Page 68 of In Love After Office Hours

Now, it was time to accept that she wasnotspecial, never was, and never would be special enough for anyone to love.

Chapter Two

SEVEN MONTHS AFTERBook 2

“It’s a brand new milestone for the party island of Teleios,” the reporter declared eagerly as he gestured to the majestic façade of the island’s newest establishment, Mageia, which had been built to rival Dubai’s Atlantis by offering a world-class casino, five-star hotel, and aqua theme park combined.

“Tourism stats have gone up by an unprecedented twenty percent,” the reporter continued in an impressed tone, “and I’ve just received news that there is actually aqueueat the docks, with hundreds of guests preferring to wait for their turn even though the island’s management has already released notice a week ago about the island no longer being able to take in more guests.”

Back at the studio, the hosts of a U.S. morning show shook their heads in shared amazement at the unparalleled success of Mageia’s opening. “Why do you think it’s so popular with tourists around the world?” Robert, a twenty-year veteran, asked his co-anchors with genuine curiosity.

“I’m asking myself the same question,” Jared, former model turned TV host, admitted. “It’s not like it’s the first of its kind that was built, and I’m sure, in time, other establishments would top it off.”

The only woman in the group, Emmy, stared at them incredulously. “I guess you really don’t see it, do you?”

Her male co-hosts simultaneously shook their heads back at her. “Care to share?” the business expert of their group, Edward, asked.

Emmy sighed. “It’s thepeoplewho own Mageia.”

“The de Konigh Consortium?” Robert asked, startled.

“You three are old fudges and see a consortium of royalty and corporate executives in one family, but the masses see it differently. They see one place where they’ve beenguaranteed –and I tell you, it’s written in their brochures, it’s aguarantee– that there will always be at least one de Konigh present overseeing business in Mageia every day. So think about it,” she urged her co-hosts. “You’re promised a chance to see your favorite de Konigh celebrity or royalty whichever day you visit Mageia. For many people, that’s worth the price Mageia charges them for.”

“Now that you mention it,” Robert murmured pensively, “I can definitely see the attraction.” He chuckled self-consciously, adding, “I’d be willing to pay the really expensive fees myself if I know when Farica de Konigh’s coming to work.”

“Exactly,” Emmy said smugly.

Edward nodded in understanding. “Yes, I see it now, and no doubt for the opening, all the women are there to see the head of the de Konigh clan, Willem de Konigh.”

His co-hosts murmured in agreement.

“Speaking of Willem de Konigh,” Emmy said, “have you noticed he’s been on a roll lately? Just last month, he was able to close that deal in Milan, which no one saw coming.”

“A roll’s putting it lightly,” Edward argued good-naturedly. “I’d say he’s on a mission to prove to everyone on earth that heisthe best negotiator in town. Before the Milan deal, he also won the bidding for the next island in Dubai, and then there’s the hotel chain he’s starting in South Africa.”

“It’s like he’s determined to impress,” Robert interjected. “And perhaps all this is for his future bride, the Dutch model, Shane Raleigh?”

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