Chapter 4
544words
But work was work.
I'd just arrived at the office building when I spotted Jenna with Felix and two or three other coworkers. They'd just bought coffee together. Felix was saying something that made Jenna laugh, her eyes full of warmth.
Every so often, she'd link her arm through his. They looked perfect together, polished and matched.
She seemed genuinely happy. I waited for them to go up first before entering the building.
I'd barely set my things down when Tony Radley bounded over, grinning widely. "Hunter! You got discharged already? We were planning to visit you at the hospital!"
"Are you disappointed I wasn't hurt worse?" I smiled and clapped him on the shoulder.
"I wouldn't dare, man. Everyone knows you were a hero, saving someone like that."
"Sure, sure. How's the deal with Mr. Watson going?"
He smiled sheepishly. "It's going okay."
But he didn't sound convincing. I was about to call him out when he quickly added, "Hey, I need to tell you something. It's about you."
I raised an eyebrow.
"Mr. Henderson is being transferred soon. Once he's gone, the senior director position opens up. When that happens, you're a shoo-in for the position."
Before I could respond, Mark Rowe rushed over, his face full of indignation. "Unless it goes to Jenna."
The news didn't surprise me. Our performance numbers were neck to neck.
But Mark continued, "If it was based on merit, fine. But it's obviously not. I've seen Jenna and that guy from her team, Felix, getting cozy together multiple times these past few days. Really cozy."
Everyone in the office knew Felix was likely the chairwoman's son, so Mark's anger made sense. He thought Jenna was using Felix to climb the ladder, and he was upset on my behalf.
I looked down, a mocking smile tugging at my lips. So, during those days I was in the hospital, when Jenna was too busy for me, she was busy getting close to Felix.
How interesting.
But she'd changed long ago. Her behavior shouldn't surprise me. I smoothed away the mockery in my expression and smiled to reassure them.
"Don't worry. Until it's over, no one knows how it'll turn out."
As Mark and Tony were leaving, I called Tony back. "Bring me the materials from Mr. Watson's account you were working on. I want to take a look."
"Sure thing, Hunter."
I'd just opened my computer when I heard a knock on the door.
It was Jenna. That surprised me. We might have broken up with dignity, but that didn't mean I could pretend nothing happened and have a friendly chat with her.
Unless it was absolutely necessary, we shouldn't be meeting alone. Apparently, this was necessary for her.
Jenna stood in front of my desk and studied me carefully before speaking. "I thought you'd leave the company."
Her tone was gentle, as if offering sincere advice.
"Hunter, we were together for a long time. I've been honest with you about my ambitions.
"Next week, Mr. Henderson is being transferred. The most likely candidates for manager are you and me."
