Beneath Her Bastard Boss

Chapter 107

Chapter 107

Her hands trembled slightly as she pulled out her phone, scrolling to Jake’s number. This was more exciting than getting her degree.

The baby kicked, a sharp jab that made her press a hand to her side. “I know,” she murmured. “Everything’s changing again.”

Jake answered on the second ring. “Hey, Sutton, what’s up?”

“It’s happening,” she said, keeping her voice level despite the storm inside her. “I’m being transferred to development. Luca just told me to call you.”

A beat of silence, then Jake’s voice, bright with excitement: “Finally! Someone with actual sense around here. Come find me as soon as you’re packed up.”

The elevator reached the lobby floor. Sutton stepped out, still processing everything. She couldn’t still believe Luca was her new boss. After months of believing he wanted nothing to do with her or their baby, he’d apparently been searching for her all along.

And now he wanted to get married.

Her chest tightened. Too much. It was all too much. She didn’t know if she could do that. His family hadn’t thought her good enough. Now she didn’t know if they were good enough for her and her baby.

“I’ll be there in twenty,” she told Jake, ending the call as she approached reception.

Stacey looked up, eyes widening at whatever expression Sutton was wearing. “What happened? Did he fire you?”

Sutton shook her head, setting her phone down as she lowered herself carefully into her chair. “No. The opposite, actually.” She let out a disbelieving laugh. “I’ve been transferred to development. Effective immediately.”

“No way!” Stacey’s mouth fell open. “After they rejected you three times? That’s… wow. Did you blackmail the new boss or something? What do you have on him? Maybe I need it for a pay raise?”

Sutton couldn’t help the bitter smile that crossed her lips. Not secrets she would share with anyone. She didn’t want anyone here to know about their past. Not yet, maybe not ever. “Let’s just say he recognized my qualifications.”

“Well, it’s about damn time,” Stacey said, standing to give Sutton an awkward side–hug. “I’m happy for you. Really.” She pulled back, studying Sutton’s face. “But you look freaked out. Are you okay?”

Sutton reached for the empty box she’d been keeping under her desk for weeks, just in case she got fired or finally found something better. “I’m fine. Just… processing.”

She wasn’t fine. Her hands still trembled as she began gathering her meager belongings. Her plant was gone, thanks to Nicole. But she had a few personal items which included a framed photo of her sisters, a ceramic mug Keira had painted for her when she had been fourteen, a small stack of programming books she’d kept hidden in her drawer.

The notebook where she’d sketched out her Al virus detection system was already tucked safely in her bag. That was coming with her, no matter what She would show everyone at Cybe10 what she was made of with that program.

you’re actually escaping,” Stacey said, watching her pack. “Like, nobody transfers out of reception. Especially not…” she trailed off, eyes flicking

pregnant women?” Sutton finished

boys‘ club doesn’t exactly welcome

the three rejections she’d received. Each one was more dismissive than

read… We regret to inform you that your qualifications do

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Chapter 107

interest, we are seeking candidates with more

position has been filled with a candidate whose

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knew she would show them up. Thank god. She wasn’t

true… was this a genuine recognition of her skills, or just Luca’s way of keeping her close? The suspición burned

you be okay handling reception alone?” Sutton

hand. “I’ll survive. They

up. Jake approached, his tall frame moving with purposeful strides, a genuine smile lighting

Ready for the big leagues, Warner?” he asked, stopping

only ones who’d treated her like a human being since Nicole’s arrival. “As ready as

her half–filled box.

got it,” she said, even as the baby decided to lodge a foot firmly

“Uh–huh. Sure you do.” He reached for the box, anyway. “Let me take this. I may be gay, but I’m still a man and I’m not letting a pregnant woman take a box when I have two

had been aching all morning, and the confrontation with Luca had drained what

and the tablet she used for scheduling. Stacey gave her another

give you trouble, I’ll come up and accidentally spill coffee on

circuits.”

a rush of affection for

elevator. Once inside, Jake glanced down at her. “You good?

been an interesting

up bitch Nicole is

know Nicole?”

with Luca for years. His right hand for all the wrong reasons, if you ask me. She is very good at hiding her bitchy side

floor. Sutton took

chairs and dual–monitor setups. Whiteboards covered the walls, filled with diagrams and code snippets. The only noise was

their movement, lingering