Chapter 4
The next day, I went to work in high spirits. Making Kevin bleed that much money brought me immense satisfaction. But the moment I stepped into the office, I could tell something was off.
The usually lively break room went silent. Several coworkers huddled together, whispering and shooting me sideways glances full of contempt and suspicion.
"Look, he actually showed up. What a shameless guy."
"Right? After last night, if I were him, I'd be too embarrassed to come back."
"Kevin was right. That manager must have been putting on an act for Ms. Spencer's sake. Or, heh, you know the kind of relationship he has with that sugar mommy. Talk about shameless."
I raised an eyebrow. It seemed like Kevin had been busy after he left last night. I'd barely sat down at my desk when he stalked over with a dark expression.
"Luke, I thought you wouldn't have the guts to show your face today."
Kevin slammed a cup of coffee down on my desk. Coffee sloshed out and stained my files.
"What's wrong? Haven't gotten that rich heir act out of your system yet? Coming to the office to keep performing?"
I pulled out a tissue to wipe my hands, not bothering to look at him. "Kevin, did you finish paying off that 50 grand? Or are those credit card interest charges still piling up?"
Kevin flinched at the mention of money, but quickly recovered and started making a scene.
"Everyone, come look! This is our supposed wealthy heir! A fraud who sells his body to rich women and gets them to pay his bills!"
The coworkers around us didn't openly agree, but their expressions showed that they were enjoying the drama.
After all, compared to "coworker turns out to be a billionaire's son", they found it much easier to believe "coworker becomes a gigolo" gossip that fit their worldview.
"Kevin, if you put as much imagination into your work as you do into this, maybe your performance wouldn't be dead last every month."
I opened my computer and ignored him.
Seeing me brush him off, Kevin grew furious. "Luke, stop acting so high and mighty! Everyone knows you're a freeloader now. Let's see how you explain yourself to the supervisor at the meeting!
"The new CEO is coming today. If you embarrass yourself in front of leadership, the supervisor will definitely fire you!"
New CEO? I smiled slightly.
At 10:00 am, there was an all-staff meeting.
The supervisor, Janet Brooks, kept rattling off warnings. "Our company was acquired by Lancaster Group. They've sent a new CEO specifically to handle layoffs and restructuring. Anyone who screws up shouldn't blame me for not going easy on them!"
She shot me a pointed look. "Some people need to stop bringing their questionable lifestyle into the workplace. Have some self-awareness!"
I looked up at the ceiling and sighed. One idiot I could handle. A whole room of them was another story.
Kevin looked thrilled at her words. "You hear that? People with messy personal lives like yours will definitely be the first to get cut!"
He seemed certain I'd be thrown out, his face full of smugness. "When the new leadership gets here, I'm reporting you for bringing the company into disrepute!"
I kept my face neutral. "Is that so? I can't wait."
That only made Kevin more insufferably smug.
Just then, the conference room door opened. A sharp-looking middle-aged man walked in.
Janet immediately rushed over, all smiles and deference. "Mr. Camper, you're here! Please, have a seat!"
David Camper didn't sit. He scanned the room expressionlessly and spoke directly. "Everyone, I'm here today representing Lancaster Group to announce a personnel appointment."
The entire room fell silent. Everyone held their breath. Kevin straightened his back, eager to make a good first impression.
The next second, David announced, "By decision of the group's board of directors, effective immediately, this company will be under the full management of Mr. Luke Lancaster. Everyone please welcome your new CEO, Mr. Lancaster!"
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