?Chapter 998:


    “We pride ourselves on talent and integrity,” Morse began. “We reward those who deliver, who push boundaries—but we won’t stand for those who sabotage their colleagues orpromise our standards.”


    Brows furrowed. Eyes darted. Some exchanged looks. The air tensed, like everyone expected the other shoe to drop.


    Then Morse stopped pacing and smiled—just a little. “With that said, I’m pleased to announce that Yvonne will be stepping in as the acting editor-in-chief of the ‘Nature’s Essence’ section.”


    Yvonne blinked, her hands frozen over the keyboard. She hadn’t seen thating. Acting editor-in-chief? Sure, it was just a temporary position, but she was moving up fast!


    This was a real vote of confidence in her work.


    Later that evening, Ethan appeared by her desk with a crooked grin, having heard about her promotion.


    “The new editor? Still burning the midnight oil, I see.” Yvonne didn’t look up at first, too focused on the manuscript in front of her.


    Nearby, Margie, who had been waiting with her coat draped over her arm, caught sight of Ethan and immediately perked up. She grabbed her bag, said her goodbyes, and left.


    At the sound of Ethan’s voice, Yvonne nced up with a bright smile, then quickly turned her attention back to the task before her.


    “Don’t tease me—I’m not even the section editor yet. Just wrapping up some final bits.”


    Ethan dragged over a spare chair and settled into it. “No rush.”


    Yvonne kept her eyes on the screen, her fingers flying across the keyboard.


    Eventually, she closed theptop with a soft snap. “Done atst!” Looking around, she noticed the office had mostly cleared out. Only Ethan remained, his expression warm and unhurried.


    A faint flush colored her cheeks. “Mr. Marsh, you’re still here?” She began tidying up her desk, her words spilling out as she moved. “I always lose track of time when I’m in the zone—sorry about that.”


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    Ethan rose with a light chuckle. “Being that focused is a strength. I didn’t have anything pressing. What do you say—want to celebrate your promotion with a car race?”


    “Let’s hold off. I’m just the acting section editor for now. Let’s save the celebration for when the title’s official.”


    Stillughing, they exited the building side by side.


    Not far off, Heidi lingered in the shadows, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she caught sight of them. She whipped out her camera and began snapping photos like a predator staking out her prey. But after reviewing them, her excitement faded, her lips pressing into a thin line.


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