Chapter 373

“No, he doesn’t.”

“Honestly, I don’t think he looks much like a big boss either,” Ron said, puffing out his chest and standing taller, as if comparing himself. “I mean, come on, look at me. In terms of physique and presence, how could he compete with this?”

I rolled my eyes. “But he’s the one who invested all the money to start the company, right?”

“Yup, he’s the majority shareholder,” Ron said. “Me? I may look like I run things, but I’m just another glorified employee—same as you and Hayden.”

His easy, playful tone surprisingly made him seem down-to-earth.

“Then why doesn’t he run the company himself?” I asked, still confused.

Ron scoffed. “What, are you dense? The guy’s loaded. He owns a bunch of companies. Who has time to micromanage them all?”

I glanced back at the private room door, still struggling to reconcile the short, stocky man inside with the image of a wealthy business mogul. I’d spent years among the elite with the Johnstons, so I knew the big players. But I’d never heard of anyone with the last name Hart possessing this level of power.

“You don’t believe me, do you?” Ron saw through me instantly. “You just haven’t been around long enough, that’s all.”

I remained silent.

“Our boss is the grandson of Chadwick Hart, one of the old coal barons from West Ridge,” Ron continued. “He might look older than he is, but he’s just over thirty. With the coal business slowing down, the Hart family diversified. Kylian might not look like much, but he’s got brains.” Ron tapped his temple for emphasis.

It was all starting to make sense.

Still, I couldn’t resist teasing, “West Ridge folks moving in on Seavora, huh? Guess they’ve really got their fingers in every pie.”

“Wherever there’s money to be made, they’re on it. And our boss? He’s got overseas investments too,” Ron added with a shake of his head. “Bet you didn’t see that coming.”

“Definitely not,” I muttered, biting my lip. “Didn’t expect our big boss to be someone else entirely. I thought…”

“Thought what?” Ron asked, grinning.

I thought of Hayden’s humble background and kept my suspicions to myself. Both named Hart, but in terms of appearance and intelligence? Hayden eclipsed Kylian. But when it came to wealth? Kylian had the clear advantage.

“Nothing. Let’s get back inside before we get fired for keeping the big boss waiting,” I joked, and walked back into the private room.

Ron stopped me. “Ms. Kay, you didn’t think Hayden was…?”

“No,” I cut him off with a quick smile. “Hayden is just Hayden.”

“Hayden’s a stock that’s bound to rise,” Ron remarked before we entered the room.

As I opened the door, I noticed Hayden and Kylian sitting in silence, staring at each other as if after an intense confrontation. My heart skipped a beat. Had something already gone wrong between them? They barely knew each other!

Sensing the tension, I quickly apologized to Kylian. “Sorry for the interruption.”

“No worries, take a seat,” Kylian said in his usual relaxed tone. For a supposed secret billionaire, he certainly didn’t act the part.

Ron strolled in behind me, his usual blunt honesty evident. “I gave Ms. Kay a little rundown about you, boss.”

I froze. Seriously? Was he really going to reveal that I’d been asking about Kylian?

Before I could glare at him, Ron was already laughing, explaining to Kylian, “You have no idea how long Ms. Kay has been dying to know more about you. She’s been grilling me for ages, desperate for a glimpse of your brilliance.”

I was speechless.

“Really?” Hayden’s voice cut in, those two words sending a chill down my spine.

Ron laughed nervously. “Yep! If you don’t believe me, you can ask her yourself.”

I wanted to throttle him. He seriously lacked tact.

“Let’s get the food started. Keira’s been starving,” Hayden smoothly changed the subject.

Ron glanced at Kylian, who gave a small nod, and Ron pressed the button to summon the waitstaff. That exchange confirmed Kylian as the boss. But one question lingered: Why was Ron more deferential to Hayden than Kylian? Even though Kylian was the boss, Ron seemed to treat Hayden with a far greater level of respect.

As I ate, I couldn't shake the feeling that something about this situation didn't quite add up.