Chapter 102
I mulled it over in my head. I initially pegged her as a bubbly person. But having her support could prove useful in navigating this new territory.
“Lunch sounds fine,” I said, matching her smile. “Noon?”
Her face lit up. “Perfect. I know just the place. This is going to be great, Jane. I have a feeling we’re going to work really well together.” She practically bounced on her toes, and I had to suppress a smile at the enthusiasm. With one last smile, she turned and headed toward the door, leaving me to finish packing up.
But just as I picked up my bag, I turned to find Alin’s tall figure lingering by the doorway. She was discussing with one of the executives, platinum–blonde hair moving as she spoke.
The man left, and her gaze flickered to me. I lifted a hand and waved at her. But Alin’s expression quickly turned sour. She swept her gaze over me, cold and dismissive, before she stepped into the waiting elevator without so much as a nod of acknowledgment.
I stood rooted to the spot, feeling oddly deflated. Did every company have a secret manual that required them to hire one difficult person a year?
“Rough morning already?”
I turned to find a man in an impeccably tailored charcoal suit. His wavy, dark hair was styled to perfection, and he was looking at me with a knowing smile.
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“I’m Frank Dickens,” he introduced himself, extending a hand.
“Investor, occasional consultant, and…” he paused, his smile widening. “Alin’s husband.”
Of course she was married.
“Don’t take it personally,” Frank continued, nodding at the elevator Alin disappeared into. “She’s not exactly the warm and fuzzy type, even on her best days.” Then he turned his gaze back to me. “I’m actually here because Aaron asked me to look out for you. Old friend of mine. you know? We go way back.”
I should have been surprised, but I wasn’t. This was right up Aaron’s alley
“I have to say, Aaron’s been quite vocal about your situation. Between you and me, his constant complaining about the divorce proceedings is giving me a headache. Might want to take care of that soon.”
I forced a smile even though I was mentally kicking Aaron in the shin. “I’ll do my best.”
“Glad to hear that.” Frank smiled at me once more before leaving.
The fake smile fell the moment he disappeared around the corner. I gritted my teeth. Oh, I was so going to kick Aaron’s ass for this.
My mood was still sour even as the elevator arrived and I rode up to my office.
“Ms. Ashford?”
I stopped at the sight of my new secretary, Swan She was young, probably in her mid–twenties. She had strawberry–blonde hair and an innocent–looking face. A beautiful bouquet of white roses lay in her
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arms.
“These came for you.”
I took the bouquet from Swan.
“Thank you. Could you give me a few minutes?”
She nodded eagerly and bustled away, leaving me to walk into my new office alone. It was certainly larger than the last one. But I barely looked around as my attention was firmly on the flowers, even as I sat down.
Tucked among the roses was a small, white card. I recognized Aaron’s slanted handwriting.
“Have a great first day and go for it, Ms. Boss. – A.”
I knew what this was about. Aaron was making a public declaration that I was his girlfriend. It was unnecessarily flashy.
I pulled out my phone and dialed his number. He picked up immediately.
“Well, well. If it isn’t the new queen of Ominent.”
“You didn’t have to send me flowers. It’s a bit much,” I said right away.
“I don’t think it’s nearly enough. This is cause for celebration. Let me do these things for you.”
I sighed. I’d been gearing up for a fight since I spoke to Frank. But now, hearing his voice, I didn’t have the heart to chastise him. “It’s hard to be mad at you.”
Aaron’s laugh warmed my insides. I felt my body relax as Lucky howled in excitement. She was liking him a bit too much recently.
My phone suddenly buzzed against my ear. I pulled it away from my face to find a message from my mom. I froze. I hadn’t heard from her in weeks. What could she possibly want from me now?
I could hear Aaron’s voice as I opened the text.
