onversation happening across the room. She remained blissfully unaware that the

ound, animatedly chatting with We

the fear that Brenden-the company's infamous flirt-might let something slip right in front o

d without incident, and the re

f lagging behind, every muscle in her body still aching from the intense lo

r and waved. "Gab

ce broke the silence, laced with impatience.

Wesley on the shuttle bus? Was that sharp tone direct

n-surely the CEO didn

o the seat beside Wesley, her cheeks flushed with hope. Wesley met her eyes wi

when she figured out Wesley's

awkwardly squeezing into the row next to Aubrey-

y remarked, "That s

iend's name come engraved on the seat? This shuttle belongs to

shut, her glare smo

split second, Gabriela thought about fleeing the

ace, his expression thunderous. "W

e, completely

g irritated just bec

y, others shooting her looks of sympathy-Gabriela finally to

sley leaned over and inquired, "Do

with every word, though s

but at this moment, Wesley's expression

'd probably be out of work

g smile and met Wesley's inscrutable stare. "Not at a

aned back, closed his eyes, and projected a

n with anxiety, tr

y wasn't o

y in a drunken blur. Now she was riding home beside the CEO himself, tense

gs with the crisp morning air. For a brief, blissful moment, life se

ly bouncing with curiosity. "Tell me-what w

dge as she answered, "Like a na

fusion, Aubrey

ical sigh. "Because I wou

word, she suddenly hurried off, casting Gabriela a glance so mournf

ht her attention-a new friend request on WhatsApp from a bizarre jumble of l

reappeared. This time, there was a messa

if she'd actually forgotten anything. As far a

message, but then a jolt

n something in Brenden's

pped. That woul

request actual

she hit "accept" and ty

a reply finally popped up. "Teachin

heart skipp

esley earlier? That would explain why

tone-the person on WhatsApp felt less like

't be right

air, half-laughing at her own paranoia.

ssage. "About last night-it was all just a mistake

blunt. Panic-flushed, she yanked the message back and tried again.

g desk. His jaw tightened as he read Gabriela's text. Each keystrok

e, picturing him grinding his teeth on the other end of the line. H

stubbornly blank.

this whole time, and now that sh

ad the right to be pissed o

d up with the woman taking t

she'd be striking back, going after Brende

he wasn't really

and asked quietly, "Mr. Saunders, when woul

rosty and abrup

left Gabriela reelin

t for ho

t for the day. The shuttle had already dropped them

a found herself alone in the echoing lobby,

, waiting for a man who clearly had no