Jolene removed a bottle of water from the fridge and drunk. When she saw Carine entering, she removed her phone and pretended to be making a call.
"Uh, yes I will definitely pass by in the morning. Bye…'' Jolene let out a deep sigh and turned to Carine.
"I… I scared you, right? I'm sorry…'' Jolene said awkwardly and smiled.
"Hey! Are you kidding me? You didn't just scare me. You scared everyone out there.''
"I'm sorry…''
"Sorry isn't going to cut it. Tell me, what was all that about? Do you know the new CEO from somewhere?''
"Wasn't I speaking on you right now? That was Erica's homeroom teacher.'' Jolene lied. She looked at Carine hoping she would buy it.
"Was that it? I mean, if it is just a call, did you have to run away like that? We all thought perhaps, you and the new CEO…''
"No!'' Jolene said loudly. 'We don't know each other. I have never met him all my life.'' Jolene said.
"Okay, no need to say that loudly. But, is Erica alright? I mean the call?''
"Yes, she is fine.''
"That's good. Then, we should go back before rumors start going around.'' Carine suggested.
"Mm!'' Jolene picked the bottle from the table and they went out.
Jolene looked towards the CEO's office nervously when they came out of the coffee room.
"JoJo, are you alright?'' Kiana stood up and asked.
"I'm sorry for alarming everyone. I just got a call from my daughter's school and had to rush to it. I'm sorry.'' Jolene said before going to her desk.
"Was that it? You want us to believe that? I thought you were taken aback by the new CEO's handsomeness and needed a moment for yourself.'' Kathy spoke from her seat.
"Why don't you just mind your own business.'' Carine muttered.
"Jolene Abdul!'' Chris came out of the office and called.
"Chris, hi!'' Jolene said awkwardly.
"Hi isn't going to cut it JoJo. Don't you have something to tell me?'' Chris walked towards her.
"Somebody is in trouble!'' Kathy muttered.
"I should just sew that mouth…'' Carine threatened.
"Chris, I got an important call and had to receive it at that time.'' Jolene said to Chris.
Chris raised his brows and chuckled. "I do not believe you. Come with me!''
Jolene clenched her fists tightly and followed Chris as he went back to the office.
When Jolene entered the office, she saw Kai busy looking at some documents. She knew he had seen her but he was simply ignoring her.
"JoJo, you know you are my favorite worker, right?''
"Yes…'' Jolene replied.
"I am not supposed to be favoring any worker but you in particular, I really like you because you take your work seriously.''
"I'm sorry…'' Jolene apologized.
"I like you because you never mix your personal life with business. You are always quick to separate the two but this time I can't let this slide because you ran out and embarrassed your new boss. Everyone thought you two had something going on? I even thought you two were lovers before…''
"No! that is not true. Chris, we don't know each other.'' Jolene said defensively.
"Then, why did you freak out?''
"I got an important call and had to answer it.''
"Emergency? Anything to do with your daughter?'' Chris asked and Kai looked up.
"I… yes but I've solved it.'' Jolene said and looked up, meeting with Kai's penetrating gaze. She looked away quickly.
"That's good. Now, apologize to the CEO!''
Jolene took a deep breath and bowed. "CEO, I'm sorry for my behavior a while ago!''
"Jolene Abdul!'' Kai looked at Jolene. She hadn't changed one bit. She still had that charming eyes. Just looking at her brought back memories. Hurtful memories.
"CEO, nice to meet you. I hope we get along well…'' Jolene said stretching her hand forward.
Kai looked at Jolene and smirked. He stretched his hand towards her saying. "Okay, I hope we really get along well, Miss Abdul.''
Jolene smiled and quickly retracted her hand and stepped back.
"JoJo, you are going to be assisting Kai from now onwards. He is new and there are still a lot to be learnt. I want you to assist him.''
"Chris, that is the work of Carine.''
"I know but there will be a reshuffling of duties. Kai wants you to personally assist him. He is now the new boss, can't say otherwise.'' Chris replied.
"Okay!'' Jolene replied reluctantly.
"Go and tell Carine to hand over the duties to you. Kai and I will be going to look at the penthouse. Right, you two will be neighbors.''
"He… is moving into the penthouse?'' Jolene asked.
"Yes, he is the new boss. As for me, I am going to be roaming the world to relax.'' Chris said and smiled.
"I will get going.''
"We will have a meeting in 30 minutes.'' Kai said when Jolene got to the door.
"Kai, come on. You just came, relax!'' Chris said.
"We will go after the meeting. Miss Abdul, go and get the meeting room ready.''
"Yes, sir!'' Jolene replied.
"Don't call me sir. Call me Kai!''
"Yes, Kai…'' Jolene said and walked out. Jolene walked to the office space and announced.
"Meeting in 30!''
"Meeting?'' Kathy asked.
"You heard me the first time, Kathy.'' Jolene replied and walked over to Carine.
"How did it go?'' Carine turned and asked.
"Not well. I was asked to take over from you. Carine, I'm sorry. I tried to get out of it but not a chance.''
"Finally, I get to hand over. It's a relief, JoJo.'' Carine said and smiled.
"I'm halfway dead before the finishing line.''
"Cheer up. I will give you everything I have.''
Jolene nodded and sat on her seat which was next to Carine.
Kathy looked at Jolene for a while and asked. "You seem flustered. What did you and the new CEO talk about?''
"Why don't you go in there and ask him? I think he would appreciate the attention you will be giving him.'' Kiana spoke.
"I am not talking to you.'' Kathy glared at Kiana and muttered. "I hope he is single.'' She adjusted her top, opening the top button to expose her cleavage.