“Grace, let me remind you of something,” Cedric said smugly, leaning in closer to her. “I’m Lettie’s chosen one. If you’ve got a problem, take it up with her. As of now, I have full access to the Payne Group,”
His words dripped with arrogance, and the greedy glint in his eyes filled Grace with a sense of disgust.
“Oh, and by the way,” Cedric added, his tone dropping into something almost mocking, “I saw you at the bar last night. Who would’ve thought Ms. Prim–and- Proper has such a wild side?”
He raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying her discomfort.
“You!” Grace hissed, taking a step back, her cheeks flushed with anger. “You’re disgusting! Do you think I won’t tell Lettle about this?”
Cedric chuckled, completely unfazed. “Go ahead,” he said, shrugging. “I didn’t do anything wrong. Besides, do you really think Lettie would believe you over me?
His smirk deepened, fully aware of Scarlett’s blind trust in him.
Grace stood there, her fists clenched, glaring at him. He was right, and that realization only added to her frustration. Scarlett’s favoritism toward Cedric was no secret, and all her previous attempts to wam Scarlett about him had fallen on deaf ears.
“Cedric, one day your true colors will show, and Scarlett will see exactly who you are,” she snapped, her voice low but seething.
Cedric’s grin widened. “I’ll be waiting for that day,” he said smugly.
At that moment, Scarlett walked into the room, her sharp gaze immediately landing on the two of them.
“What’s going on here?” she asked, her voice calm but tim
Cedric didn’t miss a beat. He quickly stepped forward, putting on an innocent expression. “Lettie, I was just pointing out to Grace that she’s been a bit lax lately. Don’t you think the secretary to the CEO should be setting an example?”
He folded his arms, his words laced with just enough fake concem to sound credible.
“I mean, I’m an outsider, and even I got h
got here earlier than she did. Isn’t that a bit unprofessional?” he added, tilting his head as if seeking agreement. Scarlett’s eyes flicked to Grace, her expression thoughtful. Deep down, she still hadn’t shaken the imitation from seeing Grace at the bar last night. That bitterness surfaced now as a quiet sense of satisfaction
“Grace, Cedric has a point,” Scarlett said, her tone cool. “You’ve been slacking lately. Remember, you’re my secretary, and that comes with responsibilities.” Grace stated at her in disbelief, her jaw tightening “Lettie, you’re senously going to take his side?” she asked, her voice edged with hurt.
Scarlett didn’t respond immediately, but the subtle satisfaction in her eyes was telling.
“Fine.” Grace said finally, turning on her heel and wallding out of the office.
with me,” she said.
“Lettir,” Cedric said, stepping closer, “she probably just misunderstood me. Don’t let it bother you,” Scarlett nodded faintly, her irritation subsiding. “There’s a lunch meeting this attemoon. You’re coming Cedric’s eyes lit up, barely able to contain his excitement. Was this it? Was Scarlett finally ready to introduce him to everyone as her partner? “Of course, Lettle,” he said, his voice practically dripping enthusiastically. “I’ll make sure I’m ready.”
Meanwhile, Leroy arrived at the restaurant for this meeting. Yvonne was already there, waving at him enthusiastically as soon as she saw him. “Leroy! You’re here!” she called out, her voice full of you feeling better? Your mein told me you’d been unwell, and I’ve been so worried, ” Her eyes swept over his face, taking in his thinner frame and tired expression. Worry flickered in her gaze.
“I’m fine,” Leroy said with a polite smile. “Just an old issue flaring up.”
But he didn’t waste time getting to the point “Yvonne,” he said gently, his tone firm, “I need to be honest with you. I don’t have any intention of starting a relationship right now. Meeting you today was something Lagreed to out of obligation
