Chapter 87


    "What''s going on? Why the break?"


    I was practically on fire as I confronted Ernest, demanding answers.


    "Taking two days off a week is thew, and considering our workload, taking one day shouldn''t be an issue, right?" Ernest''s question left me speechless.


    I struggled to keep my anger in check. "Mr. Collins, you''re not wrong, but given our tight schedule and the looming deadline, can''t we push the break back a bit? Maybe speed up the progress, or I could offer you overtime pay."


    Ernest looked at me intently. "It''s not about the money. We''re not robots; we gotta take breaks regrly to keep running smoothly."


    He had a point, but our situation was different.


    Trying to calm myself, I asked, "So, Mr. Collins, taking a break today is absolutely necessary?"


    "Yes," Ernest replied with finality.


    I turned to leave.


    Then he added, "You should take the day off, too."


    I was fuming, turning back to face him. "Mr. Collins, just enjoy your break. Whether we rest is none of your concern."


    On the side, Deborah tried to stifle herughter with a smirk, while Ernest remained unfazed. "Ms. Hudson, without proper rest, you won''t be able to work efficiently, just likest—"


    "Ernest!" I interrupted him, my palms sweating.


    This guy, I had just told him not to bring upst night, and he was about to spill the beans.


    We locked eyes, and under his steady gaze, I caved, "Fine, we''ll take a break too."


    "Deborah, let''s go," I called out to her.


    "Ms. Hudson," Ernest stopped me again. "I need your help today."N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    A wave of anger hit me, and I snapped back, "What do you need? Someone to give you a massage, or maybe scratch your back for you?"


    "No, nothing like that. I just need to grab a few things and could really use your help to show me around." Ernest exined casually.


    I was incredulous, "Fine, let Deborah apany you..."


    "I need you, Ms. Hudson!" Ernest interrupted.


    Deborah couldn''t hold back herughter any longer.


    I couldn''t help but smile at this. This wasn''t the stoic soldier Ernest; this was more like a child throwing a tantrum.


    "Mr. Collins, you''re not a kid. Don''t you think this is a bit... excessive?" I teased.


    Ernest wasn''t embarrassed in the


    slightest. I''m new here, soet


    wrong with asking you for a little help? Besides, you previously-


    "Fine, I''ll go!" I cut him off again, knowing exactly where he was heading.


    If I didn''t agree, he''d bring up my secret visit to Gxy Harbor, and I couldn''t let Deborah find out.


    "Can I join you guys?" Deborah wouldn''t miss this for the world.


    "Sure!"


    "No need!"


    Ernest and I spoke at the same time, my agreement shing with his refusal.


    Deborah looked between us, and Ernest made his stance clear, his stance clear, "It''d be


    incot with Deborah tagging


    along, don''t you think, Ms. Hudson?"


    He was passing the buck to me.


    W


    Seeing Ernest''s look, I knew if I insisted on bringing Deborah, he''d bring up the past.


    Indeed, one lie leads to a hundred more.


    Finally, I turned to Deborah and said, "Take the day off. Your boyfriend probably misses you, too."


    Deborah red at me, clearly upset I mentioned her boyfriend in front of Ernest.


    I ignored her re, and under


    Ernest''s stern gaze, she reluctantly left, looking back three times. I was sure she was suspicious about Ernest and me.


    We''d deal with thatter. For now, I had a man to handle.