Obedience No More He's the One I Deserved novel Chapter 263

" ... Why are you just like your husband?"

"Like what?"

"Work, work, and more work. That sweet, clingy act earlier—guess us mortals aren't worthy of it?"

Janice's expression was exaggerated, clearly teasing her.

Dawn laughed, grabbed a stack of papers, and swung it playfully at her.

Janice was about to say something when her gaze flicked toward the elevator. Her face changed. "Crap ... your karma's here. Good luck, girl—I'm out."

She vanished quickly, darting back into her office.

A few seconds later, the sound of heels clicked closer.

Dawn didn't need to look up to know who it was. She kept her eyes on the papers in her hands, unmoved.

"Hey."

Two taps landed on the desk.

Roxanne stood there, smiling like sunshine, as if nothing had ever happened. "Good afternoon, Dawn. I'm here."

Dawn looked up at her and realized for the first time—some people could fake it way too well.

She pulled the corners of her lips into a faint smile. "Good afternoon, Ms. West."

Maybe Roxanne hadn't expected her to stay this calm—her smile froze for a second before she curved her lips again. "Where did we leave off yesterday? Let's continue."

Dawn met her gaze, her voice steady. "Sorry, Ms. West. The project design isn't finished yet. I don't really have time for a walkthrough right now. Otherwise, we'll fall behind schedule."

"Heh."

Roxanne stared at her, a strange smile tugging at her lips.

The air grew thick, the silence dragging.

Right when the silence started getting awkward, Linda walked in.

Her steps were brisk but steady—sharp suit, composed demeanor, every inch the powerhouse executive.

"Ms. West," Linda greeted with a polite smile, extending her hand. Once Roxanne shook it, she continued, "I've heard Stonewarden Group leads the field in AI tech. Our company's looking to branch out too—thought I'd pick your brain a bit. You wouldn't mind sharing some insight, would you?"

Roxanne's smile stiffened for a split second.

She forced herself to stay composed. "Ms. Greenwood, you're too kind. I'm not that familiar with this field ... "

"But I heard this division started under your lead, didn't it?" Linda asked, brows furrowed in feigned confusion. "You don't need to be modest, Ms. West. Don't worry, I won't take up too much of your time. If it's a problem, I can send an email to the chairman to clarify."

Roxanne froze for half a beat, her breath catching. "No—no need."

Her cheek twitched as she struggled to keep her composure. "Ask whatever you want. I'll tell you everything."

"What's up?"

"Come grab dinner with me."

She leaned in, whispering, "Remember that guy I told you about—the quality one? He asked me out again, but honestly, I can't quite figure him out. Come with me, just to scope him out."

Dawn vaguely remembered that story.

"You have feelings for him?"

"Kind of."

"... 'Kind of,' and you're still this curious about him?"

"He's rich." Janice said it without a hint of shame. "Girl, you'll see—men are all the same in the end. If I finally meet a good one, you bet I'm not letting go."

Dawn looked at her silently.

" ... Except Mr. Jackson, okay?" Janice added quickly, looping her arm through Dawn's. "Please, bestie. Do me this one favor."

Dawn couldn't take the pleading anymore and gave in.

Later, sitting in the passenger seat of Dawn's Maserati, Janice buckled up, grinning from ear to ear.

If she timed it just right—arrived a bit later than the guy—and let him see what kind of car Dawn was riding ... Maybe, just maybe, he'd start seeing her a little differently.