Chapter 32 32 Chapter 32 - Invisible Allies Monica's POV As the elevator ascended toward Morris's penthouse, I mentally reviewed the "seduction strategy" Natalie and I had crafted last night. The modern glass and steel exterior of his building had impressed me, but I was more focused on how I'd drive my boss to distraction. #6 Natalie had been ruthless in her styling choices. "This orange dress will make you unforgettable," she'd insisted, helping me select the form-fitting garment with its provocative side slits and modest yet alluring square neckline. The white lace lingerie set with delicate ribbons underneath was our secret weapon, along with strappy black heels that made my legs look endless. She'd styled my hair in with two strategic face-framing strands, and applied natural makeup that enhanced rather than masked my features. arrangement, with two 5 den Au "He won't be able to concentrate with you looking like this," she'd promised. Now I stood in the elevator questioning my priorities. Should I really be planning to torment Morris when I should be focusing on work? The elevator opened directly into his apartment-one luxurious residence per floor. The space before me was elegant yet understated, bright and modern. It exuded power and confidence, much like its owner. Nothing ostentatious, but everything expensive and tasteful. Darren's distinctive laughter drifted from somewhere inside. A distinguished man in his fifties approached me with a courteous smile. "Miss Monica, good morning. I'm Albert. They're waiting on the terrace, if you'll follow me." I thanked him and walked behind Albert toward the outdoor space where Morris, Paula, Jason, and Darren were gathered. When I entered, conversation halted abruptly. Darren whistled appreciatively while Jason broke into "Pretty Woman." Some things never changed. "Good morning. Were you all talking about me?" I asked playfully. "Monica, that dress is absolutely stunning on you," Darren gushed. Jason nodded enthusiastically. "If I weren't married, Monica, I wouldn't leave your side for a moment." "If you weren't married, Jason, and I didn't know how crazy you are about Aisha, you'd be fired on the spot!" Morris interjected with a tight smile. He turned to me, his eyes darkening slightly. "And you, miss, should consider wearing a burqa to work!" Despite his words, he approached, kissed my cheek, and took my hand possessively. I greeted Paula before taking a seat. As I crossed my legs, Morris leaned close to my ear and murmured, "I'm going to have Albert bring a blanket to cover those magnificent legs of yours." 11:38 1/4 < 32 Chapter 32 - Invisible Allies I smiled in response, but before he could follow through, Mr. Harris made his entrance. "Good morning everyone!" he called cheerfully. His eyes lit up when he spotted me. "Monica, dear, how wonderful to see you again. How have you been?" He kissed both my cheeks affectionately. "Very well, Mr. Harris. And yourself?" I replied, genuinely happy to see him again. "Thanks to you, I'm regaining my footing, my dear!" "Please, I hardly did anything. But I'm delighted things are improving for you." He squeezed my hand warmly and addressed Morris. "Take good care of her, Morris. This young woman is an absolute treasure!" www "I'm well aware, Harris. I'm keeping very close watch," Morris replied with a wink in my direction. Mr. Harris turned his attention to Paula. "And you, Paula, are you really relocating to Windsor?" There was unmistakable sentiment in his expression. "Yes, Dylan. I want to be closer to my daughters and grandchildren," she answered with a smile that seemed to hold deeper meaning. "This city will be considerably dimmer witho your presence," he responded gallantly. I wondered if there was history between them. Mr. Harris had been widowed for years and reportedly hadn't pursued relationships since his wife's passing. My thoughts were interrupted when I heard Morris mention my name. "That's the situation, Harris. Monica mentioned you experienced something similar and suggested we seek your guidance," Morris concluded. "Morris, your father was one of my dearest friends. Helping you would be my pleasure, especially since it comes recommended by this remarkable young woman who's become like a daughter to me," Mr. Harris replied, his eyes shining with affection. "Monica was the one who alerted me about my accountant's dishonesty when we began reviewing the financial t's dishon documents. I hadn't seen what was happening under my nose." "Sometimes an external perspective is necessary, Mr. Harris. From the inside, eertain patterns become invisible," I said softly. We spent the remainder of the morning outlining our approach. At noon, Albert announced lunch was ready, and Morris invited everyone to join. Our work discussion continued through the meal. "After our conversation yesterday, Morris, I contacted Paula immediately," Harris explained confidently. "We had lunch and she provided crucial information. I've already mapped out our strategy for relocating the finance department." "Dylan has been extremely helpful," Paula confirmed. 11:34 < 32 Chapter 32 - Invisible Allies "How exactly will this work?" Darren inquired. "I've assembled a team of absolutely trustworthy professionals," Harris replied. "Paula and I will visit your building this afternoon with the team. During the relocation, we'll duplicate every document in the department-literally every piece of paper. We'll do the same with accounting and the commercial division, which were your initial concerns. All these materials will be transferred directly to our new floor." "Impressive efficiency, Harris," Morris noted admiringly. "Time is of the essence, son," Harris smiled. "It will require intensive work through the weekend, but by Monday morning, everything will be operational. Additionally, you'll need to hire strategic personnel-I'm currently vetting candidates, but Gordon Linus must be your first hire. He's a brilliant hacker who'll install surveillance software on all company systems, giving us access to you'll bring him in as an unassuming IT support technician- essentially, a low-level employee." essentially, a low-leavee" www "I could appoint him department department Dead," Morris suggested. "That would raise suspicions. No one would confide in him," Harris cautioned. "All strategic hires must fill seemingly insignificant positions to avoid drawing attention. You'll also add extra custodial staff and coffee servers on each floor." "What's the reasoning there?" Darren asked. www. "Monica, explain your theory. You taught me this valuable lesson," Harris encouraged.. I straightened in my seat. "They're invisible people-present everywhere but noticed by no one. People mistakenly assume they lack intelligence, so conversations continue freely around them. There's inherent prejudice toward service workers-those in privileged positions often underestimate their capabilities. In Mr. Harris's situation, one of the custodians knew precisely where the accountant was directing embezzled funds, but lacked context to confirm the theft." "That very custodian provided the evidence I needed to expose the accountant, thanks to Monica recognizing the value in her observations," Harris added. "Today, she serves as my personal secretary while pursuing her education. She possesses exceptional intelligence." "That's brilliantly insightful!" Jason exclaimed. "I've witnessed how certain colleagues completely disregard service staff. Your perception is remarkable, Monica." I smiled shyly at his compliment. "Let's proceed then," Morris said decisively. "Harris, provide Darren with the candidate list and intended positions. Darren, arrange their hiring without arousing suspicion." "That's straightforward enough," Jason interjected. "I can ensure Malcolm from HR recruits exactly who we need. He owes me several favors, and our families have longstanding connections. He's honest-I can influence his hiring decisions without him realizing it. Though I suggest staggering the hires to avoid appearing suspicious." "Excellent point, Jason. I trust your judgment with Malcolm and the hiring timeline," Morris 11:34 In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. 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