A Toast to Tonight

I was so shocked that I forgot to respond.

Zack then gave me a sidelong glance and a smirk. "Why aren't you leaving? Must I escort you out?"

Hearing that, I hurriedly left.

When I returned to my desk, Z had already responded. It was a picture of his abs and a voice message. "You'll see them in person next, baby."

I listened to it twice more, but something felt off.

Why did Z's voice sound similar to Zack's? I must've been so shocked earlier that my brain was fried.

Thanks to Zack's good mood, everyone had a decent time for three days straight.

Speculation was rife about who his companion was. To have transformed that ruthless capitalist into this was something worthy of worship.

Everyone was busy gossiping while I was swept away by nerves and excitement about my upcoming date.

Tomorrow was Saturday!

I was happily twiddling my thumbs, waiting to get out of work, when a coworker approached me.

"Hayley, Mr. Barlow asked to see you in his office."

As soon as I reached Zack's office, I heard the sound of him scolding someone, the thick doors unable to block out his cold voice.

"I want to see the results of your judgment, not potential drafts in your head. Well, your report shows that your department has made zero progress over the past month."

He paused, and then continued, "The data on page three—did you pick that via lottery? The only thing you did right was the page numbering. It looks like your brain decided to work remotely and not show up like the rest of you."

I was speechless. It seemed that the effect of his companion had lost its allure.

The doors opened, and the people filed out, their expressions grim.

I took several deep breaths, steeled myself with a sense of heroic resolve, and opened the door.

Zack sat in his expensive chair, his dark suit accentuating his sharp features. He exuded an air of elegance.

I couldn't help but sigh. He had such a nice face, but why did he have a mouth like that?

Zack pushed over a stack of documents. "This project is urgent. Work on it over the weekend," he said neutrally.

I stared, wide-eyed.

He didn't call me in to scold me, but to make me work like a dog. I desperately wanted to throw the folder at him.

"Since it's urgent, the Finance Department will triple your salary," Zack added.

Holy crap! Why didn't he tell me that sooner?

Even though Zack had a barbed tongue and high demands, he really knew how to pay up where money was concerned.

Who could refuse the triple pay?

I took over the folder and smiled. "Of course, Mr. Barlow."

However, this last-minute gig meant that my date had to be canceled.

Before I could think of how to tell Z, he called me first. "It'll be chilly tomorrow. Wear a sweater. We'll see each other in 14 hours."

Hearing how caring he was made me feel guiltier. I slumped on the couch, my head hanging low.

"I don't think I can make it tomorrow, darling. I have to work overtime. I'm sorry."

He was silent for a while, making me wonder if he was upset.

It was only natural for him to be upset. He'd been looking forward to it for days, only to be stood up at the last minute. I'd have been upset, too.

I was about to apologize when another notification popped up. He'd sent me 10 thousand dollars.

I was slightly confused. "Why did you send me money?"

He laughed and said affectionately, "Well, working overtime is tough. Take good care of yourself, darling."