Chapter 39
Morris, clad in a sharp charcoal suit, exuded authority as he sat the helm of the conference table on the 88th floor of Chivers Group’s skyscraper.
His stern demeanor and well–defined features exuded an air of gobility, as if he were a king poised to deliver a verdict.
The room was filled with senior executives, each attempting to become inconspicuous, anxious about drawing the ire of the authoritative figure with any misstep or audible breath.
Behind Morris, Steven, Leo, and Hugh huddled, their phones out, engaged in a discreet group chat.
Steven: [Leo, any idea what’s up with Mr. Chivers?]
Leo: [No clue.]
Hugh: [He left the office feeling great. Why the long face now?]
Steven. [Didn’t go well with his relationship?]
Hugh: [Perhaps. But there are plenty of other fish in the sea. I’m sure there’s someone more attractive than Ms. Leach out there.]
Leo: [Hugh, you clearly haven’t seen Ms. Leach. She’s out of this world.]
Steven: [Really? I doubt it.]
Leo: [Just wait until you see her. You might need something to catch your breath.]
Steven: [Why’s that?]
Leo: [She’s absolutely breathtaking.]
Steven: [Fine.]
The meeting was over in a flash, but it felt like hours with how on edge everyone was
The room cleared, leaving Steven, Leo, and Hugh following Morris to his office.
Once inside, Morris didn’t waste time. He grabbed a cigarette from his desk drawer and put it to his lips.
Steven was right there with a lighter, igniting the end of the cigarette.
Standing by the large window, Morris looked out at the city lights as he smoked, his eyes distant, focused on the faint outline of Glenshire Gardens in the darkness.
Without warning, Morris turned to face Steven, Leo, and Hugh, his movement making them all jump.
Guys,” Morris started, then hesitated, fumbling for the right words.
“What’s going on, Mr. Chivers?” Leo asked, his voice cautious.
“Am I coming off as too formal, or am I not the type that younger girls like?” Morris finally asked.
The group exchanged glances, their confusion clear. “What do you mean?” they asked in unison.
Steven shook his head, disagreeing. “Mr. Chivers, you’ve got it all wrong. The ladies at Betrico, from the youngest to the oldest, are totally into your charm”
08:33 Wed, Dec 4
Chapter 30
Leo chimed in, modding “Steven’s right. You’re charming and handsome, Mr. Chivers. The ladies are dying to get closer to
you
Morris mulled over their reassurances. “Alright, but what if a girl who used to call me by my first name now starts with the formal Mr Chivers? What gives with that?”
one between you two. Maybe she don’t feel like
Hugh leaned back, deep in thought. “She’s probably trying to space you’re close enough to be on a first–name basis”
As Hugh finished, the room’s mood, which had been lifting, took a dive back into heaviness.
Leo was restless, his agitation palpable as he mentally called Hugh out for his obliviousness.
With a newfound realization, he spoke up, “Mr. Chivers, Hugh’s single, and he doesn’t get the dating game as I do. These days, girls like to play hard to get. Maybe she’s hinting for you to step up your game.”
He shot a conspiratorial glance at Steven and Hugh, winking. “What do you think, guys?”
Steven and Hugh were left speechless, their heads shaking in unison, a clear sign of their confusion.
Morris pondered Leo’s words. “Could be. She did ask me for a ride this morning, so maybe there’s a grain of truth in it.”
He went on. “So, any tricks to boost my charm? I mean, chicks dig the cool guys, right?”
Hugh chuckled, “Hit the oysters. My mom’s always dropping hints that oysters are great for… ah, you know, the guys‘ health. Mout knows best.”
Leo had reached his limit, gesturing towards Hugh, “Steven, can you silence him, please? Hugh, good food’s just a part of it The real key is sleep, exercise, and a positive mindset.”
“Got it. I’m clocking out early today, heading home. You all can stay and work as late as you like,” he said, his voice echoing through the office as he made his way to the door.
With a teasing smile, Morris called out to Leo as he left, “Hey, Lee, you’re also single, right? Just making sure.” He didn’t wait for an answer, just strolled away.
Left behind, the other three slumped in their seats, their faces showing how tired they were.
