“I don’t believe that for a second.” Hadley pressed her lips together, a knowing smile playing at the corners. “I don’t know what you’re plotting, but I’m certain you have a master plan.”
“Oh?” Eric arched an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. “You have that much faith in me?”
The elevator chimed its arrival at that precise moment.
Hadley guided him inside and nodded confidently. “Of course…”
Then, narrowing her eyes with playful suspicion, she added, “Besides, I suspect that your bringing me to the office every day isn’t solely about my care.”
“Nonsense!” Eric’s expression darkened defensively. “Of course it’s for you!”
“Hey…” Hadley shrugged casually. “Don’t get defensive. That’s not what I meant… I just think you might harbor additional motives.”
“Is that so?” Eric’s lips curved into an enigmatic smile, his tone turning playful. “Then enlighten me—what other motives do I possess?”
“Well…” Hadley frowned thoughtfully, shaking her head. “That remains a mystery. Why don’t you enlighten me?”
“You’re so perceptive…” Eric chuckled, his expression turning mysteriously secretive. “I’ll let you unravel that puzzle yourself.”
The elevator jolted to a stop, and he encircled her waist as they stepped into the corridor. Then he murmured to her, “Come on, you settle into my lounge while I attend my meeting.”
Hearing that, Hadley pouted adorably. “Fine, if you won’t reveal your secrets, I’ll uncover them myself. I’m confident I can.”
Eric’s smile deepened with anticipation. “I’ll be eagerly waiting, then.”
Upon reaching the CEO’s office, Eric ensured Hadley was comfortable in the lounge before departing for the conference room with Phillips.
Left to her own devices, Hadley entertained herself with her tablet for a while. When thirst struck, she checked the mini-fridge but found only chilled cans of soda. Craving something warm and comforting, she decided to venture outside.
The space beyond the CEO’s office opened into a sprawling area where the secretarial staff maintained their workstations.
? ? gν
When Hadley emerged, the secretaries remained oblivious to her presence, clustered together in animated discussion.
“Is it true?”
“Absolutely true!” One secretary, balancing a tray in her hands, gestured dramatically toward the conference room. “I just delivered coffee and heard it with my own ears! Mr. Scott actually announced he’s handing the project over to Gifford…”
“Miss Pearson.”
“Miss Pearson…”
Before their gossip could continue, the secretaries suddenly spotted Hadley. One hurried over with a professional smile. “Do you need assistance? You can simply press the call button inside, and we’ll respond immediately.”
“It’s nothing urgent.” Hadley smiled warmly. “I’d like a cup of coffee, please.”
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Message from Noah: Wishing all my dear readers a wonderful weekend! A new novel will be out in just a few hours. God loves you, and Noah wishes you all the best. ? ? ?
P.S. I’ll be running a poll in the gaInovels WhatsApp group to see what you’d like to read next. Hope I can bring something you’re wishing for ★
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