Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 61939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
“Well, they made me get you in exchange for staying in their good graces. Don’t worry, I don’t expect you to know anything about funny little knick-knack gifts.”
“So, you didn’t get me anything?”
“I shouldn’t have.” She pulled a small red gift box from her purse and handed it to me. “But I’m a stickler for tradition.”
We stared at each other for several moments, and I was seconds away from picking up where we left off in my office last time.
“Um…” She stepped back first. “Can I go back to the party now?”
“Please do.”
I walked away and carried the gift up to my office. Setting it on my desk, I stared at it—confused.
I couldn’t remember the last time anyone bought me a present…
I handled a few emails and financial sheets before tugging on the ribbon. I peeled away the paper, revealing another wrapped gift and a mini book.
The Most Boring Short Stories in the World
She’d attached a small note under its cover.
Since you struggle to sleep so much, I figure this might help. 99% of the people who’ve tried it agree.
I unwrapped the other gift and saw a set of coffee mug sleeves with my name on them, with initials W.B.E. in tiny print. And another note.
The cardboard sleeves exist on our cups for a reason, but since you NEVER seem to use them for more than a few seconds, here are some custom leather ones that seem more your style.
You’re welcome.
W.B.E = Worst Boss Ever.
(Which you ARE, but… thank you for the raise & upcoming new office.)
I placed one of the sleeves around my freshly delivered coffee and took a sip. Then I called Ciara.
“I can’t talk to you right now,” she answered. “I’m at a secret party where everyone hates you.”
“I’m well aware of the party,” I said. “Why would they invite you, though?”
“Because they don’t know how close we are, and I’m not telling them.” She laughed. “What do you want?”
“I need you to do me a personal favor when you get a chance.”
“Say what you want.”
“I need a gift made for Andrea,” I said. “First, find someone who can make a custom porcelain cup with real gold etching and the utensils to match.”
“What words do you want on it?”
“Best executive assistant ever.”
“Okay… Is that all?”
“Go to Cartier and get her a watch from their Panthère line,” I said. “Make sure it has diamonds around the band and a yellow gold bracelet she can wear with mostly everything.” I paused. “Then tell the dealer to engrave her name and ‘Since you struggle with telling time’ on its back, please.”
“You’ve never bought me a Cartier watch…”
“That fact isn’t changing today.”
She laughed. “I’ll have these things to you by the end of the day.”
“Thank you.”
TWENTY-THREE (B)
ANDREA
Mr. Cross
If you want me to EVER consider letting you have another off day, I suggest you pick two new interns for me before this Saturday…
Why? Josh and Kate are two of the most experienced interns on the team.
Kate blushes and licks her lips at me whenever I’m rehearsing interview questions.
Josh looks like he’s seconds away from pissing himself whenever I ask him to do something… (Are your coworkers THIS afraid of me?)
I’ll replace them before the end of the day. (YES.)
I need it done before the end of this HOUR…
Will do.
Did you still want me to help on the missing money project this week? I’m ahead again, so I can.
I’ll talk to you about that later…
TWENTY-FOUR
HARRISON
Friday evening
“Ithink bringing on investors and going public is the only way to salvage this scam of a company.” I leaned back in my chair, holding my phone. “What do you think, Aaron?”
“I’m on board with that, but… Do you think we should ask Miss Stone for her thoughts, to be sure?”
“I’m going to pretend like you didn’t ask me that.”
“Fine.” He laughed. “It’s a brilliant idea. You’re the only billionaire in the building for a reason.”
“Exactly.” I paused. “You really think I should ask for her opinion?”
“If you don’t, Ciara and I will do it behind your back.”
“So much for loyalty.”
“Looking out for you is part of that.”
Right.
“Security’s been breached!” A scream suddenly pierced through my office intercom. “Code orange! Code fucking orange!”
“I’ll call you back, Aaron.” I slammed the receiver down and stood up.
“Copy. Code orange. Please let me know the location.” Francis rushed into my office, looking at me. “Sir, you’ll need to remain here until we assess the threat.”
“Fine,” I said. “How long does a ‘code orange’ typically take to handle?”
The look in his eyes revealed that I didn’t want to know.
“I have to secure every area around this office,” he said, “and then I’ll communicate with—”
“The threat is approaching the top floor!” The call came again, panicked. “Secure Mr. Cross! Secure Mr. Cross!”
Without saying another word, he moved in front of me and withdrew a gun from his waistband.