Chapter 016

**~ Michelle ~**

I arrived at work late and immediately ran into Hughes, who raised an eyebrow at me.

“I assume you're just getting here, Miss Lee?” he asked, his tone as dry as ever. It wasn’t as if he couldn’t see me entering the building. I instinctively reached up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear, only to remember it was tied back in a ponytail.

“Yes, I ran into an emergency,” I replied. It wasn’t exactly a lie. My tire had punctured on the way here, which delayed me more than I’d expected.

Hughes’ skeptical gaze lingered, and I couldn’t help but wonder why he was standing near my office. My thoughts must have shown on my face because he cleared his throat.

“About yesterday,” he began, his voice unusually measured. “I’ve been thinking…”

I stared at him, waiting for him to continue.

“I believe it would be more efficient to assign someone to work alongside you on the project,” he said, shoving his hands into his pockets. “That way, the process will be faster and smoother.”

I nodded, suppressing a sigh. It might be helpful to collaborate with someone who had actual experience—especially in the male toys department.

“And who might this person be?” I asked, tilting my head slightly. Hughes shifted uncomfortably, a rare display of unease.

“Jake called me this morning,” he admitted. “I think he could contribute to the design.”

My blood ran cold. For a moment, I stared at him, convinced he’d lost his mind.

*Jake?* The same Jake now working for Boo-Uild’s rival? And Hughes wanted him to help me design the toy?

“This doesn’t make sense,” I murmured, meeting Hughes’ gaze.

He had no idea Jake had stolen my design. Only a select few knew because I was too ashamed to admit I’d been deceived and abandoned by Jake in the most humiliating way possible. To everyone else, Jake had simply left Boo-Uild for Indie’s Tech, and before long, their company had a bestselling product—one that was my idea.

And now?

“He insisted on helping,” Hughes continued, oblivious to the turmoil his words were causing. “He said it would benefit the company, and we’ll still get the credit.”

I shook my head, stepping back.

“I’m sorry, sir, but I can’t work with Jake,” I said firmly.

His eyes narrowed, his sharp gaze cutting through me.

“I understand you two were… acquaintances,” he said, dismissively waving a hand. “But this is business, not personal.” His face remained impassive, as always.

I opened my mouth to retort but shut it again. What could I even say? That Jake was a fraud? That Hughes was a fool to trust him? And how had Jake even known about this project? That was the question Hughes hadn’t bothered to ask.

Straightening his posture, Hughes looked as imposing as ever, his face shadowed by his ever-present five o’clock stubble.

“If you can’t handle it, you can always back out,” he said curtly. Then, without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing in front of my office door like a lost lamb.

I clenched my fists. Was Hughes trying to make me quit this project so he could take credit for my work? If so, he was doing an excellent job.

Fuming, I pushed open the door to my office and stepped inside. I drew up the blinds, letting the morning sunlight spill into the room, hoping it would calm me.

I had barely settled into my chair when my phone rang. Groaning inwardly, I glanced at the caller ID.

It was my dad.

Under normal circumstances, I’d feel guilty about the immediate wave of irritation that swept over me. But today was already off to a bad start, and his call was the last thing I needed.

Our relationship had been strained ever since Mom died. I didn’t know why, but Dad—and even my sister Andrea—had turned against me.

Soon enough, I knew my younger brother Daniel might follow suit. I’d asked countless times what I’d done wrong, but I never got an answer. Eventually, I stopped asking.

“Dad,” I answered quietly.

“When should I expect you for dinner tonight?” he asked, skipping any pleasantries.

I blinked, then checked the date. Damn. It was dinner night, and I’d completely forgotten.

In recent months, I’d been finding excuses to skip these family gatherings. They usually consisted of Dad and Andrea criticizing my every move while I gritted my teeth and pretended it didn’t hurt.

“I’ve been busy at work,” I began, searching for an excuse.

“And that’s enough to make you forget about your family?” he snapped.

The jab stung. To him, my career was insignificant compared to family obligations. The same family that undermined everything I did.

Sometimes, I wish Mom were still here. If she hadn’t died from cardiac arrest, maybe things would have been different.

Resigned, I pinched the bridge of my nose.

“I’ll be there,” I said softly.

“Good,” he replied before hanging up.

I set my phone down and stared blankly ahead.

I had to work with Jake. I had to sit for a family dinner with Dad and Andrea.

Today was officially ruined.