Chapter 131
Maya's POV:
I frowned at my phone. Ryan said they were moving to Boston. That was fine; it’s a big city. But then he dropped the bomb.
"Mom is going to stay with you for a while," Ryan said. "Just until I get settled."
"No," I said instantly.
Ryan sounded shocked. "Maya, what are you doing? That is your own mother!"
My brows knit together tight. "She can stay in a hotel. I will pay the bill."
The thought of living under the same roof as my mother made my stomach turn. I remembered the disdain, the cold looks, the constant judgment. I could handle it alone, but not now. I had Amy. And I had Adam. I wouldn't let them suffer that suffocating atmosphere.
Ryan tried to argue, but I cut him off. "There is no discussion, Ryan." I hung up before he could guilt-trip me further.
Adam didn't return until eleven o'clock. I hadn't slept yet. I sat against the headboard, scrolling through my phone.
Adam shed his heavy overcoat and suit jacket. He walked to the bedside and reached out, brushing his index finger against my cheek. His skin was cold from the night air. I instinctively shrank back from the chill.
Adam withdrew his hand immediately. Then he went into the bathroom.
When he came out, fresh and clean, he climbed into bed. I scooted over and burrowed into his arms.
He smelled of soap and damp skin. It was comforting.
Adam paused for a second, then wrapped his arms around me. "What happened today?"
I buried my face in his chest. "My brother is transferring to Boston. My mother is coming too. He wanted her to stay here with me. I refused."
"Good," Adam said. "You did the right thing."
I looked up at his chin. "You don't think I'm cold-blooded?"
"Not at all. You are the most gentle person I know. Given how your mother and brother treated you, I’m surprised you’re even talking to them. If it were me, I would have done much worse. Don't feel guilty."
I rested my head on his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat. His words washed away the lingering guilt. "Adam, thank you."
He kissed the top of my head. "Remember, no matter what happens, I am always on your side. From now on, you don't have to worry about not being loved. Whatever you didn't get from them, I will give you double."
In the darkness, my eyes stung. I wasn't used to relying on anyone; I had always carried my burdens alone. Adam was the first person to make a promise like that. Despite the years of pain between us, in this moment, I desperately wanted to believe him.
"Adam," I whispered. "Let’s start over."
Adam cupped my face, tilting my head up. His eyes were intense in the shadows. "Are you serious?"
"Mm-hmm. I want to give us a chance. And I want to give Amy a complete family."
Adam’s hands trembled slightly. "Maya, I won't let you down this time. We will be together for a lifetime. If possible, I want to find you in the next life, too."
"You're getting cheesy," I mumbled.
"You don't like it?"
"I like it. Say it more often."
My hand slipped under the hem of his shirt. Adam’s body went rigid. "Aren't you tired?" he asked, his voice husky.
I didn't answer. I pressed my warm lips against his exposed collarbone and bit him lightly.
Adam sucked in a sharp breath. "You really don't want to sleep, do you?"
"I don't have to work tomorrow," I whispered against his skin.
Chloe's POV:
I walked out of Chairman Palmer's office and froze.
Parker was standing in the hallway. He wasn't wearing his usual hoodie. He was in a tailored custom suit, looking sharp and unfamiliar.
I almost asked what the hell he was doing here, but I stopped myself. There were employees everywhere.
Parker smiled at me. "Hello. I'm Parker Palmer. You must be... my father's secretary?"
I blinked, taking two seconds to reboot my brain. "Yes. Are you here to see the Chairman?"
Parker smirked. "That's right."
"The Chairman is inside," I said, keeping my face professional. "Go on in."
I turned and walked away fast.
At lunch, the office gossip was exploding.
"Did you hear? Parker Palmer is coming to work."
Clatter. My fork hit the tray. My colleague glanced at me. I picked up the fork calmly and continued eating.
"I thought he hated the office," someone said. "He refused for years to be a food blogger."
"Maybe he finally grew up. He’s the only son. He has to take over eventually."
"Must be nice," another sighed. "Imagine inheriting a company so you don't have to work for someone else."
That afternoon, Preston Palmer stopped me. "Secretary Vance, starting tomorrow, you’re transferred. You will assist the new General Manager, my son Parker."
I went pale. "Chairman, can you assign someone else?"
Preston looked at me. "Do you have concerns? Your salary stays the same."
"No, it's not that..."
"Good. You have the most experience. I trust you with him," Preston said. "I've already found your replacement. Parker’s office is on the eighteenth floor. Move down tomorrow."
I walked out, my mind screaming. Trust me? Sir, I slept with your son.
That evening, I called Maya. "Maya, tell me he isn't doing this on purpose."
Maya laughed on the other end. "Obviously he is. The guy never comes to the office, and suddenly he's the GM and you're his secretary? He’s making a move."
"What should I do?"
"What are you afraid of?"
"I'm not afraid," I lied.
"Liar. Parker chased you to your job. Just date him."
"And get fired?" I groaned. "If the Chairman finds out I'm hooking up with the heir, I’m done. Rich families want strategic marriages, not secretaries."
Maya sighed. She knew that reality well. "So what's the plan?"
"I'll wait and see," I said. "After bonus season, I'll find a new job."
The next day, I carried my box to the eighteenth floor. I knocked on the door.
"Enter."
The voice triggered memories of Parker in my bed. I shook my head. Focus, Chloe.
I walked in. Parker sat behind a large desk, bathed in sunlight. "Mr. Palmer. Where is my workstation?"
Parker pointed to a desk directly across from him, inside the office.
"You're my secretary," Parker said. "Sitting there makes it easier to... talk."
I frowned. "That’s inappropriate. I should sit outside."
Parker twirled a pen. "Why? Do you have a guilty conscience, Secretary Vance? Are you afraid you'll try to seduce me?"
"Mr. Palmer," I said patiently. "If I sit in here, people will talk. It will hurt your reputation. The Chairman won't like it."
"Let them talk," Parker said lazily. "We haven't done anything wrong."
I paused. Haven't we?
"Mr. Palmer..."
"Secretary Vance," he cut me off. "It’s my first day. Are you teaching me how to do my job? Do you want to sit in my chair instead?"