Chapter 39 Happy Besties
Peter strolled into Sterling's office, trying to look all humble. "Mr. Windsor, thanks for squeezing me in. I know you're swamped. This mess is totally on us, but I'm hoping you can cut us some slack and push the deadline a bit. We'll get the materials and finish the job, promise."
Sterling was flipping through some papers, not even glancing at Peter.
Bella came over with a glass of water, motioning for Peter to chill on the couch.
"Mr. Powell, relax. We're here to sort this out. Anna's my bestie, and there's no way I'm letting her get hurt." Bella flashed a smile at Peter.
Peter had never met Bella in person, but he'd seen her in pics with Anna on Anna's phone.
"You must be Mrs. Windsor. You two make a great couple," Peter said, trying to butter her up, hoping it might help his case with Sterling.
Bella smiled and left the room, coming back with a pot of cappuccino.
She knew Sterling was all about his cappuccino, so she made sure to have it ready. She was doing her part for Anna too.
Sterling took a sip and finally looked at Peter. "By the book, we should stick to the contract, but for Bella's sake, I'll cut you some slack. No penalty, but we're done working together."
Peter jumped up from the couch, bowing like crazy. "Thank you, Mr. Windsor, thank you!" He was over the moon. He'd just hoped for more time, at least until the cops found the missing jewelry materials.
He never expected Sterling to just cancel the contract and waive the penalty. Losing Sterling as a client sucked, but at least his company was safe.
"Don't thank me, thank Bella." Sterling waved him off.
Peter turned to Bella, thanking her again.
"Alright, Mr. Powell, go home, chill, and tell Anna the good news so she can get out of the police station." Bella helped Peter out of the office.
"Thanks." Bella also gave Sterling a grateful look.
Sterling shot her a cold glance and tossed the design drafts back at her. "These designs are trash. Tell Micah he's sick, not blind. Bring me this junk again, and your company's out too."
Bella grabbed the drafts, sensing Sterling wasn't just mad; the designs really sucked.
"Three days left till the deadline. Guess I'm pulling all-nighters," Bella muttered, shrugged, and left Sterling's office.
Back at the company, she handed the drafts to Micah. "Sterling said our designs are garbage. We need to start over."
Micah, in the middle of taking his meds, spat out a mouthful of water.
"Bella, seriously, use your head. You really think Sterling trashed the designs 'cause they sucked? Dude's got a beef with you! I must be nuts for sending you with them." Micah rubbed his forehead, looking all stressed out.
Bella shot him a look. "Nah, this time the designs really are crap! He even said if you're not blind, you should redo them."
Micah's face got all serious as he took a closer look at the designs.
Bella noticed his frown getting deeper. "Didn't you check these before sending them off?"
Micah nodded, looking sheepish. "I've been sick."
Bella rolled her eyes, now sure Sterling wasn't just picking on her.
"As Sterling's buddy, you should know him best. And as our boss, it's your job to keep things in check. Now, thanks to you, we're pulling all-nighters for the next three days to fix this mess." Bella leaned on the table, glaring at Micah.
Micah shrank back, then had a lightbulb moment. "I'm his friend, but you're his wife! You should know him best!" His words made Bella feel a bit embarrassed.
Bella felt a pang of guilt, remembering she even forgot Sterling's birthday. Maybe she didn't know him as well as she thought.
"Alright, enough with the blame game. Tell the team we're working overtime for the next three days. I'll be right there with you! This is my first time being a boss, and I can't afford to lose Sterling as a client!" Micah reluctantly tossed the designs into the trash.
When Bella went to inform her colleagues about the overtime, she could feel the resentment in the air.
It wasn't until Micah promised double overtime pay that everyone calmed down.
The overtime grind went on until almost midnight. When Bella finally left the office, she felt like she was falling apart.
She planned to call a cab, but then she saw a familiar car.
Ryan got out and waved. "Mrs. Windsor, over here."
Bella walked over, and Ryan opened the door for her. Her colleagues, seeing Ryan's respectful attitude, started whispering about who Bella really was.
Bella ignored them and asked Ryan, "Did Sterling send you?"
Ryan nodded. "Yep, Mrs. Windsor. Mr. Windsor was worried about you getting home late, so he sent me."
Bella was a bit surprised. 'Why'd Sterling do that? He never does this.'
Though puzzled, she got in the car. As Ryan started driving, Bella felt her exhaustion hit her hard.
The car had a faint scent of Sterling's cologne. Bella felt herself drifting off, feeling like she was back in Sterling's room.
Just as she was about to fall asleep, Ryan's voice woke her. "Mrs. Windsor, we're home. Zoey's got a late-night snack ready for you."
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