It sounded like the same excuse he used earlier, but back then, what was I looking at?
“Josh, it’s work hours. Don’t use work as an excuse to pull me into your personal drama,” I warned him.
“Oh, he responded obediently, but still stood there, waiting for me to move.
I had no choice but to stand up and walk toward him. As I stepped into the elevator, he reached for me, but I quickly dodged
his hand.
Just as I was about to step fully inside, the elevator shook again. Instinctively, I reached out to grab his arm.
For a split second, I felt my face flush with embarrassment. He looked around, muttering, “Someone needs to check the elevator when we’re done. Why does it keep shaking like that?”
I couldn’t respond.
This time, Josh didn’t try any tricks. He began testing the equipment while I watched, offering feedback and suggestions.
We hadn’t been at it for long when I received a call from Alvin. Seeing his number made my stomach drop-this couldn’t be good.
The call wasn’t about work. It was probably because Thea hadined about something.
I stood a little away from Josh and answered. “Mr. Dolton.”
Zoe, you’re so vicious,” Alvin’s voice came through, full of reprimand.
I didn’t even need to hear the rest—I already knew what this was about.
It was Thea, of course. She couldn’t handle the truth and had toin.
Mr. Dolton, I believe my arrangements were perfectly reasonable. If there’s an issue, it’s yours. You’re the one who arranged for them toe here at the same time. I just made the necessary adjustments,” I said, not backing down.
Alvin was silent for a while, likely furious. I took the opportunity to cut the conversation short. “Mr. Dolton, I’m busy. If there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up now.”
‘Get someone to apany Thea immediately. I want you to stay with her personally,” Alvin ordered coldly.
‘Alvin, are you out of your mind? You want me to be with her? Is she even qualified for that? And what about the lighting— are we still testing that?” I didn’t hold back.
“I’m giving you a direct order. Don’t worry about anything else,” Alvin responded, using his boss status to pressure me.
I gripped the elevator’s handrail tightly. “Alvin, you can be a tyrant, but I won’t y along.”
“Fine. I’ll strip you of your position as the park’s project lead. You can go back to the office,” Alvin’s decision took me by
surprise.
I stood silent for two seconds before asking, “Are you serious, Alvin?”
“Do you think I’m joking?” Alvin’s voice was cold. “Zoe, don’t think the park will copse without you.”
His words hit me like a cold wave. I knew he wasn’t kidding.
Standing 200 feet above the ground, looking out at the park, a sudden sadness crept
into
my chest.
After Alvin’s betrayal, I had endured all the humiliation just to finish this project, to fulfill my dream. But now, it seemed like I wouldn’t be able to finish it after all.
Maybe this was what people meant when they said life was full of regrets.
It was like my parents, who loved me so much and wanted to see me grow up, marry… but they passed away too soon.
Since perfection is rare in this world, I guess I can’t demand it.
“Fine,” I said quietly. “I’ll head back to the office now.”
I hung up the phone, my body trembling slightly. Josh was standing beside me.
He didn’t ask me anything, probably because he had overheard my conversation with Alvin.
We stood there in silence for a while. Finally, I spoke. “Josh, I have to go back to the office. I won’t be able to help with the testing anymore, but I hope you can finish the adjustments yourself.”
He furrowed his brows, and I could see the concern in his eyes. I got the feeling that once I left, he would leave too.
It wasn’t arrogance on my part-I just knew that’s what he would do.
This amusement park is my dream. I want to see it finished perfectly,” I whispered.
A long moment passed before Josh finally said, “Okay.”