THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 120

"Time off?"

The workers nearby perked up immediately, hope lighting their tired faces.

Who wanted to be stuck at work in this sweltering heat? Everyone longed to just go home, stretch out, and get some real rest.

Ray, however, found the suggestion amusing. He looked down at Fortune with a smug, superior smile. "Not time off, old man. You're fired. Don't bother showing up tomorrow. Pack up your precious granddaughter and head back to the sticks. Silverhaven isn't a place for people like you."

The words hit Fortune like a slap. His face drained of color, panic tightening his features.

"Please, Manager Barrett, did I do something wrong? Why am I being let go out of the blue?"

Ray barely glanced at him. "I'll be honest, you crossed someone you shouldn't have."

Ever since Ray heard that Caitlin had topped the entrance exams for Central Academy, he'd wanted Fortune gone. He couldn't stand the idea of some nobody's granddaughter outshining the son he'd spent a fortune grooming for success.

But company policy had tied his hands—he couldn't fire Fortune without cause. Now, though, things were different.

Fortune had offended someone important. Now Ray could finally cut him loose, no excuses needed. And from now on, no cleaning company in town would ever hire Fortune again.

He'd see to it that Fortune and his precious Caitlin were run out of Silverhaven for good.

The thought made Ray's lips curl in satisfaction.

Ray ignored them, unscrewed his water bottle, and took a long drink. He turned back to Fortune. "It's not that I don't want to help you. I just can't. Now, hand over your uniform and leave quietly. No need to make a scene."

Fortune stood rooted to the spot. "Manager Barrett, have a little pity on an old man, will you?"

He was no spring chicken, and with the job market the way it was, even young people struggled to find work. If he lost this job, what hope did he have?

Ray narrowed his eyes, a thought crossing his mind. "You really want to stay that badly, Kensington?"

"Yes, I do," Fortune said, nodding earnestly. "If you let me stay, I'm willing to do anything."

Ray let out a laugh and sank into a chair, crossing his legs with satisfaction. "Well, this morning, while I was checking the lawns, I accidentally stepped in a pile of dog crap. Kensington, since you're so desperate to keep your job, how about you clean the mess off my shoes—every last bit?"