacking in life experience, but she was not someone who allowed herself to be pushed around. She would not allow others to bully her, nor would she silently accept being treated unfairly.
Ever since high school, she had chosen to live on campus and experience life in a shared community.
She was intelligent, attractive, academically gifted, and excellent with people. Despite concealing her identity as the daughter of the wealthiest family in Wiltspoon, she still fit in effortlessly, made plenty of friends, and earned the affection of both teachers and classmates.
When she worked temporary jobs during her previous summer and winter breaks, she also got along well with her coworkers. Some companies had no idea who she really was. They simply recognized her talent and work ethic. Several had even told her that once she graduated, she could join their company immediately.
She had collected countless business cards from executives who hoped she would work for them after graduation.
Of course, if they had known her true identity, they probably would not have made those offers.
Callia's own plan was to start a business after graduation. Her current temporary job was simply a way to gain experience and build a foundation for her future venture.
Her brother and cousins either managed the family business or had started companies of their own. Those who chose entrepreneurship generally found success after a few difficult years, but naturally, none of their companies could compare to the family business. That comparison was simply impossible.
York Corporation had been built and strengthened over several generations, so its foundation and influence were unmatched.
For a young entrepreneur, simply surviving and establishing a stable company was already an achievement. Catching up to a conglomerate like York Corporation, which had been developed by generations of the York family, was far easier said than done.
A short while later, Chloe came downstairs.
Even though she had officially finished work for the day, she was still discussing company matters with several senior executives as they walked.
When she spotted Jane, she said, "Let's continue this tomorrow."
The executives immediately greeted Jane and Iris respectfully. They also glanced at Callia a few times. Within FC & Co., Callia was just an ordinary junior employee. Those executives had no idea who she was, so they were curious why she was standing beside the CEO's mother.
Still, despite their curiosity, no one asked any questions.
After exchanging farewells, the executives left.
Chloe greeted Jane and Iris before walking over and linking arms with Callia. A special kind of affection appeared in her smile whenever she looked at Callia.
"Come on. Let's go home for dinner." As they walked, Chloe asked, "How's work been? Are you settling in okay?"
Callia replied, “I've adapted just fine. Honestly, I'm enjoying it. At least it's better than working at my family's company."