66


    Ynda nced at Walter Hudson, standing nearby. He was skinny, in a in white shirt, with nothing special


    about his looks.


    “You, you’re my assistant from now on,” Ynda said. “Go tell the other six Alex Wilsons there’s a meeting in ten minutes. If anyone skips it, just kick them out.”


    With Leon Cole’s mess hanging over everyone, you had to be an idiot to act dumb now.


    So, even if the execs didn’t have a clue what was going on, they still showed up in the office right on time.


    Mary Hall had never been allowed to set foot in the meeting room before. The execs always made sure to exclude her when they had their meetings.


    ording to them<i>, </i>women belonged at home having babiespeting with men at work just made them look ridiculous.


    Mary had endured this for thirteen years. Now, barely containing her excitement, she sat herself down at Ynda’s left side.


    The exec who was supposed to sit there frowned and scoffed quietly, “You really think just because she’s here, you get to move up? Mary, you’re way overestimating that bitch.”


    They were only there because they didn’t want to cause any trouble, and since they still didn’t know what was really going on, they figured they’d just go along for now.


    Ynda settled into the center seat at the table, her gaze sweeping over the five male execs. Each wore a look of disdain, except for one whose emotions were hidden and impossible to read.


    She smiled, straightened her back, and neatly tied her hair into a low ponytail.


    “Let me introduce myself. I’m Ynda, and as of today, I’m officially taking over as CEO,” she said.


    The five execs just smiled, not saying a word.


    Mary bit her lip, her eyes red as she managed to choke out, “Wee.”


    After fighting alone for thirteen years, she finally had an ally.


    Ynda nodded, flipping through the papers. “It’s almost quitting time, and I’m not a fan of making people workte, so let’s keep it brief. I’ve already checked out what each of you is handling. But from what I see, you’re all butting into each other’s business a little too much. For tomorrow morning’s meeting, I want you to organize the details of your own projects. No watered–down reports–I want blunt, honest opinions.”


    The execs looked pretty sour, but went along with a grudging “okay.”


    Ynda kept things rolling; the whole meeting wrapped up in just over ten minutes.


    As she walked out, one of the execs snickered, “She’s really putting on a good act. Maybe Jason Maine had to


    15:50 <b>Sun</b><b>, </b>Sep 28


    sleep with her just to get her to show up.”


    (156)


    The rest looked pissed, but these guys were old hands–they’d seen it all before, so they just kept their poker faces, figuring they’d watch what happened with Leon Cole before making any moves.


    Ynda headed back to the office to tell the workers to renovate the storage room, then headed out to her car.


    But as soon as she got in, she foundn hanging out inside.


    Even with the window up. Ynda nced around warily. “You know this is kinda risky, right?”


    The AC was sting in the car, making it chilly. Ian sat there in a long coat and mask. “You’ve been busytely, and I wanted to give you a gift. Ended up staking out here for you myself.”


    He had a key to Ynda’s car–she’d personally given it to him.


    Ynda nced at the rearview mirror, softening into a smile. “What kind of gift?”


    Ian pulled off his mask, but he kept his coat clutched tightly around himself, not even letting a hint of skin show at his neck.


    He lowered hisshes, his voice a bit husky. “Come to the back–I’ll tell you in secret.”


    Ynda thought, ‘Honestly, the guy could be such a stubborn puppy sometimes. But fine, I’ll y along.


    She was willing to go with it.


    She stepped out and made her way to the backseat.


    Ynda asked, “So, what’s the gift?”


    As soon as she asked, Ian shrugged off his coat, leaned back a bit, his Adam’s apple moving with every breath. “So, what do you think? Look good to you?”


    A silver–ck chain glinted around his neck, resting just above his Adam’s apple. Paired with his ck shirt and a few missing buttons, the whole look was straight–up eye candy.


    His hair was back to its original color now, but he still had those earrings on–the ones she’d given him.


    Ynda had to admit, this guy really did know how to keep things interesting. He was always full of tricks.


    He locked eyes with her, gaze burning, biting his lip for a second. “Do you like it? Does it look good?”


    Ynda reached out and tugged the chain, yanking him closer in one swift move. His eyes shed with surprise when she asked, “Is this… a dog cor?”


    He met her eyes, utterly straightforward. “You’re cold one minute, warm the next, treating me like your puppy. What’s wrong if I wear this?”


    When it came to these moments, he always put himself out there, never trying to pretend he was more than


    he was.


    <b>15:51 </b>Sun, <b>Sep </b><b>28 </b>


    And he did it with a kind of openness that was almost disarming.


    66


    65 vouchers


    ???? <fn4c60> Th?s chapter is updated by find?novel</fn4c60>


    Ynda felt her heart flutter a bit–no one had ever put so much thought into winning her over before. She couldn’t help but be a little moved.


    Her fingers glided up the chain and traced softly along his neck.


    He tilted his head,shes pointed down, ears quietly going red. That usually aloof face of his with the shy chain–it was all such a wild mismatch it made her want tough.


    Ian was just that way–a bundle of contradictions, wrapped in even more mystery.


    Ynda knew full well he was probably not as well–behaved as he yed it, and for sure he kept his own secrets, but she kissed him anyway, not caring about any of that.


    Ian parted his lips, kissing her back instantly–no hesitation at all.


    They kissed for what felt like forever, and then Ian nuzzled against her palm, murmuring, “Don’t forget to text me back, okay?”


    She’d ignored his texts all day; he’d run over to the hospital, then to Starlight, waiting like a hopeful puppy just to catch her attention.


    He was bending over backwards just to make her happy.


    When a married woman runs into a puppy like him, how could she not adore it?


    Ynda let out a soft “mm” and gave his earlobe a yful squeeze. “Looks gorgeous on you. Next time, I’ll spoil you with something even fancier.”


    “Are you still gonna use your husband’s card for that?” Ian teased.


    She burst outughing. “Not even a hint of shame, huh?”


    Ian used to be all distant, barely letting her kiss him the first time. Now, it was like he’d turned into a whole


    new person.


    “That’s just the mindset of the side piece,” Ian smirked. “Married women–they love someone who knows how to y it sweet, just like men do.”


    <b>AD </b>