Chapter 374

Chapter 366
Gemma’s POV
I meet Mikhail’s teasing with a flat stare. “What’s wrong with being practical? I’m pregnant. Children are walking, talking money pits. Saving is a survival instinct.”
The reminder of my pregnancy seems to genuinely surprise him, as if he’s forgotten about it until I mentioned it.
His eyes flicker down to my still–flat stomach, a thoughtful crease appearing between his brows.’s been, what, a few weeks? Your stomach’s still… ver
mind.”
He shakes his head slightly. “Are you planning to have the baby here?”
“Where else would I have it?” I retort, though the
question sends a tiny, unexpected pang of panic through
me
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09:06
He leans back, a grim smile on his lips.
“Aren’t you worried Cassian will be at the hospital door with a paternity test kit the moment the cord is cut? I don’t see him walking away from a potential heir.”
The question hits me like a jolt of electricity. I am stunned into silence.
In the whirlwind of lawsuits, apartment hunts, and Meredith’s villa, I haven’t let myself think that far ahead. The baby is still a secret I am keeping… but the idea of Cassian laying claim, of a legal battle over DNA is like a storm cloud on a distant horizon I’ve been ignoring.
fied nod.
Seeing my expression, Mikhail gives a short, “Something to think about, isn’t it? Don’t worry, your bonus is safe. Now, you can go home if you want. I have things to do.”
It’s a rare dismissal from him. Intrigued but not about to press, I leave his office.
But instead of heading straight home, I drift back to my own workstation, needing the monotony work of the
motional whiplash of the morning.
09:07
+2 Bonus
intern from
ching her
I’ve barely sat down when Mily, a wide–e the analytics department, scurries over, laptop like a life preserver. “Gemma! Please, you have to help me. I’ve been staring at this encryption protocol for three days. I can’t make the loop work. Can you… can you just show me?”
Her desperation is flowing in waves.
With a sigh, I gesture for her to pull up a chair. For the next two hours, I break down the complex algorithm into its fundamental parts, drawing logic trees on a notepad for her to understand and simplifying the syntax further.
She watches, her brow pulled in intense concentration, nodding along even when I can tell she’s lost
“This is way beyond your current level.”
Finally, I give her the gentle verdict. “You’re trying to run before you can crawl. Master the foundational loops first. You’re an intern. No one expects you to crack military – grade code on day three. ”
She reminds me of Molly.
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09:07
Γαμισι 200
The pressure these kids put on themsel
(2)+2 Bonus
immense,
and not to mention, completely counterproductive.
Her eyes shine with a mixture of relief and awe. “Gemma, you’re incredible. You made that look so simple!”
I offer a small, tired smile, but before I can reply, a sharp, familiar voice slices through the quiet focus of our corner.
“That’s because it is simple. It’s a beginner’s exercise. What’s there to gush about?”
Vicky saunters over her arms crossed over her chest, her expression a perfect blend of scorn and wounded pride.
I have no energy for this. I start shutting do computer, gathering my things.
“Wait!”
ny
She commands, stepping into my path. “What are you so smug about? If you’re really so talented, why don’t you prove it? I challenge you.”
09:07
I pause, looking at her with genuine surprise. “Challenge 4/9
Chapter 366
me! To what?”
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“Programming,” she states, her chin jutting out with confidence. “You think you’re so great with code. So come on, let’s see who’s better.”
The delusional audacity is honestly impressive.
She has been stewing in Mikhail’s rejection all morning, and even after thinking about it for so long, this is the battlefield she has decided on?
The one that I am already going to be a winner on?
ncies
Maybe, she has thought about it for longer and practicing through some online tutorials or a friend wi themselves a hacker. She probably learned to parrot one or two intermediate techniques and now thinks she’s ready for the major leagues.
“You…” I say slowly, ensuring she hears every syllable, “want to compete with me. In programming?”
“Yes! I do.”
She insists. Just then, Mikhail’s office door open and he7
< Chapter 366 strides out, heading for the meeting he ioned. +2 Bonus He spots Vicky immediately. “Vicky. What are you doing here again? I thought we were clear.” She turns to him, her smug expression turning into one of grievous injustice. “I’m not causing trouble! I just want a fair competition with Gemma. Is that Mikhail’s POV “Ot allowed? Can’t I even do that?” My gaze sweeps over the scene: Gemma, calm and collected, and Vicky, shaking with aggression It’s not just unjustified, but completely misplaced. I need to ensure this isn’t harassment disguised as competition. “What’s the objective here, Vicky? She excels at programming. If you somehow manage to ‘win‘ this self–declared competition, will that make her professional skills irrelevant? Is that your goal? ” 6/9 09:07 < Chapter 366 The logic is so flawed it’s almost childis a +2 Bonus momentarily stunned. Does she have any idea who she’s challenging? Before I can shut it down, Gemma speaks, her voice light. “I have an idea! Let’s make it interesting. The loser leaves Cream International. Permanently.” A ripple of shock runs through the small crowd that’s gathered. It’s a nuclear option. Vicky’s eyes widen. would be a It’s clear that she didn’t expect Gemma to raise the stakes to exile. She’s trapped, and backing down no public surrender. Her pride forces her hand. “Fine! Whoever loses leaves!” A faint, dangerous smile touches Gemma’s lips as she moves to sit at a terminal. That’s my cue to end this war before it begins. I step forward and grasp Vicky’s arm, not too roughly, but With enough force to stop her. “Enough. Go home. No 07 < Chapter 366 She whirls on me, her face a mask of fu * +2 Bonus id wounded pride. “Why are you protecting her? Are you that afraid she’ll lose and have to go?” I feel a wave of exasperated frustration. She’s completely misread the situation. The dilemma isn’t about Gemma leaving; it’s the inevitable, humiliating outcome for Vicky herself. Nobody would be happier about it, but the truth is, she is Liam’s sister. I may not have any personal fondness for her, but causing a public, career–ending spectacle for my second–in–command’s sibling is a political nightmare I don’t need. Liam would be at my door for w and the drama would be a permanent stain on my reputation. How do I make her see that if this “competition” proceeds, the only person being escorted out the door will be her? I can’t say it outright without crushing her completely, and I can’t let her walk into a slaughter. 8/9 09:07 < Chapter 366 +2 Bonus Who knew that sometimes, corporate ership is just damage control for other people’s pride? Adminj