Love's New Bloom by Simone Hastings

Chapter 9 A Shellshocked Best Friend

When Erin went to work on Monday, she heard about their studio being acquired by Frost Corporation and that they had to report to headquarters by today. Four of them were in this company besides the boss, and they’d all been surrendered to Frost Corporation. Erin was the only one who was stunned by this, and in a bad way. The three other designers were so excited they could barely contain themselves.

“God, joining this company was the only right choice I’ve made in my life! Now that Frost Corporation has acquired our company, I feel like it’s my time to shine. I’m going to marry someone tall, dark, handsome, and rich after working there!”

One of the designers, Milly Thornton, looked dreamy as she packed her things. Erin packed up silently. She didn’t think this was such a good thing. To her, it was better to be the cream of an average crop than to be the worst crop in an outstanding harvest. She hoped she wouldn’t end up being assigned to handle all sorts of errands once they joined Frost Corporation. At noon, the four of them had already finished their lunch when their boss, Ben Tate, arrived, looking like he’d won the lottery.

“Babes, Frost Corporation’s acquisition of our company is a one-in-a-million opportunity! We were fortunate enough to work together, but all good things must come to an end. I’m migrating to Endalie next month, so I’ll treat you guys to some fun at the Royal Chamber tonight at 8 pm. Be there or be square!”

Everyone agreed readily since he was so enthusiastic about it. Then, he dropped them off at Frost Corporation’s headquarters.

As they looked at the building, which rose high into the sky, Dana Sawyer, one of the designers with whom Erin got along well, bellowed, “This will be our battlefield from now on!”

As they started to make their way into the building, Ben pulled Erin aside and said, “Erin, you signed a five-year contract with me, and you have three years to go. Whatever happens, remember not to resign, or you’ll be paying the fee for breach of contract through your nose.”

Erin was a little confused as she watched him leave. Why had he specifically spoken to her about this? She shook her head to disperse her thoughts as Dana called out to her.

“Erin, hurry up! We’re waiting for you!”

before then. Their first stop was at the HR department, where everything proceeded smoothly. They were assigned to Frost Corporation’s design department. Back when it was just the four of them, they’d all been the main

were assigned to assist the three head designers, while Erin was the only one assigned to the logistics team. The logistics team was in charge of making coffee, ordering meals, signing for parcels…And when the need arose, she’d have to help amend drafts and conduct research. In other words, she

in Azores? She’d been relegated to the sidelines! Not only had she not gotten a pay rise, but she’d had to take a pay cut of 800 dollars! She was extremely frustrated and couldn’t wait to get off work. Holly called her when it was finally time

getting rid of our husbands and your

familiar voice was heartwarming, especially when one

grabbed her bag and headed

forget about the Royal Chamber at

“Alright, got it!”

leaving the building. One of

out—who were you in such a rush to meet that you had to abandon me? You refused to let anything

out of this, so she said, “Promise not to mock

with one hand and held a cigarette with the other. She glanced at Erin in surprise and said, “My, look at how serious you are. I

a deep breath before

day I found out about Ian’s affair, I was down

stunned. “Wait, don’t tell me—you went and

you promised not

her cigarette in the car’s ashtray and held up her

swear I won’t interrupt anymore. Go

telling such a juicy story. Erin turned to look out the window as Chandler’s gorgeous face flashed in

five million dollars I got as a bonus when Ian’s company became listed? I spent it all on a male

brakes screeched as Holly

forehead and said, “Are you out of your mind, Erin? You spent five million dollars on a male escort! Do you realize you’ve ruined the market for the rest of us? How are we supposed to entertain

help laughing