My Boss Was My One Night Mistake

CHAPTER THREE

*CHLOE*

I remained in a state of absolute panic.

Why was my luck so terrible? I could hardly process the fact that the stranger from the hotel was now standing before us as my new boss. Reminiscing about the harsh words I had thrown at him earlier made my stomach drop. I regretted not being more careful with my speech. What if he decided to terminate my employment right then and there?

I couldn't risk losing my job. I had family responsibilities to uphold, supporting both my mother and my sister. Forcing myself to take several deep, steadying breaths, I attempted to calm my racing thoughts.

I looked toward the front of the room where the new executive was speaking. He introduced himself as Adrian Hayes.

Whenever his eyes swept across the room, I quickly bowed my head, using my long hair to obscure my face. My only hope was to pass through the meeting completely unnoticed. Every second felt excruciatingly long, but to my immense relief, the presentation eventually concluded. I managed to slip quietly out of the hall, believing I had successfully avoided his attention.

As soon as I returned to my workstation, I confided in Caroline, recounting everything that had transpired.

She stared at me in disbelief, asking if I was joking. When I assured her I was entirely serious, her shock grew, though she tried to look at the bright side by teasing me about how attractive he was.

I told her that was beside the point—I was terrified he would retaliate by firing me. Given my financial obligations to my mother and sister, unemployment wasn't an option. I felt overwhelming regret over going out drinking, having a casual encounter, and especially throwing cash and insults at him. Caroline patted my shoulder reassuringly, suggesting he might not have even recognized me in the crowd.

Before I could reply, the manager's voice boomed across the office floor: "Chloe, Mr. Hayes wants to see you in his office immediately!"

My heart sank.

A moment later, I found myself standing outside his door, knocking hesitantly.

"Come in," his deep voice called out.

I stepped inside, my nerves on edge. It felt surreal that the man who had been in a bathrobe just hours earlier was now sitting behind the executive desk. Standing quietly, I waited as he reviewed paperwork without acknowledging my presence.

Trying to break the tense silence, I spoke up. "Mr. Hayes, you summoned me?" I offered a polite, professional smile, hoping to project a pleasant demeanor.

He slowly raised his head and evaluated me from head to toe, his expression dark and unreadable. I fought the urge to squirm under his intense gaze.

Leaning back in his chair, he remarked coolly, "I expected the staff here to be composed and responsible. I certainly didn't expect to find someone like you on the team."

His sharp words felt like a blow. While I regretted my impulsive behavior from the night before, it felt unfair for him to question my professional competence. I have always hated being looked down upon.

Without thinking it through, I pushed back. "Sir, it isn't professional to bring private matters into the workplace. And respectfully, you aren't in a position to judge my character."

The moment the words left my mouth, Adrian's posture rigidified, his expression hardening further.

I realized instantly that I had only worsened the situation. Now I'm definitely getting fired, I thought.