Chapter 1489
Not satisfied with his own brief response, Eugene glanced up at the mirror and continued, “Honestly, Mr. Watson, I’m just an average guy. But working for you has made my life more extraordinary than I ever expected. So many people dream about working at Watson Group, but not everyone gets the chance. Being able to stick around and work with you is something most people could only wish for. Whether it’s my job title or my pay, I know I’m luckier than most people in Crobert. My girlfriend understands that too. She gets the work I do and the pressure that comes with it. When I come home, we talk, cook together, and then cuddle and watch TV shows. Not much excitement, but we’re content with what we have.”
He scratched the back of his neck, a little embarrassed to be talking about his love life.
There were a few things Eugene kept to himself. Sometimes he would drop Brandon’s name just to get a reservation at one of the city’s most popular restaurants, so he could impress his girlfriend. Quite a few of the fancy things Brandon received were actually items Eugene and his girlfriend had had their eyes on — whenever Brandon felt generous, Eugene usually ended up with them instead. And if Brandon lost his appetite at dinner, Eugene made sure to order his own favorites, twice as much, so he could have his fill without feeling guilty.
Naturally, Eugene figured that if he ever admitted this to Brandon, his boss would probably just laugh, and might even toss him a bonus, convinced that Eugene needed the extra cash. Still, Eugene preferred to keep things exactly as they were.
That thought made him grin. “Actually, when you let me take some time off not long ago, my girlfriend was thrilled,” Eugene said. “We went travelling together, just enjoying ourselves. We even introduced our parents to each other after we got back. I bought a house a while back, and we’re thinking about tying the knot soon.”
He caught himself rambling and glanced at Brandon in the rearview mirror, suddenly aware of how much he had just shared. A bit embarrassed, Eugene wondered why he was going on about his blooming love life with his boss sitting right there, nursing his own wound.
Brandon’s mind had wandered far from Eugene’s words. City lights flickered in the distance, and he found himself studying them, silently asking if this was how ordinary people lived. His eyes dropped to his hands, and for a moment he imagined what it would feel like to have such a simple, happy life for himself.
A quiet ache stirred in him as he wished for that kind of happiness, knowing it was out of reach. All he had now was himself.
Their drive came to an end as the car slowed to a stop. Eugene stepped out first, moved around to help Brandon, and made sure he was settled comfortably in the wheelchair.
“Start getting everything set up. I want all the paperwork done and the assets transferred under Ari’s name before tomorrow,” Brandon said, his voice calm and certain.
The news caught Eugene off guard, and he hesitated before speaking. “Are you sure she’s going to agree to this?” he asked.
“She will,” Brandon answered, without a hint of doubt.
Eugene gave a firm nod, ready to carry out the order at once. Before he could take another step, Brandon’s voice stopped him. “Hold on.”
“Yes, Mr. Watson?” Eugene turned back right away.
Brandon signed a check and extended it toward him.
Caught off guard, Eugene blinked. “What’s this for?”
.
.