The Royal Contract

1102 The office gossip

Ria had been at work all morning, trying to catch up with some of the things she had missed since she had been away and sick. Thankfully, Zach had accommodated some of her work, lessening her workload.

However, she had not seen Zach just yet. But she believed he could be somewhere in the building, busy with work. But he texted that he would take her to lunch later.

She could not help but wonder if anyone had suspected they were now a couple. Was she ready for their friends and co-workers to know about their relationship?

She had not considered this, and they had not talked about it yet. It had slipped her mind since they had been busy with other things. She just hoped there were no rules concerning fraternizing with a co-worker.

“Ria, I know you just got back and probably still recovering, but I need those files before lunch.” Brenda walked to her small cubicle and pointed at the papers still in her hands. The latest_epi_sodes are on_the (f)ir(e).nᴇt

Of course, she should not be daydreaming at a time like this. Everybody was on alert because the big boss was not around, and many things were happening under their watch.,

“I am on it.” She responded, looking at the pile of papers in her right hand that needed photocopying, and on her left were papers that she needed to submit to the finance department. “It will be on your desk before lunch.”

Then, she looked at several more papers on her desks needing different things, but they should be on her boss’s table before midday. If she finally got the promotion, she would not be doing this anymore.

She would have her larger cubicle, not the same as Brenda or Josey, but at least a step higher to a better position. But that would mean Zach would be out of the job since they only offered it to one person.

.....

She remembered asking him about it yesterday before he left for home. She knew they were competing in the same position. But he said. “Don’t worry about it. I think you deserve it more than I do.”

But she believed he also deserved it since he worked hard for it. But he would not have it. Besides, he said that working for Alex had taught him a lot. That was more than enough to find his path in this world.

She wanted to ask him more about him. But her insecurity still prevented her from snooping around what she believed was not her business. Besides, it was still too early in their relationship for her to assume anything.

“Ok. Thanks, Ria.” Brend snapped her back again to the present as she exited and returned to her position.

She had to stop zoning out because she had tons of things to do, shaking the clouds in her mind and focusing again on her tasks. She could always daydream later when she had completed her work.

She rushed to the machine room, hoping that no one was there. She did not want to waste her time in line for the photo machine. Thankfully, the place was empty, and she could finish her work in silence.

“Here are the papers you asked for.” She handed the papers to her boss fifteen minutes before her deadline. “The other documents were already on their way to the department heads.” She informed her.

“Thanks, Ria, you are a lifesaver,” Josey said as she looked up from her desk. “I am glad that you are now feeling better. We missed you around here.”

She could see the genuine concern of her boss, who had become a good friend to her. At least outside of office time. She would miss working with her if she got promoted or canned. It was either of those two.

“I also missed you all.” She honestly said to her boss. “I hope I was not in trouble for my long absence.”

She still wondered if her lack of performance jeopardized her promotion. They could have thought that she was more of a liability than an asset to the company. But she hoped not. She needed this job and would work harder to prove herself to them.

“Of course not. Don’t worry. I still intend to fight for your promotion at the next board meeting.” Josey assured her.

So far, the board would only reconvene when the big boss returned. At that moment, Sir Alex had to attend to matters with higher priority than giving her a promotion.

“No worries. I am just glad that you are considering me for the position.” She felt lucky enough that she had landed this internship. But it would be nice to get a permanent position in a prestigious company like this.

Somehow, it would secure her and her son’s future if she had a stable job with a high-paying salary. Then, she could stop accepting the funding that her ex-boyfriend was sending. She could finally cut off all her ties with him and his family.

She was still thankful that her ex’s father had agreed to the settlement deal. But she would not think it was a debt she had to pay. It was his son’s obligation to help their son, but now, she could finally sever all his responsibility to her son.

“Of course. But don’t worry. I think the board is just a formality. You are as good as hired permanently.” Her boss assured her again. “Now, go take a few minutes rest and grab some lunch. We still have a lot of work later.”

She quickly left her boss’s office and returned to her workplace. She cleared her table and readied herself. In a few minutes, Zach would come to take her to lunch.

Then, she quickly dashed to the female comfort room for her private business before Zach arrived. Once inside the small cubicle, she relieved herself. When she was about to go out after finishing, she heard two female voices talking.

She was unsure, but she believed they were from another department. But that was not what had caught her attention, but the topic of their discussion.

“They said she seduced him on their trip.” One woman said.

“Did she honestly believe a man like him would even take her seriously?” The other responded with a pitch that said that she was in disbelief.

They had not mentioned a name, but she could guess what and who they were discussing. And if she stayed long enough, she would not like the rest of their conversations.

Nonetheless, she discovered that her fear had finally materialized. She was now the talk of the town, the topic of the office gossip.