Chapter 283



Most Downey Group employees were out by five, as was Hayden. But the company’s financial affairs were a real mess, forcing Joseph to work overtime.

“Are you sure you don’t want to leave with me?” Standing in Joseph’s office doorway, Hayden called out to him, smiling.

Joseph immediately shifted his attention from those numbers to Hayden when he heard her. Her smile revitalized him. “It’s okay. I’ll go home as soon as I finish this category, it won’t take long.”

“You’re making me feel bad, how about I raise your salary?”

“Oh, yeah, you feel bad? I doubt it.” He narrowed his eyes and motioned to Hayden, “Come here.”

“Have you changed your mind?”

Nonchalantly, Hayden walked in, stopped just in front of his desk, his body leaning slightly forward.

“It’s not too late to change your mind, I’ll be here with you if you say yes.”

In response, Joseph said nothing, but pulled Hayden to him, leaving a kiss on his lips before he could react.

The kiss made Hayden squirm. He pulled away from Joseph and looked back. Nervously, she muttered, “The door is open, what are you doing?”.

With Joseph working here, he’d already set off a rumor storm. The board wouldn’t go easy on him if they were caught flirting in the office.

But Joseph was calm, as if nothing had happened. With slightly raised eyebrows, he said. “It’s okay, you can go.”

“Why, are you upset?”

Joseph looked at her with an ambiguous smile. “I just think a kiss would be enough to recharge my batteries. Or, do you want something else?”

“No, I don’t. Her face reddening, Hayden understood what Joseph meant by ‘recharge your batteries,’ “I’m leaving.”

She fled the office without hesitation.

The smile in Joseph’s eyes deepened as he returned her gaze.

In the parking lot, Hayden ran into Mark as he tried to start his car.

“Miss Hayden.”

“Mark?” Surprised to see him, Hayden asked, “What are you doing here-are you looking for Joseph?”

Mark nodded politely. “Indeed.”

“He’s on the tenth floor, you can take the elevator up there.” Pointing to the elevator, Hayden replied politely.

“Thank you. But before that, I wonder if Miss Hayden has any free time, I’d like to talk to you.”

“Sure. She hasn’t had dinner, has she? I know a great restaurant that’s very close to here.”

It’s November, N City was entering winter and there was an impending cold snap. The street trees were wilting.

Hayden and Mark were sitting by the window of a downtown restaurant, where they could appreciate the fabulous N City at night.

“Mark, you can speak freely.” Hayden broke the silence.

“Then I’ll be honest.” Nodded Mark, “Actually, you don’t have much to do with what I’m about to say. But considering the current stage you and Joseph are at, I think you have a right to know.”

“Go ahead, please.”

“There is a great deal of tension between Joseph and his grandfather because of the relationship Joseph has with you. I assume Miss Hayden is aware of that.”

“Do you want me to leave him?”

“No.” Mark shook his head, “No one can change Joseph’s mind once he has made up his mind to something, not even Mr. Harrison can do that. And I think I know Miss Hayden well enough to know that she wouldn’t want to make enemies with the Beckhams and tolerate the rumors if Joseph didn’t insist.”

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