Chapter 26
Seeing Camille’s expression, I kept a straight face. I just wanted to get through the rest of the month in peace.
After thinking it over, I said, “Like I said, I’m staying until the end of the month. After that, I’m leaving Layton Group. That’s only about ten days away. I can give you some time off–you can come back after I’m gone. When the time comes-
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I wanted to reason with her and get through the next few days without drama.
But she cut me off.
“You’re giving me time off? Who the hell do you think you are? And you’re just gonna quit at the end of the month? You think you can actually let this go?”
A chilly laugh slipped out as she dragged her words with deliberate scorn.
“Oh, please. Wasn’t this your dream? Didn’t you want to be the one calling the shots and telling me what to do? And now you want to leave? If you’ve got the guts, then go. Walk out right now.”
She sneered, then spun around and stormed off.
I was speechless.
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Did she really think I wouldn’t do it? Fine. I’d let time do the talking. By month’s end, we’d see who regretted what.
After finishing the work, I clocked out.
That evening, Sophia came to pick me up.
“Congrats, Mr. Wexler,” she said.
I gave a wry smile. “How do you always know everything?”
“Come on. What could possibly get past me?” she said with a smile, then pulled me into the car. “There’s a place I want to show you.”
She drove out to the outskirts of the city and stopped at an abandoned warehouse.
“Well?”
I glanced around and nodded approvingly.
It was out in the suburbs, but the transportation was pretty convenient. This place would be perfect for an operations warehouse.
It was cost–effective for handling shipments to other cities and states. And within the city, having a few distribution points in each zone was more than enough.
“Not bad. Looks like you really did your homework.”
I was more than satisfied–not just with the place, but with Sophia herself. She really was a
great partner.
We were supposed to be starting this company together, but in the end, I didn’t contribute anything. She took care of everything, from registering the business to finding the site.
“Thanks,” I said earnestly.
She laughed. “And what’s the title you’re using to thank me?”
I froze for a second, not sure what to say.
“Just kidding. As partners, we don’t need that formality. I’ve done plenty already. If you ever let me down…” She trailed off and gave a mocking chuckle before continuing, “You’ll regret it.
I smiled and quickly said, “If I screw this up, I’ll show up with my head in a box.”
“Ew! Gross. Nobody wants your head.”
She rolled her eyes, then smiled again.
I asked, “Shall we find a place to celebrate?”
“To celebrate you becoming CEO?” she teased.
I gave her a look. “Then, go on without me. I’m not coming.”
Just kidding,” she said. “Let’s celebrate our company’s registration, warehouse location selection, and our first milestone. That’s plenty of reason to celebrate, right?”
Sophia cracked up. Her whole body was shaking with laughter.
Under the moonlight, she looked breathtaking–beautiful enough to take anyone’s breath
away.
“…Alright, that doesn’t sound so bad.”
“Let’s go.”
We got in the car and found a cozy bar. We ate, drank, and talked about everything under the sun. It felt just like our first meeting, and there was never a lull in the conversation.
Sophia had a bit too much to drink. Her cheeks were rosy, and she’d slipped back into that playful, charming side of hers with dimples showing with every smile.
I’d had more than a few myself. By the time I came to, I couldn’t even remember how I ended up at her place.
There was definitely something in the air. I was holding her steady, and she wrapped her arms
Chapter 26
around me. With every touch, the warmth between us intensified.
