Chapter 382

When Ron said someone was looking for me, my first thought was, "Uh-oh, maybe I've taken too many days off." Before last night, I'd assumed Ron was letting me take time off because I believed Hayden was the mysterious big boss behind him. But now, things felt different.

I shook off the awkwardness and replied, "Is it a client? I can head back right now."

"It's not a client. It's a woman, all dolled up like a femme fatale, and she's storming in like a wife catching her husband with a mistress," Ron said, blunt as ever. Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, "Ms. Kay, I know about you and Hayden. No judgment here, just a heads-up. You sure you didn't upset someone?"

I was confused, but stayed calm. "What's her name?"

"No idea. She said her last name's Grey. But she's got that 'I'm in charge' attitude," Ron sounded like he was still recovering from her entrance.

Grey?

I ran through my mental Rolodex, but came up blank. I didn't know anyone named Grey. I hadn't done anything wrong, so I wasn't worried. In fact, my plans to go back to the office shifted. "I'm at the hospital right now. If she really wants to see me, tell her to come here."

"Huh?" Ron sounded thrown off.

"If she doesn't want to, tell her she's free to go wherever she pleases," I added.

I could almost hear Ron's jaw drop. "Isn't that a bit… much?"

I smiled. "If you feel bad for her, you can keep her entertained. But I don't think I'll make it to the office today. Tomorrow sounds better." Yuna's surgery was coming up soon, and while she had some tests today, Hayden was there to help. I wasn't really needed.

"No rush. Focus on your family. Things are fine at the company. Your team's top-notch—it's like you're still there even when you're not," Ron reassured me.

"Is that so? Maybe I should come back soon, before the marketing department forgets who their boss is," I teased.

"You can't say that! Your spot is safe, totally safe. No one could ever replace you," Ron said quickly, sounding almost panicked.

His over-the-top indulgence was starting to feel… weird. Like I was being treated like royalty. It was flattering, but also made me wonder why. Last night's dinner had pretty much killed the idea that Hayden was the hidden boss, so what was up with Ron being so extra? Did he have another reason?

He seemed more invested in my relationship with Hayden than even Hayden's family. So, what was behind this special treatment? I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Could it really just be admiration for my "amazing talents"?

As I mulled it over, Ron chimed in again. "Ms. Kay, you're really letting this Grey lady come to the hospital?"

"Mm-hmm, if she wants to."

Ron clicked his tongue. "You know, people say you become like the company you keep. You and Hayden are starting to feel like a married couple."

I noticed lately Ron had become more comfortable mentioning Hayden, even calling him by his first name. That made me curious. "Mr. Shane, did you know Hayden from before?"

"Hah… no, no, we just hit it off right away," Ron laughed, but it sounded a little too eager. "Alright, I'll go pass along your message to the lady."

As the line disconnected, I shook my head. Ron was starting to feel less like a boss and more like an employee trying way too hard to impress.

A woman with the last name Grey…

I thought back, racking my brain, and then—suddenly—a name popped into my head.

Chapter 383