Chapter 16
hapter 16
Chapter 16
Jordyn wasn’t embarrassed or timid about having pushed or insulted Sylvia publicly earlier , and she didn’t care what other kids thought of her .
Yet as Celeste prepared to leave , she found herself reluctant to let go . “ Mom … ”
“ Yes ? ” Celeste hugged her back , her voice warm . “ What is it ? ”
“ I want to
Jordyn suddenly remembered how long it had been since she last had one of Celeste’s home – cooked meals . The thought made her feel a pang of longing .
But before the words left her mouth , she recalled she had plans to watch Wynn’s competition that evening . Her eyes flickered with hesitation , and she let go of Celeste .
“ It’s nothing . ”
Celeste’s cooking , could wait as she could enjoy it anytime . Watching Wynn’s competition , on the other hand , a rare opportunity .
Without much deliberation , Jordyn made her choice .
“ Alright , then . Hurry inside and don’t keep your teacher waiting . ”
“ Okay . ”
was
Jordyn finally released her hold , but before stepping into the classroom , she turned back and added , “ Mom , don’t forget to call me at lunchtime . ”
Celeste nodded with a smile . “ I won’t . ”
Only then did Jordyn enter the classroom .
Celeste stood for a moment and watched as Jordyn confidently introduced herself to the class and then quietly took her seat
Then , after waving goodbye, Celeste left the school and headed to Fleming Group for work .
At the office , Celeste found Zeke waiting at her desk with someone else in tow .
“ This is Naomi , ” Zeke said . “ She’ll be taking over your position . ”
Naomi Sanders was strikingly beautiful and dressed in designer brands from head to toe . She gave Celeste a once- over , noting her polished and clean – cut demeanor .
Though Naomi’s gaze carried a hint of scrutiny , she masked it with a bright smile and extended her hand in greeting “ Ms. Rodriguez , it’s a pleasure to meet you , I’m Naomi , and I’ll be learning from you for the next few days . ”
Celeste shook her hand politely . “ The pleasure’s mine . ”
Naomi continued , “ I just graduated from Trellis College this June with my master’s degree . Ms. Rodriguez , where did you study ? Were you ”
Celeste raised an eyebrow at the mention of Naomi’s recent graduation . It suggested she might not have much work experience . Still , Celeste didn’t jump to conclusions .
Naomi could very well have unique strengths that made her suitable for the role . After all , Celeste herself had
+25 BONUS
Chanter 16
become the team leader despite her colleagues ‘ higher academic qualifications .
At this thought , Celeste cut her off softly .
“ Ms. Sanders , we have a meeting shortly . Let’s focus on work for now .
Naomi laughed coquettishly . “ Oh , of course ! Sorry for getting sidetracked . Let’s discuss work . ”
While on their way to the meeting , Naomi leaned closer and asked in a low voice , “ I’ve heard Mr. Fleming is incredibly handsome . Is that true ? ”
Celeste answered honestly , “ He is . ”
Naomi beamed with excitement . “ Now I’m even more eager to meet him ! But Mr. Jackson mentioned he wouldn’t be coming to the office today … such a shame . ”
That was news to Celeste , though it wasn’t unusual . Trevor had multiple businesses to manage and rarely spent every day at Fleming Group .
By lunchtime , Naomi dragged Celeste to the cafeteria for a meal . Once their trays were filled , Celeste took out her phone to call Jordyn .
Naomi teased , “ Calling your boyfriend ? ”
“ No , my daughter . ”
“ Your daughter ? You’re married ? ”
“ Yes . ”
Meanwhile , Jordyn was on a video call with Wynn . Trevor was there too .
Jordyn pouted as she looked at the two of them . “ You two are so mean ! Eating together without me ! ”
“ That’s because you’re at school . I’ll pick you up after school , and the three of us can have dinner together . Deal ? said Wynn .
“ That’s better . ”
Jordyn then glanced at Trevor , who had just placed some food on Wynn’s plate .
“ What do you want for dinner ? ” Trevor asked casually . “ I’ll have.someone prepare it . ”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 17