“Grace, let me remind you of something,” Cedric said smugly, leaning closer. “I’m Lettie’s chosen one. If you have a problem, take it up with her. As of now, I have full access to the Payne Group.”

His words dripped with arrogance, and the greedy glint in his eyes filled Grace with disgust.

“Oh, and by the way,” Cedric added, his tone mocking, “I saw you at the bar last night. Who would’ve thought Ms. Prim-and-Proper has such a wild side?”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying her discomfort.

“You!” Grace hissed, stepping back, her cheeks flushed. “You’re disgusting! Do you think I won’t tell Lettie about this?”

Cedric chuckled, unfazed. “Go ahead,” he said, shrugging. “I didn’t do anything wrong. Besides, do you really think Lettie would believe you over me?”

His smirk deepened, fully aware of Scarlett’s blind trust in him.

Grace stood there, fists clenched, glaring at him. He was right, and that realization fueled her frustration. Scarlett’s favoritism toward Cedric was no secret, and her previous attempts to warn Scarlett had fallen on deaf ears.

“Cedric, one day your true colors will show, and Scarlett will see exactly who you are,” she snapped, her voice low but seething.

Cedric’s grin widened. “I’ll be waiting for that day,” he said smugly.

At that moment, Scarlett walked in, her sharp gaze immediately landing on them.

“What’s going on here?” she asked, her voice calm but firm.

Cedric didn’t miss a beat. He stepped forward, affecting an innocent expression. “Lettie, I was just pointing out to Grace that she’s been a bit lax lately. Don’t you think the secretary to the CEO should be setting an example?”

He folded his arms, his words laced with fake concern.

“I mean, I’m an outsider, and even I got here earlier than she did. Isn’t that a bit unprofessional?” he added, tilting his head. Scarlett’s eyes flicked to Grace, her expression thoughtful. Deep down, she still hadn’t shaken the irritation from seeing Grace at the bar last night. That bitterness surfaced as a quiet sense of satisfaction.

“Grace, Cedric has a point,” Scarlett said, her tone cool. “You’ve been slacking lately. Remember, you’re my secretary, and that comes with responsibilities.” Grace stared at her in disbelief, her jaw tightening. “Lettie, you’re seriously going to take his side?” she asked, her voice edged with hurt.

Scarlett didn’t respond immediately, but the subtle satisfaction in her eyes was telling.

“Fine,” Grace said, turning on her heel and walking out of the office.

“Lettie,” Cedric said, stepping closer, “she probably just misunderstood me. Don’t let it bother you.” Scarlett nodded faintly, her irritation subsiding. “There’s a lunch meeting this afternoon. You’re coming with me.”

Cedric’s eyes lit up, barely able to contain his excitement. Was this it? Was Scarlett finally ready to introduce him to everyone as her partner? “Of course, Lettie,” he said, his voice enthusiastic. “I’ll make sure I’m ready.”

Meanwhile, Leroy arrived at the restaurant for the meeting. Yvonne was already there, waving enthusiastically. “Leroy! You’re here!” she called out, her voice full of joy. “How are you feeling? Your mother told me you’d been unwell, and I’ve been so worried.” Her eyes swept over his face, taking in his thinner frame and tired expression. Worry flickered in her gaze.

“I’m fine,” Leroy said with a polite smile. “Just an old issue flaring up.”

But he didn’t waste time getting to the point. “Yvonne,” he said gently, his tone firm, “I need to be honest with you. I don’t have any intention of starting a relationship right now. Meeting you today was something I agreed to out of obligation.”