“I’ll be waiting for that paycheck dinner,”n said with a grin, not pressuring her. He was just offering another option. “Work won’t be as easy as it is now. If you’re ever stuckte, just message me. I’ll pick up Samuel.”


    “Sure thing.” Reba didn’t even hesitate. Ever since they were kids, they’d always had each other’s backs. Saying no would only make things awkward between them.


    After chatting for a while, Reba texted Elmer to let him know she’d be joining. Elmer replied fast, shooting her over a list. of things she’d need for her first day at work.


    Reba sent him a quick “Sure,” and having a real job sorted out finally helped her rx a little inside.


    But since her mom still needed a bunch of cash these days, Reba hopped onto her side art ount after getting home. She posted a batch of hertest drawings, just to give potential clients something to check out formissions.


    Her main ount featured top–tier, award–winning work that could earn tens of thousands per job, but those big gigs were rare. Her side ount handled smallermissions from many clients, bringing in extra ie regrly.


    On Thursday, after dropping Samuel off at school, Reba made her way to the office. She arrived before nine, and Elmer was there waiting to greet her himself. He helped her get the contract signed and gave her the rundown on the new project.


    Isn’t this all supposed to be HR’s job?‘ Reba thought, a bit puzzled. If she were some big shot, maybe the HR director would step in, but it was pretty rare for Elmer himself to handle every single part.


    Elmer shed a big smile as soon as Reba finished signing. “Wee to Primey Technologies! With you on the team, I’m confident our new project will be a sess.”


    “I’ll do my best,” Reba said with a small smile.


    Then Elmer led her to the floor where the new project was located. Primey Technologies was a publicpany, and they upied the entire building. The new project team was set up on the eighth floor.


    As Reba stepped into her new workspace and received her employee badge, a tide ofplicated emotions washed over her. The words Marcus and Candice had once said about her not having a job echoed in her mind.


    “Reba,” Elmer called, bringing her out of her thoughts.


    “Hmm?” Reba replied,ing back to herself.


    “The rest of the team for the new project hasn’t arrived yet. Once they’re here, I’ll introduce you,” Elmer said, pulling out a folder and passing it to her. “This is the project brief. Take a look when you get the chance.”


    Reba took the documents, one by one.


    Elmer kept her for over twenty minutes, talking nonstop, covering thepany’s growth, project details, and an overview


    of the new team,


    15:35 Thu, 18 Sept


    84.30%


    Once he finished introducing thest team member, Reba offered a polite smile. “Thanks, Mr. Taylor. If there’s nothing else, I’ll get started.”


    “Sure,” Elmer said readily.


    Reba sat down and started going through the project files, immersing herself in the details all morning. She also made sure to greet her new colleagues when she got the chance.


    Later that afternoon, just as Reba was about to finish up thest of the files, the eighth floor suddenly buzzed with


    excitement.


    It wasn’t long before Elmer came over, looking way more serious than he’d been earlier. “Alright, everyone, pause whatever you’re doing. The new boss is here and wants to chat about the project.”


    Everyone stopped what they were doing.


    For some reason, Reba suddenly felt a wave of unease crash over her. It hit so quickly that her chest tightened with dread before she could even react.


    That sinking feeling was confirmed as soon as she stepped into the CEO’s office. Jeffrey was there, rocking a sharp suit and sitting cool as ever in his chair. When they walked in, his calm but intimidating gaze swept over everyone in the room.


    His eyes lingered on Reba for just a split second before moving on.


    At that moment, Reba’s good mood evaporatedpletely. She never expected that all her searching would lead to something like this.


    “Everyone, meet Mr. Hanson from the Hanson Group. For the next two months, he’ll be stepping in as CEO of Primey Technologies,” Elmer announced. “He’s calling the shots on this new project. So from now on, you can report straight to him instead of me.”


    “Understood,” the team echoed.


    Elmer went around the room, introducing everyone to Jeffrey.


    Reba’s eyes had been glued to Jeffrey since the moment she stepped in; quitting ran through her mind on a loop.


    Primey Technologies was public, but the Hanson Group owned hundreds like it. Jeffrey barely had time for his own empire. There was no way he was popping in just for fun. She wasn’t fooled; he had to be up to something.


    “And this is Reba, our brand–new concept art and marketing artist,” Elmer continued. “She’s got loads of experience and seriously strong illustration skills.”


    Jeffrey shot Reba a quick look before ncing away, his tone perfectly cool. “Hmm.”


    Elmer, who’d already gotten the inside scoop on Jeffrey from Jason, wanted to make sure everything was perfect for Jeffrey. “Is there anything else you’d like to ask?” he said<i>. </i>


    “Nothing for now,” Jeffrey answered, cool as ice. “Just here to check up on the project’s progress,”


    Elmer didn’t say anything more and gestured for everyone to head out.


    9430%4


    Reba really wanted to corner Jeffrey and demand some answers, but with so many eyes around, she had to hold back.


    Once everyone was back at their desks, the office instantly filled with gossip.


    “Dude, did you check out the new CEO? He’s stupid hot! That confident, mature–guy energy is absolutely killing me,” someone gushed.


    “Yeah, keep thirsting. Miss a deadline and he’ll eat you alive,” someone else snarked.


    “Better keep your head down and work. That guy doesn’t look like he takes any crap,” another warned.


    “Reba,” someone called out.


    Snapping out of her thoughts about quitting, Reba quickly pulled herself together and looked over. “Yeah?”


    “How’s the project briefing along?” the person asked, walking over. She was dressed in a sleek, professional outfit, her cool eyes fixed on Reba.


    “Almost done,” Reba replied.


    “If you have any questions, juste to me,” the woman said, her tone direct. Her short, shoulder–length hair gave her a no–nonsense vibe. “You’re on my team, so let’s get any issues sorted out right away.”


    “Sure,” Reba replied, already knowing this was Jane White, her team lead.


    Reba spent the afternoon in a daze, her mind scattered. She even thought about quitting on the spot, but the hefty penalty was beyond her means.


    After weighing her options, she decided to see Elmer, hoping the contract wasn’t finalized yet and there might still be a way out.


    It totally slipped her mind that if this really was all part of Jeffrey’s n, there was no way he’d ever give her a chance to


    back out now.


    Reba paused for a moment outside Elmer’s office door before finally knocking.


    Elmer looked up, saw her, and immediately set aside whatever he was working on. “What’s up?”


    Reba asked from the doorway, “Can Ie in and talk?”


    “Of course,” Elmer said, standing up and grabbing his coffee cup as he headed to refill it. “So, is this about work, or something else?” he asked casually.


    “I was just wondering… Is the contract I signed this morning still here?” Reba asked, her voice a bit tentative as nerves flickered beneath her calm.


    “I already handed it over to Mr. Hanson. Why don’t you check with him?” Elmer said, settling <i>into </i>his chair and ncing behind her. “Actually, he’s right here.”


    15:35 <b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>18 </b><b>Sept </b>