An Unexpected Reward


    After we made our decision, I talked to Ryan about the suppliers Benjamin had been working hard to


    keep.


    I invited Benjamin to join us in the discussion toy out a more flexible strategy. Of course, we could


    only make arrangements after confirming the project with Echelon Group.


    That evening, Benjamin and Carol led all our employees to Gourmet Utopia, where they had reserved


    thergest private room avable. It was fancier than my previous employee dinners, and all the staff


    were


    excited.


    Gourmet Utopia was known for hosting parties and banquets, so most of its customers came in groups,


    On my way there, I received a phone call from As. He asked me where the dinner was, and I told


    him.


    “Hmm…” He reminded me, “No drinking, okay?”


    “Why do you care? I’m having a good time with my employees tonight.”


    I was happy that he sounded jealous.


    He asked, “Well, you’re mine, right?”


    I giggled and could picture him smiling on the other end.


    “Alright, I have to go. Don’t stay up toote,” I said. He hung up.


    I was happy to hear As im me as his. It made me feel less alone.


    Carol had preordered the dishes, and the waiters served us as soon as we arrived. I could tell that


    Carol ordered the reasonably priced ones to save me money. She had only worked for me briefly, but


    she had


    been a great help.


    Her memory was as sharp as mine. She also excelled at shorthand, surpassing my skills. We seemed


    to


    have a lot inmon.


    Just as I wanted to order a few more expensive dishes, a waiter pushed over a food cart. It surprised


    us


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    to see cheese–baked matsutake mushrooms and lobsters served at every table.


    That rmed Carol. “Hey, hey, stop! We didn’t order these.”


    The waiter continued serving the dishes. “They’re for you, ma’am.”


    “No, they aren’t! You’ve made a mistake,” Carol said. A lobster that big would cost a fortune. Who


    would


    order them?


    Everyone also received a te of nachos topped with Petrossian caviar. My employees looked at me,


    but I was as stupefied as they were.


    so generous h


    I


    I couldn’t afford to be before I could speak, the waiter said, “Don’t worry, ma’am. They are from Mr.


    As from ATL Empire as a reward forpleting the project’s initial phase.”


    What the hell? Was that why he asked me where the gathering was?


    Others exchanged looks and stared at me. Damn it! Anyone could tell something was going on


    between


    me and As now.


    Since I was speechless, Carol quickly said, “Oh, when I delivered the blueprints, I jokingly said they


    should reward us for meeting their expectations. I didn’t expect them to take it seriously. I guess they’re


    loaded,


    aren’t they?”


    She chuckled and said, “What are you guys waiting for? Let’s dig