Chapter 172

Up in the Air His eyes narrowed. “What’s the matter?”

“It’s nothing. Design Division asked for the drawings,” I said. “I met Nick the other day and told him about it, so he’s aware.”

“Design Division?” Then he said, “They could always get them from Nick’s project department. You don’t have to resend them.”

I almost criticized that mean woman, but I refrained. After all, she was his employee. I said nothing, and he didn’t ask further questions about it.

Time went by fast, and we were only together for four hours. It was late at night when he sent me home. I felt terrible when I saw how tired he looked. He had hurried back just for my birthday and would have to leave for Quillbrooke early tomorrow.

At the door, he pulled me into his arms and held me for a moment. “Good night.”

I looked at him. Try to get some sleep 1 will.”

okay?”

He watched me go in. I didn’t want to close the door, but he’d never leave if I didn’t. He needed to rest.

I shut the door with a heavy heart, and then ran upstairs to my room. Looking out the window, I saw Atlas staring up at me.

He turned, got into his car, and drove off. It left me feeling alone.

I felt like a teenage girl with her first love. He was all I could think about. I tossed and turned in bed but couldn’t fall asleep.

The following day, I drove to Starlight International, hoping to see him again. However, the receptionist said he hadn’t returned to the hotel.

I returned to the office listlessly and called him. He told me he had gone straight to Quillbrooke last night.

Ryan was surprised to see my under–eye bags when he entered my office. He sat down and handed me a document. “The materials for the Echelon Group project have been approved, and it’ll start next week. So far, so good.”

Carol came in to give me a report, and I asked for some coffee.

Then Melanie called. Assuming she was upset that I got the lucrative project, I chuckled and didn’t pick I wanted to use her to fish for information, but I wasn’t in the mood. She could go fuck herself for all i cared.

Also, I knew Melanie was oblivious to what Matthew was doing. How did they end up together in the first place? I guess it must have been their shared interest in money, huh?

I I I left the office early to pick up Ava, and Stella called while I was on my way.

She asked, “Are you in your office?”

“No, I left.” I wasn’t in high spirits after a sleepless night. All I wanted was to go home and sleep.

“Not again!” She laughed and said, “I’m almost there. I wanted to spend some time with you.” 1 Being from a wealthy family sure had its perks, didn’t it? She had plenty of free time!

“I might not be able to do this again after today,” she sighed. “I’ve got no other plans. Would you like to meet up?”

“Why is that?” I stopped at a red light, hesitant to agree because I didn’t have time for this.

“My mom’s coming to Foswood tomorrow,” she grumbled. “Even though she gave her job to Atlas, she just won’t let go. It’s driving Atlas mad.” 1 I tensed, and my focus sharpened. What she said seemed important.

“Why does that trouble you?” I asked lightly.

“Me? She’ll make everything about her, Chloe! I’m just one of her pawns.” Stella sighed. “I wonder how things are going in Quillbrooke. Everything’s up in the air now.”

I was intrigued.