After the divorce he begged novel Chapter 44

“I’ll be waiting for that paycheck dinner,” lan said with a grin, not pressuring her. He was just offering another option. “Work won’t be as easy as it is now. If you’re ever stuck late, just message me. I’ll pick up Samuel.”

“Sure thing.” Rebecca didn’t even hesitate. Ever since they were kids, they’d always had each other’s backs. Saying no would only make things awkward between them.

After chatting for a while, Rebecca texted Elmer to let him know she’d be joining. Elmer replied fast, shooting her over a list. of things she’d need for her first day at work.

Rebecca sent him a quick “Sure,” and having a real job sorted out finally helped her relax a little inside.

But since her mom still needed a bunch of cash these days, Rebecca hopped onto her side art account after getting home. She posted a batch of her latest drawings, just to give potential clients something to check out for commissions.

Her main account featured top–tier, award–winning work that could earn tens of thousands per job, but those big gigs were rare. Her side account handled smaller commissions from many clients, bringing in extra income regularly.

On Thursday, after dropping Samuel off at school, Rebecca made her way to the office. She arrived before nine, and Elmer was there waiting to greet her himself. He helped her get the contract signed and gave her the rundown on the new project.

Isn’t this all supposed to be HR’s job?‘ Rebecca thought, a bit puzzled. If she were some big shot, maybe the HR director would step in, but it was pretty rare for Elmer himself to handle every single part.

Elmer flashed a big smile as soon as Rebecca finished signing. “Welcome to PrimePlay Technologies! With you on the team, I’m confident our new project will be a success.”

“I’ll do my best,” Rebecca said with a small smile.

Then Elmer led her to the floor where the new project was located. PrimePlay Technologies was a public company, and they occupied the entire building. The new project team was set up on the eighth floor.

As Rebecca stepped into her new workspace and received her employee badge, a tide of complicated emotions washed over her. The words Marcus and Candice had once said about her not having a job echoed in her mind.

“Rebecca,” Elmer called, bringing her out of her thoughts.

“Hmm?” Rebecca replied, coming back to herself.

“The rest of the team for the new project hasn’t arrived yet. Once they’re here, I’ll introduce you,” Elmer said, pulling out a folder and passing it to her. “This is the project brief. Take a look when you get the chance.”

Rebecca took the documents, one by one.

Elmer kept her for over twenty minutes, talking nonstop, covering the company’s growth, project details, and an overview

of the new team,

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Once he finished introducing the last team member, Rebecca offered a polite smile. “Thanks, Mr. Taylor. If there’s nothing else, I’ll get started.”

“Sure,” Elmer said readily.

Rebecca sat down and started going through the project files, immersing herself in the details all morning. She also made sure to greet her new colleagues when she got the chance.

Later that afternoon, just as Rebecca was about to finish up the last of the files, the eighth floor suddenly buzzed with

excitement.

It wasn’t long before Elmer came over, looking way more serious than he’d been earlier. “Alright, everyone, pause whatever you’re doing. The new boss is here and wants to chat about the project.”

Everyone stopped what they were doing.

For some reason, Rebecca suddenly felt a wave of unease crash over her. It hit so quickly that her chest tightened with dread before she could even react.

That sinking feeling was confirmed as soon as she stepped into the CEO’s office. Jeffrey was there, rocking a sharp suit and sitting cool as ever in his chair. When they walked in, his calm but intimidating gaze swept over everyone in the room.

His eyes lingered on Rebecca for just a split second before moving on.

At that moment, Rebecca’s good mood evaporated completely. She never expected that all her searching would lead to something like this.

“Everyone, meet Mr. Hanson from the Hanson Group. For the next two months, he’ll be stepping in as CEO of PrimePlay Technologies,” Elmer announced. “He’s calling the shots on this new project. So from now on, you can report straight to him instead of me.”

“Understood,” the team echoed.

Elmer went around the room, introducing everyone to Jeffrey.

Rebecca’s eyes had been glued to Jeffrey since the moment she stepped in; quitting ran through her mind on a loop.

PrimePlay Technologies was public, but the Hanson Group owned hundreds like it. Jeffrey barely had time for his own empire. There was no way he was popping in just for fun. She wasn’t fooled; he had to be up to something.

“And this is Rebecca, our brand–new concept art and marketing artist,” Elmer continued. “She’s got loads of experience and seriously strong illustration skills.”

Jeffrey shot Rebecca a quick look before glancing away, his tone perfectly cool. “Hmm.”

Elmer, who’d already gotten the inside scoop on Jeffrey from Jason, wanted to make sure everything was perfect for Jeffrey. “Is there anything else you’d like to ask?” he said.

“Nothing for now,” Jeffrey answered, cool as ice. “Just here to check up on the project’s progress,”

Elmer didn’t say anything more and gestured for everyone to head out.

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Rebecca really wanted to corner Jeffrey and demand some answers, but with so many eyes around, she had to hold back.

Once everyone was back at their desks, the office instantly filled with gossip.

“Dude, did you check out the new CEO? He’s stupid hot! That confident, mature–guy energy is absolutely killing me,” someone gushed.

“Yeah, keep thirsting. Miss a deadline and he’ll eat you alive,” someone else snarked.

“Better keep your head down and work. That guy doesn’t look like he takes any crap,” another warned.

“Rebecca,” someone called out.

Snapping out of her thoughts about quitting, Rebecca quickly pulled herself together and looked over. “Yeah?”

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