Chapter 5
“Morning, Miss Thome Celia turned around.
She was wearing a V–neck blouse today and, as she spoke, casually tugged the collar a little lower, revealing a series of mottled love bites scattered across her chest.
A wave of nausea surged inside Winana. She turned abruptly, intent on leaving.
Just then, Tyson emerged from the kitchen carrying a plate of scrambled eggs. He caught sight of her and called out, “Nona, wait up–let’s head to the office together
“I’m not going to the office Winona didn’t even look back. “I have to go to the hospital.”
“The hospital? Are you feeling alright?” Tyson set the plate down on the dining table, concern flickering in his voice. “I’ll go with you.”
He started toward her, but Celia quickly grabbed his arm.)
“Tyson, did you forget? You promised to spend today with me…” Her voice trembled, sweet yet tinged with wounded innocence.
Predictably, Tyson hesitated, torn.8
Winona didn’t bother to stick around for this familiar performance. She’d long stopped expecting sincerity from him. Without a word, she
strode out the door!
Jyson watched her retreating figure. For masons he couldn’t explain, unease twisted in his chest.
But he quickly brushed it aside. Winona loved him so much–missing one hospital visit wouldn’t change anything. Maybe she’d sulk for a bit, but what was there to worry about?
At the hospital, Winona underwent a series of tests.
“Your gastritis has gotten worse,” the doctor said, scanning her chart. “Il prescribe some medication–make sure you take it on time.”
Winona let out a quiet sigh of relief.”
Thank God–it wasn’t pregnancy
MESS
Thome, have you been overworking again? Staying up late, eating irregularly?” The doctor’s tone grew stern. “You’re still young now, but if you keep neglecting your health, your stomach issues could become serious down the line!”
Winona managed a wry smile!!
Shed thrown herself into that project lately, pushing her body to the limit. Now that it was in its final stages, maybe she could finally slow down…
“Thank you, Doctor. Ill be more careful.”
“It’s not just about these few weeks,” he cautioned. “You need to take care of yourself from now on.”2
will” Her voice was barely above a whisper. I won’t let it happen again.“2
Prescription in hand, Winona left the hospital and headed straight to the office
ron, so I brought a little treat
As soon as she stepped off the elevator, she heard a gentle, cheerful voice: “We’ll all be colleagues from now on, for everyone–please, help yourselves!!
“Wow, pastries from The Golden Crust Bakery! Aren’t those really expensive?”
“Miss Goodwin, you’re so generous!”
“I’m glad you all like them ”
Her coworkers from the executive office had gathered around Celia, who was handing out pastries like a queen holding court.!! “Secretary Thome, you’re here, someone called, waving her over ‘Come meet our new colleague, Miss Goodwin.”
Celia looked up, cnmson lips curling into a smile.
There was a challenge in her eyes, and a touch of malicious glee. Winona frowned slightly, ignoring her, and walked to her own desk. Har assistant hurried over, eyes wide with indignation.
“Secretary Thorne, this isn’t fair”
“What happened? Winona asked, opening her laptop and preparing to tweak one of the project schedules.
“You’ve been working yourself to the bone on that project, and now someone else gets to take all the credit? How is that right!“?
Winona’s fingers froze above the keyboard.
“What do you mean?”
Chapter 5
“Mr. Goodwin just announced it. Starting today, the project you’ve been running? Miss Goodwin is taking over! The assistant’s voice trembled with outrage.
A hot flush of anger shot to Winona’s temples.
No wonder Celia looked so triumphant–she’d just stolen months of Winona’s hard work without lifting a finger.
Winona stood up at once and marched straight to Tyson’s office
“You’re giving the project to Celia?“)
Tyson didn’t look surprised. He’d clearly anticipated this.
“You’ve been under so much stress lately,” he said gently. “You even went to the hospital today. I’m worried about your health, so I think it’s best for Celia to take over now.”
Winona let out a cold laugh. The project’s nearly finished. The hardest part is over. When it wraps up, whose name goes down as project lead? Who gets the credit?”
She’d nearly ruined her health for this, and now Tyson wanted Celia to waltz in and reap all the rewards?
“Nona, Tyson said, his expression darkening, “we’re about to start a partnership with the Thome Foundation, I want Celia involved. If she can pull this off, it’ll help with future collaborations. Can’t you be a little more understanding?”
Cuperb
