Summer’s POV
The sleek sports car sliced through early morning traffic with surprising ease. I clutched my bag tightly, stealing glances at the dashboard clock every few seconds.
“Would you relax?” Brandon said, his hands casually resting on the steering wheel. “I told you that you won’t be late.”
“Easy for you to say,” I muttered. “You’re the boss. I’m the new girl who can’t afford to make a bad impression on day two.”
That’s when I finally paid attention to how we were cutting through traffic like it was standing still, Brandon’s hands moving with precision as he navigated between cars with an almost supernatural awareness.
I suddenly understood what he’d meant earlier. With Brandon behind the wheel, time and space seemed to bend to his will.
As we approached the final intersection before Stark Tower, I checked the time again. Fifteen minutes to spare. But as we got closer, panic suddenly gripped me.
“Stop the car,” I said suddenly.
Brandon threw me a confused look. “What?”
Pull over. Right now.” I glanced nervously at the looming tower ahead.
He complied, smoothly guiding the car to the curb a block from Stark Tower.
“You need to get out,” I said, already unbuckling my seatbelt. “I can’t show up with you! People will notice. They’ll talk.”
Brandon stared at me for a long moment, then chuckled. “You’re kicking me out of the car?”
“Yes! Now hurry up before someone sees us!”
With exaggerated slowness, Brandon opened his door and stepped out onto the sidewalk. Through the window, I could see him standing there, hands in his pockets, an amused smirk playing on his lips as I pulled away from the curb.
By the time I reached the Projects Division, I was practically jogging down the hallway, my injured foot protesting with each step.
I made it to my desk with seconds to spare, dropping into my chair just as Leo Schmidt emerged from his office.
‘Director Schmidt!” I greeted, straightening the items on my desk.
Leo gave me a once–over, his expression unimpressed. “You’re late.”
My jaw dropped. “I’m not late! It’s exactly nine o’clock!“.
He cut me off with a sharp gesture. “In the Projects Division, we expect everyone to arrive at least ten minutes early. You wouldn’t know since it’s your second day, but now you do. Don’t make this mistake again.”
I blinked, caught completely off guard. “Yes, Director Schmidt.”
‘I don’t care who you are or what traffic problems you encountered, he continued sternly. “This is a workplace with rules. No
excuses. Understood?”
Chapter 162
I nodded, swallowing my protest. “I understand. I’ll be earlier tomorrow.”
Leo’s expression softened marginally. “Good. Now come with me.”
Inside his office, Leo gestured to a large stack of folders on his desk. These are for you. Review them today.”
I approached the desk, eyeing the towering pile. “Are these all your previous projects?”
He nodded. “Most have faced similar challenges. Read through them first.”
“Wait,” I said, the implication suddenly hitting me. “Are you saying you want me to join this project?”
Leo raised an eyebrow. “Is that a problem?”
“It’s just… I just started here. I’ve barely worked on projects of this scale before.”
“Not having you lead it,” he clarified. “Having you participate. Unless you’re not interested?”
“No! I mean yes! I’m definitely interested!” The words tumbled out of me.
Leo’s expression remained neutral, but I detected a hint of approval. This project is a priority for the company. It requires a team. Your performance yesterday showed promise. Your ideas may lack refinement, but you’re patient and attentive to detail.
Warmth bloomed in my chest at his assessment. “Thank you! I’ll try my best, I promise.”
“Good.” He gestured toward the door. “Now get started.”
