Love lies and a billionaire’s secret

CHAPTER FIFTY–THREE- AN UNEXPECTED TURN IN THE WORKS

She marched through the building, clipboard in hand, pointing out areas that didn’t meet her approval.

These windows should be streak–free,” she barked at a young janitor who had just finished cleaning them. “Do it again.”

In the break room, she posted a new set of rules and regulations. “Effective immediately,” she announced to the gathered staff, “we’ll be implementing a point system for tardiness. One point for every minute you’re late. Accumulate twenty points, and you’re on probation. Fifty points, and you’re out.”

Nia watched as her coworkers‘ faces fell, the weight of this new regime settling heavily on their shoulders.

The first team meeting under Veronica’s leadership was tense. She stood at the head of the table, dissecting their previous methods with surgical precision.

“Your current cleaning rotation is inefficient,” she declared, pulling up a PowerPoint presentation. “We’ll be implementing a new system that will increase productivity by 30%.”

As she outlined the new protocols, Nia could sense the mounting frustration in the room. Bamaby’s jaw was clenched tight, while others shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

The tension finally boiled over at lunch the next day. Nia was picking at her salad when she heard raised

voices from the other end of the break room.

“This is ridiculous!” Barnaby was shouting, his face red with anger. “I’ve been cleaning these floors for thirty years, and now some uppity newcomer thinks she can tell me how to do my job?”

Across from him, Jake, one of the younger janitors known for his eagerness to please, was defending the new system. “Come on, Barnaby. Change isn’t always bad. Maybe these new methods will make our jobs easier in the long run.”

Barnaby scoffed. “Easier? You call working us to the bone with impossible standards easier? Wake up, kid. This is just another way for the higher–ups to squeeze more work out of us for the same pay.”

Jake’s face flushed. “At least I’m willing to adapt instead of being stuck in the past. Maybe if you weren’t so set in your ways-

Nia quickly moved to intervene, stepping between the two men. “Hey, hey, let’s calm down,” she said, holding up her hands. “We’re all in this together, right? Instead of fighting each other, why don’t we try to find a middle ground?”

Barnaby and Jake glared at each other but remained silent.

Nia continued, “Look, some of these new methods might actually be helpful. But we also have years of experience that shouldn’t be ignored. What if we tried implementing the new system gradually, and gave feedback on what works and what doesn’t?”

The tension in the room began to ease as her coworkers considered her words. Just then, the break room door opened, and Leon Allistair walked in. The room fell silent immediately, all eyes turning to the CEO.

Leon’s gaze swept the room before landing on Nia. couldn’t help overhearing,” he said. “That sounds like a sensible approach, Nia. Thank you for taking the initiative to resolve this conflict.”

Nia felt her cheeks warm under his approving look. “Just doing my job, Mr. Allistair,” she managed to reply.

Leon nodded, then turned to address the room. “Change can be challenging, but I trust you’ll all work together to make this transition smooth. If there are any concerns, please don’t hesitate to bring them up through the proper channels.” With that, he exited, leaving a wake of whispers behind him.

The next day, Veronica approached Nia as she was preparing her cleaning cart. “I’m assigning you to the executive floor today,” she said briskly. “Solo,”

Nia blinked in surprise. “Solo? But that’s usually a two–person job.”

Veronica’s lips thinned. “Consider it a test of efficiency. I expect it to be done to perfection by the end of

your shift.

Determined to rise to the challenge, Nia threw herself into the task. She methodically worked her way through the floor, paying extra attention to every detail. As she was polishing the last of the glass partitions, she heard footsteps behind her.

“Impressive work,” Leon’s voice made her jump. She turned to find him leaning against the doorframe, a small smile playing on his lips.

“Mr. Allistair,” Nia stammered, suddenly aware of how disheveled she must look. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Leon stepped into the room, his eyes never leaving her face. “I heard you were tackling this floor single- handedly. I wanted to see how you were managing.”

Nia raised an eyebrow, a moment of boldness overcoming her usual caution. “Is that the only reason you

came to check on me?”

Leon’s smile widened, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “Well, I may have had an ulterior motive. I just wanted to see you.

Nia felt her face flush hot, and she quickly turned back to the partition, pretending to buff out a non- existent smudge. “I’m sure you have more important things to do than watch a janitor clean, Mr. Allistair.”

“Leon,” he corrected gently. “And right now, I can’t think of anything more important.”

Nia’s heart raced as she focused intently on her work, trying to hide the effect his words had on her. She was saved from having to respond by the chime of Leon’s phone.

He sighed, checking the message. “Duty calls, I’m afraid. Keep up the excellent work, Nia.” With a last lingering look, he left, leaving Nia to wonder what game they were playing and how dangerous it might become.

As the week progressed, Nia found herself acting as a silent mediator between Veronica’s strict new. regime and her struggling coworkers. She discreetly showed Jake a more efficient way to mop the lobby, helped Barnaby adjust to the new electronic cleaning log, and shared her own system for keeping track of the expanded cleaning checklist.

By Friday, the

atmosphere in the janitorial department had shifted. There was still tension, but it was tempered by a growing sense of camaraderie as they faced the challenges together. Nia’s coworkers began to look to her for guidance, a role she accepted with a mix of pride and unease.

Midweek brought an unexpected visitor to the janitor’s break room. Nia was eating her lunch when the door opened, revealing Justin Allistair. The room fell silent as he strode in, a paper bag in hand and a charming smile on his face.

“Nia,” he called out, seemingly oblivious to the stares of her coworkers. “I brought you something.”

Nia stood, acutely aware of the curious glances being exchanged around her. “Justin? What are you doing

here?”

ID CUAN IN THE WORKE

He held out the bag. “I was in the neighborhood and thought you might appreciate a gourmet sandw from Martelli’s It’s your favorite, right?”

Nia accepted the bag hesitantly, her cheeks burning. “That’s… very thoughtful of you. Thank you.”

As Justin chatted with her for a few moments before leaving, Nia could feel the weight of her coworkers” gazes. She knew there would be questions later, and she dreaded having to navigate the complex web of her relationships with the Allistair brothers.

KATIL THE SOLACE