Chapter 6


    He descended the stairs and spotted Dawson standing in the living room, phone in hand, deep in


    conversation with someone on the other end.


    Dawson immediately ceased his texting, concern etching his features. “Mr. Hayes, is Ms. ra very


    ill? Does she need to go to the hospital?”


    “Yeah, she just asked me for a week off. I was wondering why she did not just tell you directly. Why


    go through the formal process with me?”


    “Just did. You said Ms. ra should rest up at home, and I’ll handle the work.”


    Dawson figured his go–getter attitude would earn him some praise from the big boss. But instead,


    he was met with a frosty voice that said, “That’s your quarterly bonus gone.”


    ra had taken a week off work due to excessive blood loss from surgery. On her first day back,


    her colleagues were quick to fill her in on the dreadful week they’d had. They were workingte


    every single day.


    For granting her the time off, assistant Dawson had his quarterly bonus shed by a hefty sum


    courtesy ofn. ra knew that money was Dawson’s rainy day fund, and now, because of her, it


    was gone.


    After briefing her colleagues on a few work–rted matters, she knocked on the CEO’s office door.


    Upon entering, she foundn, d in a crisp ck suit, sitting at his desk.


    His demeanor was cold and weary, his features sharp and distinct, and his deep–set eyes carried


    an air of casual indifference. An aura of icy aloofness and sophistication surrounded him. His


    expression barely changed as his gaze settled on ra for a few seconds before returning to his


    work.


    Facing him again was painful for ra–seven years ago, it was this detached and handsome man


    who had drawn her to him, leading her to throw caution to the wind. But she never expected her


    years of devotion to be treated as nothing more than a casual fling byn.


    ra masked the turmoil in her eyes as she approachedn, her tone all business. “Mr. Hayes, the


    company’s leave policy states that direct supervisor approval suffices for absences of ten days or


    less. Dawson is my supervisor, and he approved my leave. Why did you cut his bonus?”


    Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ra’s heart tightened. “Is it because our breakup annoyed you? If you have an issue with me,


    confront me directly. Don’t take it out on others.”


    A bitter smile flickered across ra’s face as she handedn her prepared resignation letter. “Mr.


    Hayes, not only will I not be moving back in, but I’m also resigning, effective immediately. Here’s my


    resignation. I hope you find someone to take over my duties soon.”


    A sly smile curved ra’s lips. “Mr. Hayes, you were the one who said we’d part ways when you


    were done. By not letting me go, you’re making me think you can’t handle the game.”


    At her words,n rose from his chair and closed the distance between them. He grasped her chin,


    his fingertips grazing her smooth skin. His voice bore a forceful sense of oppression. “ra, it’s not


    that I can’t handle the game. I’m just not done ying it yet!”