Chapter 41
Evalina glanced at the glass of bourbon, knowing she shouldn’t touch it. “Mr. Hayes, she said, trying to keep her cool, “you’re a major player in the business world. Why hassle a lowly secretary like me?”
Hugo wondered with anger. Isn’t that kind of a burn, calling me shameless?”
Actually, he was right. He seemed like a real jerk to Evalina. She thought to herself, Walden’s been pumped talking about Hugo investing 300 million in the studio. All the money just to get to me!
That’s not just being a jerk, that’s nuts. He’s balked at giving me a few million in the divorce, but would spend a fortune to mess with
Hugo just stared at her, his amber eyes narrowed, not saying a word.
Walden sensed something wrong and jumped in. He snatched Evalina’s glass and guzzled the whisky.
Evalina was all. “Walden. She couldn’t believe he just chugged that whole glass of strong stuff.
Walden stopped her and turned to Hugo with a grin. “Mr. Hayes, Evalina’s not in the best shape today. I got this, and we’re all good beople here
Evalina felt a shiver. Walden would go to bat for her like that. But Hugo, the guy she had been close to, just stood there all cold and distant
“It’s cool, Walden,” she said. Then she turned to look at Hugo coldly. “If you’ve got a problem, take it up with me. No need to cle involved.”
апропе
Walden looked at Evalina, shocked–that shouldn’t be the way one
e talked to Hugo
10 Hugo Hayes.
There was no point in talking now, Hugo’s face already got all dark and stormy. His lips were pressed tight, like he was holding back something. And his fierce eyes stared at Evalina
Walden then got closer to Evalina and tried to cover her.
Hugo noticed all this, stood up so fast, brushed past Evalina like she wasn’t even there, and just walked out
Evalina sat there and said nothing, feeling all kinds of frustrated.
Walden shook his head. “You really ticked him off… I heard Hugo is super temperamental and doesn’t forget slights. You were a little too bold there.”
Evalina just shrugged. “Whatever. Let him throw whatever he’s got at me. In not gonna let this mess up our company.” She sat down, her eyes all set and determined.
Walden sighed. “Evalina, I got your back, but you can’t go toe–to–toe with a guy like him. We can’t handle the drama.”
The dinner was a bust, with the host leaving in a huff. After a few words to cheer Evalina up, they left too
The next morning. Evalina got a call from Jacob. “Hey Evalina, Mr. Clarke didn’t wanna tell you this, but Mr. Hayes is pulling out his investment. He’s saying we broke the contract.
“He invests one
one day and leaves the next? This is gonna make folks think something’s up with our company. I heard you two had a disagreement yesterday,” Jacob said.
Evalina was wide awake right away and cursed Hugo–he was playing his games, obviously.
“Thanks for letting me know. I know I licked off Mr. Hayes. I’ll figure something out,” she replied.
She knew Walden kept it from her for her own good, but her coworkers wouldn’t see it that way. They’d blarne her for the company’s Troubles And honestly, she did play a part in it
1:02 PM ď ď •
