Chapter 483

Ron never called out mistakes directly. He had this way of giving low-key, feel-good reminders that made you want to do better without feeling weird about it. That’s why he was our superior. He’d joke around all day, barely looking like he was working, but somehow, everyone else was always hustling to keep up.

I played along, smiling. “If I slowed down, I’d feel guilty, letting you down.”

He chuckled. “But I never put any pressure on you. Besides, work’s endless. No need to rush.”

Ron’s the first boss I’ve met who doesn’t want you to stress yourself out. Kinda rare.

Since he was being nice, I couldn’t exactly turn him down without coming off rude, so I smiled and said, “Alright, I’ll keep that in mind.”

“You’ve lost a lot of weight lately. Are you sure you’re okay?” He didn’t even glance at the stack of documents I’d handed him, like he was more interested in a random chat.

We weren’t close or anything, but ever since we met, he acted like we were old pals. Still, I kept things professional. “I’m fine, really.”

“Fine? You look like you’ve been in a vampire flick—pale and all,” he joked, shaking his head before pulling out a neatly wrapped gift box from his desk. “Here, this is from a client. Supposed to boost energy or something. You should try it.”

I looked at the box, raising an eyebrow. “This looks like something for women. You’re sure it’s for you?”

For once, Ron actually seemed a little embarrassed, giving me an awkward grin. “Haha, yeah, they probably thought I had a girlfriend. But as you know, I’m single as ever.”

He was always spinning some kind of story, but I appreciated the gesture. No need to call him out. “Thanks. Guess I owe you lunch now.”

“Deal! Don’t forget, or I’ll track you down.” He winked, making it sound more like a casual hang than any real obligation.

“Okay,” I agreed, noting he wasn’t exactly rushing to sign. No point pushing it if he’d already said the work never ends.

“Take your time with the signatures. Just let me know if you have questions.” I placed the candy I’d promised him earlier on his desk.

He looked at the candy, a bit amused. “You actually brought it.”

“Of course. I try to keep my word,” I replied, picking up the gift box and heading out.

Night before closing time, Ron strolled over with the signed docs. “Ms. Kay, sorry for the delay. Hope it didn’t cause any issues?”

Even though he was the boss, his relaxed vibe did tend to slow things down sometimes. I couldn’t help it—I had to say something. “Can it even be a delay if you’re the one holding things up?”

Ron laughed. “Ouch, noted, Ms. Kay. I’ll work on it. Dinner tonight to make it up?”

Chapter 484

“Tonight’s no good, I’ve got something planned,” I said, remembering I needed to catch up with Steve on video.

“No problem, another time.” He shrugged it off like it was no big deal.

“Sorry, Mr. Shane,” I apologized, feeling a little guilty since I had offered him a meal earlier.

“Apology not accepted. Now you owe me two meals,” he grinned, making it impossible to feel bad.

I laughed. “Deal.”

After delivering the signed docs, I clocked out, only to run into Ron and Hayden as I left. The timing was…odd.

Part of me wondered if this was planned, but then I remembered—Hayden and I weren’t exactly on speaking terms anymore. Why would he bother?

In the elevator, the tension was thick, like it had been all day. Neither of us said a word.

Ron, being Ron, broke the silence. “Ms. Kay, you’re looking way better than this morning, don’t you think, Hayden?” He nudged Hayden, who stayed quiet, his eyes fixed on me.

Ron laughed, totally oblivious to the awkwardness. “That supplement really works! Hayden should get the client to send over more.”

I froze. Wait—did that mean the gift box Ron gave me was actually from Hayden?