Chapter 151

Doubt flickered in my head, but before I could speak, Ron interrupted. “Ahem, ahem…” He cleared his throat, flashing an awkward grin. “Were you, like, listening at the door? You kinda freaked me out.”

He was trying to be funny, but I remained serious. “No, I wasn’t eavesdropping. I just arrived and didn’t even have time to knock.”

Ron’s smile widened. “I’m just messing with you. Chill. So, what’s going on?”

He waved me in, and I entered his office. Even though I’d been at the company a few days, this was my first visit. And… wow. My first impression? Not what I expected.

Ron might be the deputy CEO, but with the CEO rarely present, he essentially ran the show. You’d expect his office to be sleek and professional, right? Nope. The couch was crescent-moon shaped, bold and brightly colored with clashing patterns. Instead of stiff office plants, real flowers bloomed everywhere, their vibrant colors immediately catching the eye. His desk was covered in quirky trinkets.

The entire space had a soft, almost feminine vibe. If I hadn’t known it was Ron’s office, I would have thought I was in the wrong place.

“You like it?” Ron asked, noticing my appraisal.

I forced a small smile. Honestly, I wasn’t impressed. His office didn’t exactly scream “serious deputy CEO.” But, hey, it was his space. If he liked it, that’s all that mattered.

“Your office has a very… unique style,” I said, trying to sound pleasant.

Ron laughed, gesturing for me to sit on the funky couch. “Yeah, I’m not into boring, corporate stuff. Our big boss says that about me. Oh, and about that call earlier? That was actually with him. You really gave me a heart attack when you popped up out of nowhere.”

I chuckled, though internally I was still processing how he’d just called the CEO “Bro” on the phone. Their relationship seemed incredibly close—not familial, but very tight. No wonder Ron practically ran the company.

“I’ll make sure to knock next time,” I said, maintaining a professional demeanor.

“No biggie, no biggie. I’m just a little jumpy,” Ron joked, making me laugh genuinely this time.

He was so easygoing and relatable, a complete 180 from the aloofness expected of someone in his position. Definitely unlike Jace.

Back at RiverwaveCorp, Jace, the CEO, insisted on being called “Mr. Johnston” during work hours, regardless of location. To him, I was just his assistant, another employee.

Looking back, his treatment wasn't about professionalism; he simply didn't love me enough.

That thought hit me hard, but I snapped out of it, remembering my purpose. “Mr. Shane, I’d like to take the afternoon off.”

“Time off?” Ron raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, I have something I need to handle,” I replied vaguely.

Ron nodded. “Sure, go ahead. Don’t worry about the clients. I’ve already spoken to the boss, and he’ll handle them himself. Just focus on your things; we’ve got the rest covered.”

“Huh?” I blinked, surprised. I hadn’t even met the CEO yet. Why was he being so considerate?

Ron chuckled. “He’s a good-looking guy with a big heart. Once you meet him, you’ll probably fall for him.” Fall for him?!

My face flushed, but then I realized Ron probably just meant the CEO was as easygoing and kind as he was. So, I played along. “With a boss that amazing, I bet everyone does.”