Everyone went dead silent at that comment.
While some might have had similar thoughts, nobody would be gutsy enough to actually say it out loud.
Plus, they’d just remembered that Rachel was the one who’d been trending all over Twitter recently for that jewelry competition plagiarism mess.
Though she’d been completely cleared in the end.
Still, that didn’t necessarily mean she was some design prodigy.
The design department was loaded with serious talent, after all.
Having Rachel walk in as a senior designer right out of the gate definitely pissed some people off.
Hearing Narissa go too far, Barbara’s expression turned stone–cold. “Ms. Caldwell, we’re all professionals here. Let’s keep it that way.”
Narissa put on a fake apologetic face. “My bad, Barbara. You know how I am–sometimes my mouth runs faster than my brain.”
She shot Rachel a nasty look right after.
Rachel thought the whole thing was absurd, but she knew office drama could get vicious.
“Anyway, to welcome our newest team member, we’re doing dinner tonight after work.” The moment Barbara finished, everyone started cheering.
Hell yeah–another company dinner they didn’t have to pay for.
Rachel appreciated Barbara’s gesture–it would definitely help her click with the team faster.
Since it was day one, Rachel mostly just learned her way around and got familiar with the company’s design philosophy and product lines.
Near quitting time, Rachel shot Cassian a text about the team dinner.
Cassian was stuck in a meeting when he saw it and just texted back “Have fun.”
Then he immediately had Philips book the design team at one of Manhattan’s most exclusive restaurants, everything on the company tab.
When everyone found out where they were headed for dinner, they completely lost their shit.
None of them had ever set foot in a place that fancy!
Everyone was joking that they were totally riding Rachel’s wave.
Narissa responded with obvious attitude, “Please. Upper management obviously noticed how hard our department busts ass and wanted to show some appreciation.”
Nobody bothered arguing with her spin.
Though they all thought it was bizarre–this level of treatment was definitely unprecedented.
The restaurant was absolutely incredible–every plate looked like something from a cooking show and tasted even better.
Rachel was pretty blown away too. Rhodes Corp really didn’t mess around when it came to employee benefits.
Everyone was having an amazing time.
Turns out Cassian was also at the same hotel for a business dinner.
Definitely not a coincidence.
Chapter 62
Knowing Rachel was obsessed with seafood, Cassian had Philips send over some premium catches to their private dining room.
Maine lobster, king crab, fresh oysters–the whole nine yards.
When Philips rolled up with servers carrying all this incredible food, everyone’s jaws literally dropped.
“Mr. Rhodes is here tonight for business and heard about your team dinner welcoming a new colleague, so he wanted to send over some seafood. He appreciates all your hard work.” Philips delivered the line perfectly.
Nobody questioned it–they were just completely stunned.
The fucking CEO had personally upgraded their dinner! The notoriously private, mysterious boss man.
Narissa’s eyes were practically glowing as she bit her lip, clearly plotting something.
The whole room exploded with excited chatter.
“Holy shit, Mr. Rhodes personally hooked us up! That’s Maine lobster–we never get to eat seafood this bougie!”
“I know, right? He’s usually so intimidating and unreachable, but he’s being so generous to our department. I’m honestly shook.”
“For real! Rachel must be our lucky charm–we’ve never gotten VIP treatment like this before!”
Everyone was talking over each other, completely hyped.
Rachel felt her stomach tighten, worried people might connect the dots about her and Cassian.
She’d just started this job and wanted to fit in naturally with everyone.
Chapter F
Chapter 63
