[Pri Group]
Because of the recent headline-shaking news, Hayley, Shawn, Teddy, and even Patricia were completely exhausted. Although Patricia could arguably claim she was twice as tired, having to act panicked and still get her job done.
All four of them had to work overti, and even then, they were slumped over their desks—except for Teddy.
"So... this is what custor service agents feel like, huh?" Hayley muttered, feeling like her brain had shrunk from fatigue. "I feel extra tired."
Still, she didn’t have much ntal space to worry about other things today. So, in a way, that was a relief.
"Just grab your stuff and go ho," Teddy advised as he packed up. "Today’s just the beginning. I’m sure the next few days will be hell. Best to get so rest while you still can."
Hayley looked up at him, blinking, before lazily pushing herself off her desk. Shawn had also started moving, but unlike usual, he was in no rush to pack up.
Just then, Patricia’s voice rang out across their departnt.
"Hayley, your boyfriend’s here to pick you up," she said with a roll of her eyes. "Let’s go."
At those words, Hayley’s ears perked up. She imdiately turned to the entrance. Patricia was already dragging herself out.
"Wait for !" Hayley grabbed her things in a rush, not even bothering to tidy her desk. Her exhaustion evaporated instantly as she practically skipped out of the office.
Teddy watched her go, shaking his head. Just seconds ago, she could barely move. Now? She was full of life.
"I guess they weren’t kidding when they said she’s dating Patricia’s brother," he muttered, amused. Then his eyes landed on Shawn. He raised a brow, noticing Shawn was still sitting at his desk, staring blankly at his screen. "You’re not leaving yet?"
Teddy had seen him packing up earlier. But now, Shawn looked lost in thought.
Shawn blinked, then glanced at him with an awkward smile. "I forgot to finish the sheet I was working on. Everything got derailed by the news today. I figured I should finish it now."
"Just do it tomorrow," Teddy suggested as he stood. "You should rest while you can."
"It’s just a few columns," Shawn replied. "Then, I’ll go."
Teddy raised a brow, studying him. Ever since Penny told them not to wait up for her, they all left on ti. Shawn included. But tonight seed different.
Still, Teddy chose not to press.
"Alright." He nodded. "I’m heading out, then."
Shawn gave him a nod. "Take care."
"Mhm." Teddy waved. "See you tomorrow."
Shawn offered a faint smile as he turned back to his monitor.
As Teddy walked past the glass door of the office, he paused and glanced back. He saw Shawn typing away, back to work.
Teddy shook his head and resud walking.
---
anwhile, in the CEO’s office ...
Penny stretched her arms and legs until the tension in her muscles eased. A smile tugged at her lips as she relaxed into her chair.
Today had been... chaotic.
She hadn’t just sat around all day—she’d bounced between one eting after another, both virtual and in-person. Fortunately, nothing spiraled out of control. She managed to persuade the people who needed persuading and cald the ones on the brink of panic.
Still, that didn’t an the company was out of danger.
All she’d really done was buy herself ti to fix the "problem."
But the real problem wasn’t the press—it was whether or not they could finish off Nathalie in ti.
Just then, her phone rang.
Without checking the screen, she answered. She already knew who it was.
"Hello, my love~!" she sang, smiling.
"You sound like you’re in a good mood."
"Heh. I just bought us enough ti to squeeze in a vacation," she teased while tidying her desk. "The only problem is whether we can finish everything in ti. But don’t worry—Yugi knows when to snuff out a fire before it burns anyone."
"I see," Zoren said on the other end, his voice warm. "I’m coming to pick you up tonight. First Brother’s with ."
"Mhm. For the code, right?"
"Yes."
"Don’t worry about it." She leaned back on her desk. "Let know when you’re here."
"Alright. I’ll see you soon."
"Mhm. See ya! And take care—mwa mwa mwa~!" Penny puckered her lips against the phone until she heard Zoren chuckle.
"Anyway, bye-bye~!"
"Mhm."
The call ended.
Penny looked down at her phone, still smiling, before setting it on her desk. She resud clearing up—organizing files, opening a drawer to store a few items.
Then, a quiet knock ca at the door.
"Hmm?" Her brows lifted as she looked toward it.
It was late. No one should be knocking on her office door at this hour. If it were Yugi, he would’ve opened the door and peeked in already.
Sothing felt... off.
Her hand slid across the desk until it rested atop a hidden handgun. Mark wasn’t outside because she had sent him on a quick errand.
"Co in," she called, voice calm but sharp.
The door creaked open slowly.
She held her breath, grip firming on the weapon, until she saw who peeked inside. She exhaled in relief.
"Oh, it’s you." Penny clicked her tongue, releasing her hold on the pistol. "For a second, I thought it was soone else.
"Miss Penny." Shawn stepped in, wearing an awkward smile. "Can I co in?"
"Sure."
He nodded and stepped fully inside, carefully closing the door behind him. He approached her desk but stopped a few feet short.
Penny let out another breath, her tension easing. She stood up, ready to leave.
"What is it?" she asked, picking up her bag. "If it’s about the news, I’m already handling it. Just keep telling anyone who contacts you that it’s fake, alright?"
She smiled until she noticed the look in Shawn’s eyes — Apologetic, almost pained.
"What is it?" she asked again, her smile fading. "Shawn?"
"Miss Penny, I’m sorry." Shawn sighed heavily, pulling sothing from his pocket. "I didn’t want to do this."
A second later, he raised a pistol and aid it directly at her.
"I need the code."
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