Chapter 156
Summer’s POV
“Now?” I blurted out. Realizing how unprofessional I sounded, I quickly corrected myself. “I mean, of course! Give me just a moment to get organized, and I’ll join you right away!”
I’ll wait outside,” Leo said, turning toward the door.
I quickly grabbed my notebook and pen, shoved them in my bag, and straightened my outfit. When I stepped into the hallway, Leo looked surprised at how fast I’d gotten ready. Before he could comment, Heather Bell approached with a folder clutched in her
hands.
“Director Schmidt,” she called, slightly breathless, “are you heading to the site? I’ve prepared these documents you requested.”
“Good.” Leo glanced at me, then back to Heather. “You won’t need to accompany me today. Ms. Taylor will be joining me instead.”
Heather’s eyes widened. “But sir, she just started-
‘I’m aware, Leo cut her off. “Have those numbers fixed by the time I return.”
Heather nodded stiffly. “Of course, Director Schmidt.”
As Leo walked away, Heather gave me a calculating look. I smiled back, trying to be friendly. Office politics on day one was the last thing I needed.
Leo paused a few steps ahead, looking back impatiently. “Ms. Taylor, did you join Stark Group to stand around? Is that the impression you want to give your supervisor on your first day?”
“Coming!” I called, hurrying to catch up. Once I fell in step beside him, I voiced the concern that had been nagging at me. “Director Schmidt, I just started at Stark Group today. I’m still a newcomer. Aren’t you worried about what people might say if you take me out on my first day?”
Leo paused at the elevator, pressing the down button before turning to me with a critical look. “Don’t forget why you came to Stark Group. You’re here to work–for yourself and for the company–not to worry about what your colleagues think of you!”
His words hit home, and I straightened my posture. “You’re right. I understand.”
Inside, I worried that I’d already made my first enemy in Heather Bell. Great job, Summer. First day and already causing workplace
drama.
The elevator whisked us down to the underground parking garage, where Leo led me to a sleek black sedan. Once we were both settled in, he started the engine.
“We’re heading to the site,” he explained, navigating out of the garage. “It’s a rather isolated area. If you’d prefer not to go, now’s the time to say so.*
My interest piqued immediately. “Manhattan West Side? I’d love to go!” Then, trying to sound more professional, I added, “I appreciate the opportunity to learn about such an important project.
Leo glanced at me. We’re still in the assessment phase. Nothing’s finalized yet.”
As we drove, I pulled out my phone and researched the area. “Theres a psychiatric hospital and rehab center there, right?”
Leo nodded, focused on driving.
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Chapter 156
I scrolled through more information. The psychiatric hospital was relocated from downtown decades ago–that could make further displacement politically sensitive. And the rehab center carries its own stigma, affecting property values.”
I continued analyzing. “Plus there’s the river and those abandoned factories with contamination issues. We’d need to overcome environmental problems, public perception, and construction challenges. Definitely not an easy transformation.”
A faint smile touched Leo’s lips. “You’re quite sharp, aren’t you?”
I felt a small glow of pride at his compliment.
“Yes, these are all factors we need to consider,” he confirmed. That’s why I’m going back for another on–site inspection. Sometimes numbers and reports don’t tell the whole story. You need to see a place with your own eyes to truly understand its potential.”
By midday, we reached a gas station on the outskirts of West Side. While Leo refueled, I stretched my legs and looked around.
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