No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

"Dustin, what's with the get-up?"

I already had a hunch seeing Dustin dressed like he was about to clock in for a shift. But I couldn't help asking, finding the situation amusing yet bizarre. It's not like having Ernest around suddenly meant the entire Wagner clan needed to mobilize.

The most baffling part was Dustin had been overseas for years. Shouldn't he be heading back abroad? What was he doing joining the Wagner Group? Was he planning to settle back in the States for good?

"I'm here to work, Ms. Hudson. I look forward to working together," Dustin extended his hand, not surprisingly.

Though taken aback, I reached out, our fingers briefly touching. "Welcome to the...," I paused, unsure how to address him now that we were colleagues. I definitely couldn't keep calling him Dustin.

"Just call me 'bro' as usual," Dustin said, his smile as gentle as ever.

"Perhaps it's better to keep things professional at work, as Mr. Wagner insists," I mentioned Conrad.

Although I wasn't certain whose idea it was for Dustin to be here, Conrad must have known about it. After all, he was the CEO. While he might not keep tabs on every employee, Dustin wasn't just any employee; he was the Wagner Group's golden boy.

Dustin seemed to catch my drift, replying, "Executive Director."

That was a new one on me. Despite years at the company, I'd never heard such a title.

Dustin went on to explain, "I'll be overseeing the amusement park project and handling the final stages. Plus, I majored in mechanical engineering, so I might be able to help with the problem you're facing."

Inwardly, I was speechless. Dustin's arrival might seem like assistance, but I suspected his true purpose was to keep an eye on Ernest and me.

From either his or Conrad's perspective, they'd likely prefer Ernest and I keep our distance.

"Lucky us," Ernest chimed in,

seemingly more at ease with Dustin's presence. "We were just discussing speeding up the project. With an extra pair of hands, we might even finish earlier."

I looked at him puzzled, but he simply said, "Let's get to work."

Turning to Dustin, Ernest laid out the plan, "Since it's your first day, Mr. Wagner, start by getting familiar with our workflow and the current issues. Given your expertise, we'll divide the tasks: Ms. Hudson and I will team up, and you'll work with Deborah."

Ernest's arrangement left me in shock. He arranged Dustin's workload so that keeping an eye on Ernest and me became virtually impossible.

At that moment, I realized Ernest's cool exterior hid a cunning mind.

Dustin seemed about to protest, but Ernest didn't give him the chance, looking at me instead, "Let's start working."

With the conversation steering in that direction, I nodded at Dustin and followed Ernest.

I could feel Dustin's gaze on my back without needing to look. The situation was uncomfortable, to say the least, stirring an unexplainable irritation within me.

Conrad's decision to bring Dustin here was clearly to keep Ernest and me apart, oblivious to Dustin harboring his own feelings for me.

If Conrad knew, he'd kick himself for his oversight.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't watch my step and stumbled, only for Ernest's strong arm to catch me. was enveloped in his embrace,Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

which smelled of fresh soap, nét

as he

spoke in a deep voice near my ear, "Focus on walking, don't space out."