Stepping out of Stuart's car, Katelyn felt an unexpected sense of fulfillment and happiness. She wasn't quite sure why, but being around Stuart had felt easy, almost refreshing. She walked toward Carissa's door, and as she opened it, she was surprised to see her friend waiting with her arms outstretched for a hug. Laughing at Carissa's playful nature, Katelyn hugged her tightly before collapsing on the sofa.
"Come on, girl. Spill! I haven't seen you this happy in days," Carissa teased, grinning widely.
"I'm getting my job back!" Katelyn squealed, her face lighting up.
"Really? So, you forgave him?" Carissa asked, noticing the sparkle in Katelyn's eyes.
"I did. And he's… well, he's just so handsome and charming. That guy is almost too perfect," Katelyn admitted, laughing shyly.
Carissa chuckled. "Lucky you! Here's to new beginnings with Mr. Handsome."
"Thanks for being there for me, Carissa, and for talking me into meeting with him. I really needed that." Katelyn gave her friend a warm hug, feeling grateful.
---
Meanwhile, Stuart, despite his poised exterior, carried a few burdens. Chief among them was Tracy Mikel, his betrothed. Stuart's parents had arranged his engagement to Tracy in childhood, a tradition rooted in their families' business alliance. Though Tracy once shared his world, her personality had grown overbearing and entitled over the years, becoming a strain on Stuart. Determined to end things, he tried to distance himself, but Tracy, unwilling to let go, had left town rather than face a breakup. Most people assumed they'd parted ways, but only his closest friends knew the complexities behind her absence.
---
The following morning, Katelyn woke up, got ready for work, and headed downstairs, where her mother greeted her with a proud smile.
"Honey, you look stunning in that Burberry suit," Mrs. Bethly said admiringly.
Katelyn grinned, teasing, "Got it from you, Mom."
They enjoyed a quick breakfast before Katelyn headed to the S. Brown empire. She was greeted warmly by Mr. Walter, who showed her to her new office.
"This is beautiful," Katelyn murmured as she walked around, admiring the room's elegant pink and white decor.
"Welcome to the hotel, Ms. Scott," Mr. Walter said with a proud smile.
"Thank you, Mr. Walter. I'm looking forward to working here," she replied, extending her hand in gratitude.
A few hours later, Stuart arrived and stepped into her office.
"Good morning, Sir Stuart," Katelyn greeted him politely, slightly bowing her head.
"Nice outfit; you look amazing in it," Stuart commented with a smile.
"Thanks," she replied, feeling a slight blush rise to her cheeks.
After a few moments of quiet admiration, Stuart said, "Katelyn, we're friends now, right? So, could you call me Stuart instead of 'Sir'?"
"Of course… Stuart," she responded, laughing nervously. They shared a light moment before Mr. Walter entered, reminding Stuart about an upcoming meeting. He left her in Mr. Walter's hands for training, and Katelyn dove into her tasks eagerly, learning quickly.
---
That evening, Katelyn shared her excitement with her mom over dinner.
"My first day was amazing, Mom. Stuart even had his chef prepare lunch for me. He's a genuinely nice guy."
"I told you he was more than he seemed," Mrs. Betty replied with a wink.
"Mom! I never thought he was a bad person," Katelyn protested.
Mrs. Betty playfully mimicked, "Really? 'That man is a monster!'" causing them both to laugh.
"Alright, alright! Maybe I was a little harsh," Katelyn admitted, grinning as they finished their meal.
*Unknown p.o.v*
Sitting in my room, I got a call which I took
"Speak"!! I ordered in a cold tone
"A new female staff has been recruited in the hotel as an assistant to Stuart " the voice at the other end
"Assistant...huh? What relationship do they share"? I asked with a dim look in my eyes
"Nothing suspicious for now ma'am but I'm still keeping an eye on them" the voice said
"Make it quick and don't keep me posted" I said and hanged up the call while releasing a deep sigh. "You got a new staff huh, we will see about that" I said and poured the remaining wine in the glass into my mouth.
******
Few days later Katelyn got to the office early enough before Stuart arrived, she asked for an orange juice to be brought to her table as she has not had anything to eat for breakfast, Monica was going to give Kate the glass of juice when James approached and stopped her from going.
"What are you doing James"? Monica asked looking at James face
"I'm sorry Monica but can you help with the burritos while I hand this to Ms Scott myself"! James pleaded with a cunning smile on his face
"Why should I let you serve Ms Scott when she's ordered me and besides I'm not in the position to make burritos today" Monica said rolling her eyes, James knew exactly why she spoke to him like that and tried to coerce her the more
"I'm sorry about yesterday and I promise it won't happen again" James said and Monica scoffed rolling her eyes
"How sure I'm I you won't take back your words" Monica asked
"I swear on my life that I won't but right now you have to give me the juice to take to Ms Scott , besides it would be an opportunity to meet her in person" James said and Monica agreed without hesitation
"Alright, just give it to her, I will help you with the burritos" she said smiling
"Thanks" James said collected the flat round tray on which the juice was kept and walked towards Katelyn's office on getting there after the exchange of greetings, he passed the tray on the table and slightly pushed it causing the juice in the glass to spill on Katelyn's white suit.