Page 28 of Unlocking my Boss's Heart

I’d been in a conference room, helping Mr. Gibsons, one of the senior associates. There, I made a small suggestion that could have easily been overlooked, but it shifted the negotiations. Mr. Gibsons hadn’t said much about it, just a simplethank you.

“Nothing escapes me around here,” Anton replied confidently.

Did that mean he sensed the butterflies swirling in my stomach and read my thoughts about sitting on top of his desk and—

“Have you finished Aiko Osaka’s novel?”

His question was a welcome whiplash.

Focus, Celia!

I shook my head to clear my mind.

“The book I bought at the bookshop the first day we met?”

That wasn’t a focus question at all.

He grinned as if I wasn’t making myself out to be a complete ditz. “Unless you have several Aiko Osaka’s books, that’s the one I’m talking about.”

“I’m deep into it, a few chapters to go.”

“And how is it?”

“It’s fascinating. Very immersive, I’d say. It goes into detail about what you and I already know.”

Anton opened his top drawer and pulled out a book. My eyes narrowed when I saw the cover: a man silhouetted by the full moon as if it were a sea of black. It was the same book—Rain Soldier.

“I bought it, same as you.”

My jaw dropped.

“Then, why were you judgmental about it in the store?” I blurted out.

“I wouldn’t say I was judgmental. I gave my opinion, that’s all.”

“You asked why I bought the book and called the author unethical. It’s a little confusing that you would then buy it yourself.” I stopped short.

I was feeling argumentative, and that would take me nowhere. My face still scrunched up in annoyance, though, and I was tempted to fold my arms in a contentious stance but refrained.

“I heard you, and I can see by the look on your face that you’re jumping to conclusions, and they’re probably wrong. I bought the book because we’ve been given the case.”

I blinked, trying to process his words.Assigned the case?My heart skipped a beat. This wasn’t just any case, it was the kind of high-profile assignment that could define a career.

“Really? Isn’t Aiko Osaka Japanese?” I asked, my voice a little shakier than I intended.

“Yes, butRain Soldierwas published here in the United States. The case will be heard in the American court.”

“And he hired us?” I asked incredulously, realizing just how dominant Waltons & Associates actually was in the competition.

“The publisher hired us—Julius and Faber Publishing House. They’re also defendants in the case.”

“So, the friend is suing both Aiko Osaka and the publisher,” I summarized, my mind swirling with possibilities.

“Yeah, and I’m lead counsel. I’ve started going through the book, but I’m only at the third chapter. That’s where you come in.”

“How does reading the novel help in winning the case?”

“To cross-examine Mei.”

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