Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

Chapter 173

Chapter 173

I chuckled and nodded. "Just trying to catch up on all the company stuff as fast as I can."

"I get it, but you're coming in way too early. You know we don't do overtime, right?" Ron joked. I smiled a little. "Yeah, it's voluntary."

"That's why you're a department head. If everyone was as dedicated as you, OceanixCorp would be unstoppable." His flattery was almost laughable, but with Ron, it was hard to tell if he was joking or serious, so I never really took it to heart.

"But seriously," he added, his tone shifting, "the company can't run on your back alone. I've noticed how hard you've been working, and I've already let the higher-ups know. The boss said no more of this early morning routine. If you burn out, it'd be a real loss for the company."

So, just like that, Ron had made sure I couldn't sneak in those early hours anymore.

But that was fine. I didn't feel the need to dodge Hayden anymore. He hadn't left breakfast at my door for the past few days, so I figured he'd finally gotten the hint.

"I heard you've got a big client coming in today?" Ron asked, switching gears.

"Yeah, they're coming at ten. Just about an hour from now," I said, flashing a quick smile. "Mr. Shane, if you'll excuse me, I need to finish prepping.

good luck," Ron said, raising his

to my office and went over all the materials one more time. By 9:50, I was already in the conference room, making sure

the resources Jace had snatched from me recently-and it'd boost our numbers

saw who it was, my face

It was Jace.

to negotiate with wasn't RiverwaveCorp, so now he'd come sneaking in under some

the shift in my expression right away but just smiled like he

take it. I just stared at him, feeling my anger flare. The smug look on his face, the

with me?" "Business, obviously. What else would I be here for?" Jace shot back, all bad boy swagger.

25 BONUS

Chapter 173

he had an agenda. But still, I went through the motions, keeping

details of this new company, EverRise Energy. It was a young startup, only. two years old, but

father's legacy, and Wayne always had a say in things. Jace played along

which instantly set off alarms in my head. There was no

after we wrapped up negotiations and it came time for him to sign the contract, he pulled me aside and said, "Rea, why are you wasting your time as a small department director at