Chapter 196
Chapter 196:
As soon as Kailey walked out the door, Karol set down the mop and exhaled in relief. Handling secret assignments like this was exhausting — even though the risk of getting caught was low, she always felt on edge. It really wore on her nerves.
On her way to the office, Kailey stopped to pick up a cup of coffee from the café downstairs. While waiting for the elevator, she unexpectedly bumped into Linda.
Linda looked even more upbeat than usual and started asking about her projects before suddenly adding, “I’m heading to a networking event tonight. Why don’t you come along? No excuses — it’s settled p>
Kailey had no choice but to agree with a smile. “Alright, Ms. Burgess p>
Dressed in a crisp business suit, Linda had an energetic smile that softened her normally cool, professional appearance. She brushed her hand lightly against Kailey’s cheek. “You don’t have to call me Ms. Burgess when it’s just us. Just call me Linda. After all, in the future p>
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻
Kailey noticed her sudden hesitation. “What about in the future p>
“It’s nothing.” Linda’s smile grew more mysterious, as if she were keeping a secret. “I’ll wait for you in the parking lot after work, alright? Let’s get to it — time to work p>
Kailey didn’t quite understand, but she was happy to go along with whatever her boss suggested.
Fantasy Fusion had been around for less than three years, yet it had already earned quite a name for itself locally, drawing a loyal following. That kind of rapid growth was a rare achievement. Curious, Kailey searched for Linda’s background and found herself surprised. “Hercules University p>
“That’s right.” At some point, Zaria appeared beside her, coffee in hand, leaning in to glance at Kailey’s screen. She let out a quiet sigh. “Linda built Fantasy Fusion entirely on her own. No wonder graduates from Hercules University really are something else p>
Kailey picked up on the odd note in Zaria’s voice and looked over. “Are you close with Linda p>
“Not especially.” Zaria pursed her lips. “I joined right when the company started. Now she’s a director, and I’ve only just become a team leader. The gap between us is enormous.” She shook her head. “Anyway, let’s talk about something else. There’s a fantastic restaurant I want to try. Want to join me for dinner tonight p>
“I can’t tonight,” Kailey said, shaking her head. “Linda invited me to a networking event p>
Zaria’s face fell immediately. “Oh. Sorry for interrupting you.” She turned to go, and Kailey’s attention drifted back to her screen. Under her breath, she murmured, “Hercules University. What a coincidence — Kyson went there too p>
The day seemed to fly by. At six o’clock, Kailey headed downstairs with her coworkers to meet Linda in the parking area.
“Over here!” Linda called out, enthusiastically swinging open the passenger door. “Your ride is waiting. Hop in p>
Kailey let out a soft laugh. “You really go above and beyond p>
“Come on, this isn’t a big deal p>