Chapter 24 24 Chapter 24 - Territorial Display Monica's POV My boss's final words trailed after me as I walked into my home. "I'll keep teasing you" The phrase echoed in my mind, tangling with my thoughts. What game was Morris Lorenzo playing? Today had felt like an emotional whiplash. Would anything ever resemble normalcy at that office? I tiptoed into my son's bedroom, finding Austin fast asleep, his tiny arms wrapped around his favorite teddy bear. His peaceful face made my heart swell. I made a mental note to ask Natalie about taking him to the park on Sunday-he'd love that. After checking on my sleeping friend and grabbing the baby monitor, I treated myself to a long shower. As hot water cascaded down my shoulders, I tried washing away the day's complications. Yet when I finally slid under my covers, Morris's face was still floating behind my eyelids as I drifted into slumber. I was definitely losing my mind. Morning came too quickly. Austin woke with his usual sunshine personality, babbling excitedly about his friends and teachers while I dressed him. His animated chatter about discovering caterpillars on the playground made me beam with pride. These moments-watching my little boy grow happy and curious-were everything to me. In the kitchen, Natalie had already prepared coffee, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Morning, superstar!" She pushed a steaming mug toward me. "I'm dying for yesterday's details. Your workplace drama is better than anything on Netflix!" i sighed, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. "My boss was absolutely demonic yesterday." "And let me guess-you poked the beast?" Natalie raised an eyebrow. "I note about saw that "going to war when you left carly" "Armed with that black birthday dress you gave me and those red stilettos. Her jaw dropped comically. "Holy shit! If that man didn't combust on the spot, there's something seriously wrong with him." "Il tell you everything tonight. Need to get Austin to daycare now. Coming with?" "Absolutely. She gulped the last of her coffee. "But fair warning-I'll be bursting with quest all day *1 want to hear about your day too. Your job sounds way more entertaining than mine," Natalie eyed my outfit critically. "And you think that pantsuit is going to help you fly under the radar today? Those buttons are working overtime on that shirt, honey" LAM < 24 Chapter 24 - Territorial Display I glanced down at my charcoal gray pantsuit and white button-up. I'd chosen it specifically to look more covered after yesterday's revealing outfit, but Natalie was right-the shirt was snugger than intended. No time to change now. The office was quiet when I arrived. My boss was in a financial meeting, giving me blessed peace to tackle my task list. Paula texted that she'd be late-something about her moving arrangements. I was deep into reviewing a contract when Morris burst through the door, visibly, irritated. "My office. Now," he commanded, stalking toward his room. I followed, notepad in hand, professional mask firmly in place. "Good morning, Miss Hayes. Have you reviewed the Global contract?" Back to formalities. Stress mode activated. "Yes, sir. I've emailed it to you along with the Beijing shipment report. All documentation is complete and the cargo leaves tonight. Everything's proceeding according to schedule." "Excellent. We have the Lynx World meeting with Grady after lunch. I want you there documenting everything. Is our financial report meeting confirmed?" "Five o'clock in your office, sir. All arranged and confirmed" "Perfect. Has Paula arrived yet?" "She's running late-moving logistics. Anything else, Mr. Lorenzo?" "That'll be all." I turned to leave when his voice shifted to that infuriating, playful tone.. "Monica, those pants and blazer won't hide what I've essentially already seen" I froze mid-step, slowly turning as he closed the gap between us. "And what I haven't seen yet, I can imagine quite vividly" I fled to my desk, cheeks burning. The nerve of that man! Jason appeared at noon, his usual cheerful self. "Hey gorgeous! Wait until you hear what my wife did. Lunch?" Lunch with Jason was exactly what I needed-lighthearted stories about his incredible wife had me laughing and temporarily forgetting my boss troubles. Before returning to our respective offices, he promised to email details about Paula's farewell party planned for next week. At two o'clock, I followed Morris to the meeting room, completely unprepared to find Natalie there. After our quick hug, she introduced me to her boss, Grady Louis. "Natalie, Grady grinned, "I need to have words with your father. When he asked me to recommend Monica for the Lorenzo position, he conveniently omitted she was absolutely 24 Chapter 24 - Territorial Display stunning!" Behind me, Morris's voice turned cold. "Louis, keep your hands and eyes to yourself. Ms. Monica isn't like your usual conquests." Grady's amused gaze bounced between us. "Well, well! Morris Lorenzo feeling territorial? Fascinating! But I'm not sure I can stay away from such a beauty" "You'd better," Darren announced, entering the room. "Morris's wrath isn't worth it." His attention quickly shifted. "And who's this lovely lady with you, Grady?" "Hands off, Darren. This is Natalie Carson-Abel's daughter with a boyfriend straight from a romance novel. She's as untouchable as Ms. Monica. No surprise they're best friends." Darren sighed dramatically. "Such a shame! Perhaps you ladies know someone equally beautiful? I've been so lonely lately..." His pitiful expression had everyone laughing. "For God's sake, Darren, have some professionalism!" Morris groaned. "Sorry, but we don't have any more hot friends to introduce you to," Natalie replied with a grin. Morris straightened his tie. "Now that you all can control your hormones, shall we actually work?" 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