Chapter 22 22 Chapter 22 - Restricted Access Monica's POV Darren pressed a cool glass of water into my hands, which trembled slightly as I accepted it. Morris reached out, his fingertips brushing against my checks, collecting tears I hadn't even noticed were falling. "Take a breath, Monica. That man has no authority over you. Don't worry about your position here-Eddie can't touch it, Morris murmured, his hand making soothing circles against my back. "He's right, Monica, Eddie is nothing but a blowhard. Don't let him get under your skin. You're tougher than that, Darren added with genuine concern in his voice. Morris's posture stiffened slightly. "Since when are you on nickname terms with my assistant?" "Since we became friends, Darren shot back with easy confidence. "And maybe try not being such a tyrant yourself!" I couldn't help but laugh at their exchange, which seemed to please Morris. He rose from hist crouched position and gently tilted my chin upward, forcing me to meet his gaze. "Not a tyrant," he corrected with a wink that made my stomach flip. "Perhaps just a bit of a rogue." His smile was devastating at close range. "Good grief, you two are dancing around the inevitable!" Darren exclaimed with an amused expression. "Monica, I was just telling your boss that I've secured reservations for dinner tonight, and he's not getting out of it. We'll be in the company of two incredible women. We're going to Saffron-Paula's absolute favorite. You'll adore the place. But Morris, I'm baffled why Monica thinks you'd object to her joining us." a join o "Object? Quite the opposite. Having tonight would be my pleasure," Morris replied, a certain suggestiveness lacing his words as he deliberately used my nickname with unexpected familiarity. His mischievous smile made my pulse quicken. "And Monica, they serve. the most magnificent chocolate cake there!" "What's with this chocolate cake obsession today, brother? You had one this morning-I spotted the plate on your side table-another during our video call, and now you're already anticipating one at dinner? You'll lose that perfect physique, pretty boy, Darren teased. "My friend, what can I say? I've developed quite the addiction to chocolate cake, Morrist responded with a roguish grin that sent heat rushing to my face. A knock interrupted our conversation. Paula entered with Irina close behind. "Monica, sweetie, are you alright? Eddie is truly despicable, Morris. He's crossing boundaries," Paula said, clearly frustrated. C 22 Chapter 22 Restricted Access "I'm okay, Paula, truly. It was unpleasant and caught me off-guard, but I'm fine," I assured her, squeezing her hand gratefully. "Don't worry, Paula. I'll be implementing measures to prevent future incidents. But I'm curious- docs Eddic treat other employees with this level of disrespect?" Morris inquired, his expression serious. "Disrespect doesn't begin to cover it! He's crude, offensive, domineering, and utterly contemptible. He's a nightmare, Morris. I understand why you keep him on, but it's becoming increasingly difficult for those who must endure his behavior, Paula replied heatedly. Morris's jaw tightened. "Irina, I want access to this floor restricted immediately. I'm tired of uninvited visitors attempting to enter my office, and I won't have you and Monica subjected to these uncomfortable situations. He grabbed his phone and activated the speaker function. "Tobias, I need protocols established to restrict access to the executive floor. Irina will provide you with the names of authorized personnel. Set up elevator passwords for Darren, Jason, Monica, Paula, Irina, and myself. Other employees may only access this floor with Irina's explicit clearance, and visitors require authorization from password holders. The elevator should only service this floor with our approval. Also, secure the emergency stairwell door from inside. Gather the staff and communicate these new directives." "Understood, sir. I'll implement everything today, replied a deep voice. After ending the call, Morris surveyed the room. "Is everyone clear? This should deter the more persistent individuals. Irina, you're dismissed. Thank you." Irina nodded and quietly exited. Darren seized the moment to elaborate on our dinner plans to Paula. We chatted comfortably, laughing as Darren recounted how Morris had come to my rescue. His storytelling abilities were impressive, bringing a lightness to the room that had been missing earlier. As I watched Morris interact with his friends, I noticed a different side of my usually stern boss. His eyes crinkled when he laughed, and his posture relaxed considerably. The incident with Eddie still lingered in the back of my mind, but surrounded by these protective presences, the sting had significantly diminished. 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