Chapter 43 A distracting day outside 2
June
But what about Tobias?
I’ve asked myself that for the second time as I watch him sip his coffee, eyes glued to his phone.
Since Chris showed up, Tobias hasn’t said a word.
God, I’m so stupid. I just realized Chris likes me without him even saying anything, and here I am… waiting for the new guy to look at me again.
What do I even want?
God, June — are you planning on running a harem?
Well, if it’ll help me erase these ridiculous feelings for Mr. Grande, then sure. Pile on the likes.
"I wanted to give them to you at the party," Chris continues, "but I thought it’d be too late."
I turn sharply toward him.
"Oh—well… thank you so much. I really didn’t expect this. I’ll wear them… well." My words trip over themselves.
I’m not used to getting gifts—especially from men—so my brain doesn’t know where to file this moment.
Lia scoffs. "I know you’re buying the dress, but please—we’ve already chosen what we want, so don’t you dare ruin my plans again." She throws him a warning glare, then turns to me with a sunny smile, sliding her phone across the table.
"I’ve already picked this out, and with the measurements you sent me, I booked it. We just have to go for the fitting in…" She checks her watch. "Thirty-nine minutes."
I nod distractedly, my eyes locked on the phone screen.
The dress is gorgeous, elegant, and outrageously expensive. Lia has insane taste—I’d never have dared to even look at something like this.
I can already see myself in it—full glam, stepping into the gala, and standing in front of Mr. Grande watching his eyes widening, his jaw drop.
This will be a scene where the mighty looks down on the "lowly intern" and realizes she’s not so lowly after all.
No—stop. Not Mr. Grande.
Chris. I’m standing in front of Chris. And then I’m watching Mr. Grande’s jaw drop.
"This is really good, Lia," Chris says, leaning closer to get a better look.
Then, softer, "This dress was made for you, June."
I smile and shake my head. "Don’t. I think it’ll look better on Lia."
"Take the compliment, girl," Lia whines lazily. "It shows I have great taste." She passes the phone to Tobias. "What do you say about this dress?"
I focus on his reaction—too quickly, like I’ve been waiting for him to say something.
He looks at the screen, then glances at me before dropping his gaze back to the screen. He nods.
"It’ll look beautiful on you," he says, slow and deliberate.
"Thank you," I mutter before realizing I said it out loud.
Shit. I don’t think I want Chris to like me. I want Tobias to like me.
No. That’s not how this is supposed to work. If Chris likes me, I have to like him back.
Otherwise, something is definitely wrong with me.
Chris clears his throat. "So, are you really ready to join us in Strategy?"
"I already asked her," Lia cuts in.
"Yes, I’m ready. I can… can’t wait," I say, smiling broadly.
And I think I mean it. Hours with them and my mind isn’t just stuck on Mr. Grande anymore.
Now, it’s distracted with other confusing things.
"How is it working with Mr. Hermes?" Tobias asks, finally putting his phone down.
Something suddenly flutters in my stomach, and I’m not sure if it’s because he’s staring at me… or because he just called Mr. Grande by his first name.
"Lia says you’re his temporary secretary," he continues. "Since I’m joining you guys, I want to know more about him. I’ve only worked with his father before."
My lips part. How is it working with Mr. Grande?
Complex, I guess, but I can’t say that—they’ll only ask what I mean.
"Good… great, in fact," I say, forcing a small smile.
"Don’t lie, June. Remember, I told him everything," Lia chuckles.
Of course, Lia. You did.
I shake my head. "Mr. Grande’s a bit tough, but he’s very good at his job."
Now watch me compliment the very man who doesn’t give a damn about my existence.
Tobias sighs and nods. "He really should be," he says, tone unexpectedly serious.
My brows pull together. Why does he say it like that?
Lia nods too. "I know, right…" She pauses, then gasps. "Should I tell her?" she asks Tobias.
I look between them. "Tell me what?"
"Oh my God, Lia," Chris cuts in. "Close your damn mouth."
I turn to him. "What is she supposed to tell me?" I press, locking eyes with him.
He quickly looks away. "Ask Tobias."
I turn to Tobias, but he stays silent.
Lia glances between the two men, crosses her arms, and huffs.
"Oh, it’s not that big of a deal. You guys are too secretive. June’s joining us soon, and she won't even say a thing about it," she says with a shrug.
My brows knit tighter, my confusion tangling with curiosity.
"Do you know why Mr. Hermes is our new CEO?" she asks me, her voice dropping low—too low, even for gossip.
"Uhm… because the former CEO retired?" I answer quickly.
Lia slowly shakes her head. "No. He didn’t retire willingly. There was a scandal—one that got buried so deep the public never saw it, and most employees didn’t either." She leans closer, eyes flicking around the café. "The former CEO approved a drug that was rumored to kill people."
"Oh, now you’re going too far," Tobias cuts in. His tone is firm but calm. "It’s not confirmed. The truth is, he approved a merger with an Australian pharmaceutical company whose drug was accused of killing thousands. News outlets never linked Apex Corp directly, but…" he pauses, "I believe we were involved."
I nod slowly, letting the words sink in.
Oh—Xyren-4.
That’s the drug I read about.
It was in Australia.
And I’m almost certain it’s not a rumor.
Because the files I helped Mr. Grande sort that Thursday night were about that.
Should I tell them?
Or… should I protect Mr. Grande's secret?