Page 14 of Enchanted Hero
In her life.
“Mr. Stone has agreed to let everyone keep their jobs.”
Sighs of relief filled the air, amidst loud cheers and boisterous hugs. He smiled, and even Everleigh relaxed ever-so-slightly. “Of course, I would love everyone to stay.” He stepped forward. “I admire your expertise and look forward to working with all of you. Yes, there will be changes, but I hope you find them positive. For instance, as of now, everyone has a fifty percent raise.”
More cheers arose, from everyone except Everleigh and the blond secretary, Chloe. He frowned. Normally he couldn’t sense a person’s emotions unless he concentrated, but the young woman was so frightened, it was apparent across the room. Later, he would do what he could to help.
He turned back to the crowd. “As I said before, we provide daily lunch for all employees. There will be extra weeks of time off, gym benefits and an employee shareholder program. And, no, I don’t expect you to increase your workload for any of it. The company budget has just gotten a huge influx of capital. In return, I ask that we work together to propel New Age Treasures into an international juggernaut.”
This time the cheers were even louder. Sam, the man who had comforted Everleigh earlier, stepped forward. “What about Everleigh? Are you staying?” He put his hand on her arm.
Mine.
Something red hot and fiery streaked through his veins. Alexander opened and closed his palms, grasped power that threatened to soar out of control. “As I promised, Miss Lacey is hearty and whole.”
Sam stared at him, then slowly removed his hand. Alexander’s anger slipped away. What was wrong with him? He was here to safeguard his people, not stake a claim.
And yet the urge was almost irresistible.
His suspicions on what it meant deepened. Unlike ordinary humans, his people did not do casual relationships. They did not break up and they did not divorce, as least not once they found theirdestinedone. They recognized the person who was perfect for them, who complemented their very soul. The draw was usually immediate and striking, irresistible and irreversible.
Could it be?
Everleigh glared at him before turning to Sam. “I–” She took a deep breath. “I’m staying.”
Applause rang from the audience. “Miss Lacey has agreed to stay indefinitely,” Alexander added.
“What?” Everleigh turned to him. “Not indefinitely. It was five years.”
“Didn’t you notice the renewal clause?”
Her lips parted. He ignored the urge to kiss them.
He addressed the employees before she could give her opinion on his methods. “For now, your jobs won’t change, yet I predict rapid growth. Many of you will see promotions in your future. Of course, I’m not expecting anyone to work nights and weekends.” He slid a glance to Everleigh. “Well, not most of you anyways.”
She looked like she was about to kick him.
“Any questions?”
They had various queries about the new company and its direction. They wanted to know how things would change in the near and distant future. All were easily answered, until…
“Did you see the hero?”
The breath caught in his throat. “I’m sorry?”
“The hero.” The woman blinked. “The one from your party. Did you see him?”
Eager eyes turned to him. He’d hoped the news would fade by now, but it had only increased with each investigative report. There were just too many witnesses for it to be dismissed as a typical viral hoax. Reporters, government officials and scientists called incessantly, asking questions he couldn’t answer. If he hadn’t wielded the political power he did, they would’ve already called him in for official questioning.
They still might.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I didn’t see anything. I’m sure it was just a misunderstanding. People saw shadows and mistook it for a man.”
“Have you seen the video? I can play it if you want.” She held out her cell phone.
Alexander stopped her with a hand, softened it with a smile. “That won’t be necessary.” He turned to the others. “Thank you very much for your attention. We have some exciting changes coming, but for now just continue as before. Miss Lacey and I have much to discuss.”
The employees were warm and friendly as they departed. Everleigh watched him warily, accusing him without words of ulterior motives. She was right to be suspicious. He had more than one reason for staying.
