No More Waiting, She Chooses Love novel Chapter 627

"Seriously, I'd love for Director Hudson to treat us," the girl said with a boldness and directness that took me by surprise.

"No problem, just let everyone know. Tonight, I'll take you all to The Seaview Bistro," I replied immediately, catching the girl off guard.

"I'm going to hold you to that, Director Hudson," she said, her cuteness undeniable.

I nodded, "I'm serious too."

"Yay!" She ran off, beaming with joy.

I couldn't help but smile at our exchange, thinking how her few words seemed to brighten the whole office atmosphere in an instant.

After setting down my bag, I glanced around and headed to Grant Smith's office.

"Come in!"

Hearing that, I shoved the door open, to find Grant totally into something, didn't even bother to lift his head.

I walked over to see a pile of documents in front of him, many of which concerned my department.

It was clear that in my absence, this man had been carrying the weight of my responsibilities on his shoulders.

"Why don't you hire someone else, Mr. Smith? It seems quite burdensome to juggle so many roles," I remarked, causing Grant to pause his signing and look up in surprise.

After a few seconds of stunned silence, he jumped up, "Sweet Mother of God, you're back! I thought... well, never mind what I thought."

His unfinished sentence hinted at his belief that I might not return to work at all.

But why hadn't he hired someone in my absence? Was he waiting for me to formally resign?

"Are you still willing to take me back, Mr. Smith?" I asked directly.

It seems Ernest's thoughts were accurate; nobody truly cares.

However, a second later, Grant suddenly asked, "You're back. Where's Mr. Collins? Buried in his studio again?"

I paused before responding, "He won't be coming back. Not ever."

Grant's smile froze, his voice trembling, "What do you mean? He's quitting? But this was his creation, I..."

He trailed off, realization dawning.

This company was Ernest's.

So, all the special treatment I received here made sense now.

"Mr. Smith, Ernest is gone. He passed away over a month ago," I said, my voice steady, but Grant stood there, utterly speechless.