No Second Chances Ex-husband (Lauren and Ethan) novel Chapter 146

CHAPTER 0146

CASSANDRA’S POV

+25 BONUS

“Mr. Hale is almost here, and we need to be there before he arrives,” the manager said briskly as her heels clicked sharply against the floor of the hallway. Her pace was almost punishing, each stride long and purposeful. I struggled to keep up, my own heels clattering behind her as we moved past the line of glass–walled offices.

“He’s coming up to pick up something, so we need to get it from his office and you’re going to be the one to give it to him,” she added, not even sparing me a glance as she adjusted the folder in her hand.

I just nodded, my breath a little uneven from trying to match her speed. The sound of our footsteps echoed against the walls and the sound of the AC filled the space between her clipped words. I could tell she was anxious; her voice had that hurried edge it always did whenever “Mr. Hale” was mentioned.

—

After a few more turns, we stopped in front of the tall double glass doors that led into his office. The golden nameplate glinted faintly ROMAN HALE, CEO. Even just standing here felt… significant. It was the kind of room most employees only dreamed of entering.

The manager brought out her access key card, the one she always bragged about during meetings. As the head manager, she was the only person apart from Mr. Hale himself, who had access to his office and even then, she was strictly allowed to enter only during emergencies. Today wasn’t exactly an emergency, but since he’d told her to fetch something, I guessed it counted.

And for me… it was perfect. It fit right into my little plan.

As the door beeped and swung open, I followed her inside, my eyes immediately darting around. The office was spacious, impressively so. The massive desk near the window shines beneath the morning light.

I had never been up here before. Not once. But Lauren? She had walked through this door more times than I’d dated men in my entire life. That thought alone made my jaw tighten.

The manager went straight for his desk, placing her files down and pulling open the drawers. Papers rustled, the faint scent of ink and leather filling the air as she flipped through several folders. So this was where he kept his important documents. Noted.

She was still searching when a small beep interrupted her. She pulled out her phone, glanced at the screen for half a second, and slipped it back into her pocket. Her expression shifted.

“He’s waiting downstairs,” she said quickly, retrieving a single file from the stack. Then she turned to me, extending it with one manicured hand. “Give him this file. Once you’re done, come back up here and clean this mess. Arrange the documents neatly into the drawer, lock the door, and then bring the key card to my office. Understand?”

“Yes, ma’am,” I said, taking the file. But before I could even blink, she was already halfway down the hall, her brisk footsteps fading away.

I didn’t waste any time following her out. She turned into the lobby leading to her office while I continued straight to the elevator, pressing the button and waiting for the metallic doors to slide open.

It was only then, standing there with the file held against my chest, that I realized something. I haven’t seen

CHAPTER 0146

+25 BONUS

little Miss Perfect Lauren this morning. Normally, she’d be here before everyone else like clockwork flashing that self–righteous smile of hers as if she ran the whole building. So where was she?

I hoped she wasn’t getting too comfortable, skipping work whenever she pleased just because Mr. Hale happened to favor her.

The elevator dinged softly, and I stepped inside. As the floor numbers blinked down one by one, I smoothed the front of my blouse, forcing myself to stay calm. This was just a simple errand.

When the doors opened, I stepped into the lobby. Through the large glass panes, I could already see his car parked just outside. Of course, it wasn’t like anyone else around here could afford that kind of luxury. A dark model that almost reflected the morning light like liquid metal.

As I walked toward the exit, the sliding glass doors opened with a soft hiss. I expected his driver to get out and collect the file from me, but instead, the car door opened and he stepped out.

Roman Hale.

Even from a distance, he had that effortless command that drew attention, his expression calm, unreadable.

“Good morning, sir,” I said, lowering my gaze slightly as I extended the file toward him with both hands. ” Here’s what you asked for.”

“Thank you.” His voice was low, controlled, carrying a hint of authority that made my chest tighten for a reason

I didn’t care to name.

Before I could even blink, he had taken the file, turned, and was back inside the car. Efficient. Cold. Typical of

him.

I stood there for a moment, watching the car as it began to roll away. I had half a mind to turn around immediately, but something made me pause. Maybe curiosity or maybe fate because as the car moved past me, my eyes caught sight of the passenger seat.

Lauren.

There she was. Sitting comfortably beside him, as if she owned that spot. Her hair fell perfectly over her shoulder, her face half turned toward the window.

Of course. So that’s where she was.

Was I surprised? Not really. Did I care? Definitely not.

But still… a small, sharp satisfaction curled in my chest. At least now I know. At least it confirmed what I’d been thinking since this morning. Her absence had given me a small window of opportunity, one I fully intended to

use.

Because if Lauren had been here today, she would’ve found a way to interrupt me, to throw a wrench into my plans. The golden employee, the woman who could do no wrong in his eyes.

I watched the car until it disappeared around the corner, then exhaled softly and turned back toward the building. “Better head back before anyone gets suspicious,” I muttered under my breath, straightening my skirt

as I walked.

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