I've Had Enough, CEO

Chapter 3 A New Income Source

Nathaniel pushed his lingering thoughts aside as he entered the parking garage with Liam Rivers, the assistant, by his side.

He glanced around and noticed Elena's car was missing. Nathaniel paused.

Liam, ever observant after years of working for him, quickly spoke up. "Boss, Ms. Blackwood took a sick day and went home earlier."

"I didn't ask about her," Nathaniel replied, his tone flat as he opened the car door and got in. "Drive."

Liam wisely fell silent, stepping on the gas without another word.

Halfway through the drive, Nathaniel broke the silence, his voice cold. "How long have you been driving? You don't even know the way?"

Sweat instantly gathered on Liam's forehead as he hastily made a U-turn, heading toward Elena's apartment.

Working for Nathaniel required more than just competence—it demanded intuition.

Meanwhile, Elena was in a race against time.

A million dollars wasn't a small amount. But after being with Nathaniel for so long, she had accumulated some valuable possessions.

Originally, she had planned to return everything to him once they broke up. But now, she had no choice. She took photos of everything and listed the items online, hoping for a quick sale.

She calculated roughly. If she sold everything, including her limited-edition gemstone necklace, she might just hit the million-dollar mark.

'Now I just need to find the right buyers in the next month,' she thought, her mind running through possible leads.

By the time she finished, it was already late, and sleep felt impossible.

Thoughts of Gwendolyn returning soon plagued her mind. She couldn't keep up this unclear relationship any longer. Better to leave with some dignity before things became unbearable.

But Lily's medical bills were piling up. 'I need to figure out my next move financially,' she reminded herself, opening a job site on her laptop.

With a Ph.D. in finance from a prestigious university and a solid work history, Elena was more than qualified. But the financial job market was overcrowded, and the best positions had long been snatched up.

As she scrolled through the listings, her mind drifted to a conversation from a recent college literature club reunion.

Julian Hart, a senior, had mentioned that his family's medical project in Kumbani was in need of a financial manager.

He had complained about the remote location and poor working conditions, offering three times the usual salary to anyone willing to take the job.

Elena wasn't stupid. She easily caught onto the implication behind Julian's words—he was clearly hinting at trying to recruit her, especially since his remark had been directed at her.

At the time, Elena had turned him down, still clinging to her hopes with Nathaniel.

But those days were over now. 'Maybe it's time I stopped hoping for things that will never happen.'

Reaching out to Julian, she was relieved to find that the position was still available. They quickly scheduled an interview for the next day at a local club.

Julian had been a year ahead of her in school.

They had attended the same high school and university, and while he had always been something of a playboy, he was also known for his generosity and kindness.

Like her, he held a Ph.D. in finance, and they both spoke Kumban, the common language in Kumbani.

'Moving abroad might be exactly what I need,' she thought as she closed her laptop for the night.

The next morning, Elena dressed in a chic beige vest and dress, pulling her look together with light makeup to hide the exhaustion around her eyes.

When she arrived at the club, she spotted Julian from a distance.

He had arrived early, his tall figure impossible to miss.

Julian flashed her a carefree grin, his easy charm evident in the way he stood. His playful expression and sharp features were only enhanced by the beige suit he wore, giving him an effortless sense of style.

Elena smiled warmly as she approached him. "Hey, it's been a while."

Julian's grin widened as his eyes sparkled with mischief. "Well, if it isn't the highlight of the day! You've brightened up the whole place just by walking in."

Elena chuckled softly, playing along. "You're as smooth as ever."

Julian laughed heartily. "You haven't changed at all—still quick with the comebacks. Have a seat."

He gestured toward the table, all gentlemanly charm.

They quickly dove into discussing the job.

While Julian couldn't resist the occasional flirtatious comment, he stayed focused, and they soon came to an agreement.

Once the details were settled, Elena made her request.

"I don't need triple the salary. The standard rate will do. But my sister's in the hospital with a heart condition, and my father's been using her to blackmail me. I need your help finding out where she's being treated."

She wasn't sure if her father would ever reveal Lily's whereabouts, even if she gave him the money. She needed a backup plan.

Julian's family was deeply connected in the medical field, and he would be able to find someone easily.

Julian's playful expression softened into something more serious as he replied, "Elena, Kumbani's no paradise. That salary's what you deserve, so don't try to argue your way out of it."

His grin returned, though, as he added, "As for your sister, don't worry. I'll find her. I'll also make sure she's transferred to the best hospital abroad. I can't have you worrying when I'm trying to steal you away from here."

Elena's heart swelled with gratitude. "You've always been a good guy, Julian. I can't thank you enough."

He raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Oh, come on. We've known each other for years. Your problems are my problems."

Elena smiled. "You're right, but thank you, anyway. My sister is my whole world."

With everything settled, they got up to leave.

But as soon as Elena stepped outside, she froze in her tracks.

Nathaniel stood just a few feet away, his expression unreadable.

"Sick leave, and this is where you are?" Nathaniel's voice was even colder than usual, his eyes locking onto hers, as though he could see right through her.