Mona took a fleeting glance at Marcus. By the looks of his disheveled and burned-out state, she could tell it had been the work of Bobby and Millie. “Mr. Steel, I’m sorry you had to watch over my children this late. Sorry for the trouble.” “Don’t mention it, Ms. Ortega. It was an assignment from the CEO. I’m just doing my part. Is there anything else I can help you with?” “That will be all. It’s late. You should head home.” Mona courteously offered her thanks before seeing Marcus off. Turning on her heel, she was met with the children’s wide Bambi eyes. It appeared they were trying to play innocent. “I’m sorry, Mommy, for causing you problems. Don’t be mad.” Millie drew close and tugged on Mona’s sleeve with teary eyes. She would burst out crying on cue should Mona say one word about her. “Mommy, we don’t like your boss and his assistant. Can you stop them from coming to our home?” Bobby pulled a deadpan look to reflect the severity of the matter. His annoyance was
Mona curled her lips and scoffed. “What? Did the cops arrest Baldie Lewis? I can’t say I’m surprised if that’s the case.” “F*ck! How did you know? Hang on. You had dinner with Mr. Lewis and a client. Mr. Lewis and Mr. Williams were taken to the station for further questioning today. How did you come out of it unscathed?” The news drove the sleepy bugs out of Mona. “What did you say? Were they really detained?” Truth to be told, Mona had intended to go to the police. However, she did not have the leverage or funds to go up against these men without concrete evidence in hand. “Yeah. It seems that they were apprehended in the private dining lounge where the dinner took place. Apparently, the police found a smoking gun to nail them. Weren’t you there? Tell me what happened.” Mona pursed her lips, not revealing anything on her face. “There’s nothing much to say. God has eyes. Karma is bound to hit back.” “Alright. You should get to the office. Our new employer should be here
If Mona remembered correctly, the newly appointed young boss was Raymond, the youngest son of the Rockwells— the retailer giant of general merchandise in Worchester City. He was also the most likely successor of the Rockwell family business. Mona had a good understanding of Raymond because the guy was close to Thaddeus. She would keep an eye out on reports of this young and charming heir whenever she read the finance page. Of course, Raymond must not know her since Thaddeus would never tell his friends about his less-than-desirable wife of a secret marriage. “I would like to introduce you to Starbright’s new boss – Raymond Rockwell. Please, everybody. A round of applause.” Amid the thundering reception around the office, some female colleagues eyeballed Raymon and clapped like a dolphin. The clapping gradually subsided when Ramond led his management team to a meeting room. “I can’t believe how young the new boss is.” “Not only is he young, he’s quite the looker too. I bet
Furious, Sasha bit her lower lip and glanced fleetingly at Raymond. Seeing that he showed no reaction, Sasha had no idea whether or not Raymond had read between the lines of her words. She embarrassedly lowered her head and fiddled with her freshly manicured crystal fingernails. Raymond narrowed his eyes at Mona. Although Mona had lost her memory and was sheltered all those years by Thaddeus, she had not lost her backbone. She was indeed her father’s daughter. “Come to my office. We have much to discuss.” Turning his head away, Raymond made his way toward the CEO’s office. Under everybody’s instructive eyes, Mona followed her new boss into the office. The crowd craned their necks and watched them leave before gathering around Sasha. “That was a bold move, Sasha. Why did you stand up and say that out of the blue?” Sasha saw herself as better than everyone else. “You won’t get it. I’ve always been vocal, and the good thing about being loud is that people will remember y
Raymond helplessly smiled and asked Mona, “Why can’t you work here because I know about you and Thaddeus?” “I will find it awkward.” Mona was truthful with her answer. Raymond gave a nod, showing understanding. “You can see it from a different perspective. Your relationship with Thaddeus can offer you a lot of conveniences. Personal feelings aside, I made a business decision to buy the company because of you.” “Me?” Mona was baffled. “Why?” “I see the business value in what you can do. I believe you will take Starbright to new heights.” Mona was taken aback for a moment before covering her laughter with a hand over her mouth. Oh, Raymond could stop with the jokes. She knew what she was made of more than anyone else. “That’s a good one, Mr. Rockwell. I appreciate it, but I doubt I’m up for the task.” With a smile, Mona got up to leave. “Don’t you want to prove them wrong?” Raymond said with a firm and solemn expression. “Thaddeus had you tamed and locked away from th
“No, Thad. Aren’t you divorced? Don’t tell me you have fallen for Mona.” “Absurd.” Before Raymond could say anything, Thaddeus hung up on the call. A disconnection dial tone ensued. “What the hell? He doesn’t want the girl anymore, and yet he forbids anyone to go after her.” It somewhat dreaded Raymond to feel Thaddeus’ wrath. As the witness to Thaddeus’ secret relationship with Mona, Raymond had always believed the marriage was with an ulterior intent. Besides, Thaddeus never forgot about the one that got away. The divorce only proved that he had no feelings for Mona. Raymond was not violating the bro code with what he was doing now. With that in mind, he put the phone down and dove into work. …“Thaddeus, who were you on the phone with? Did something bad happen?” Back in the hospital, Samantha looked at the absent-minded man with worry. It had been half an hour since Thaddeus returned from making a call, and he had been spacing out ever since. He did not listen t
Samantha’s call came as a surprise to Mona. Where did Samantha get her number from? “Ms. Mayers, to what do I owe this pleasure?” Samantha’s voice was soft and raspy. “Excuse me, Ms. Ortega, but can I ask something of you?” Mona was dumbstruck. Ask? It was unlike Samantha to be so humbled. Finding it strange, Mona grew wary. “Just get straight to the point, Ms. Mayers, and I’ll see whether I can be of any assistance.” “It’s simple, really. I’m sure you can do it, Ms. Ortega.” Samantha cut to the chase and quit beating around the bush. “I’ve been in the hospital lately, and Thaddeus has been there for me. Unfortunately, he has to travel back and forth because of you. He seems rather weary every time he comes back from yours. It breaks my heart.“Ms. Ortega, I know the divorce is only recent, and you are having a hard time, but can you stop putting him through that? I can’t bear to watch him care for you. My heart feels for him when we hold each other every night.” M
“What do you expect? I’ve packed my things. Did you think I was putting up an act?” The others exchanged looks, unable to hide the joy across their faces. Mona swept her gaze around the room and sighed. She was not Ms. Popular for sure. Apart from Luke, these people would be beating on drums and celebrating if she were to quit her job. All the more she should not leave. She needed to prove these people otherwise. Mona walked out the door as if she had a tail between her legs under the crowd’s gloating eyes. She had not gotten far when Raymond, in the back, called her name. “Mona, I’ll drive you since I’m heading out anyway.” Everybody turned their attention to Raymond. Mr. Rockwell sure was a friendly boss, looking out for his fired employees.Mona asked, “Where are you going?” “The convention center.” “It’s okay. We’re not going the same way. I’m heading in the opposite direction.” “It’s okay. It’s just a detour.” Raymond turned around and instructed his assi