Her Hidden Crowns (Suzanne and Austin)

Chapter 241

Suzanne had only meant to steer the conversation away from the awkward territory, but the moment the words left her lips, she felt a sudden heat creeping up her cheeks. It was a flush that betrayed her inner discomfort.

Speaking in such a measured tone felt stiflingly formal, yet she couldn't seem to help it.

Halfway through signing some documents, Austin's steady hand froze. He squeezed his pen a bit tighter and, for an instant, a surge of warmth spread across his eyes. "Yeah," he murmured.

Gabriel-sitting close by-caught every syllable, and even though he had grown used to these odd moments over time, it still hit him like a shock. The two business department heads standing nearby weren't nearly as fortunate. Their eyes were wide with disbelief.

Was this really the same decisive, no-nonsense Austin they had come to fear? For a split second, they wondered if someone else had taken over his mind. If the situation weren't so formal, they might have even screamed.

Feeling her face burn even hotter, Suzanne scrambled to regain control. "So... what are you doing right now?" she blurted, nearly dropping her phone as if it were on fire.

before he

train. She knew exactly what Hall Corporation's meetings were like. They were serious, formal affairs. And here she was, chatting

out of work hours. With a deep breath

as she opened her laptop,

want at this hour? Suzanne considered ignoring the call but thought it might be something work- related. Reluctantly,

the other end, Seline exploded with rage. "Suzanne, why are you trying to steal Jenson from me? He's mine! Stay

pure panic. If it weren't for Suzanne, Jenson wouldn't

shivers of terror through Seline. There was no way Jenson would leave her, not on her

teasing lilt, she replied, "Seline, you know what

knocked everything off her desk. The clatter of shattering objects filled the silence as she screamed, "Bitch! Jenson is not

curling on her lips as she

the call on speaker and quickly sent a photo to Suzanne via