I'm Afraid I Won't Be Able to Leave

Chapter 219: Chapter 219: Manager Sinclair Isn’t Off Work Yet?

It was Miles Kessler, the young man who had led the applause that morning. Leah Sinclair quickly reviewed his file in her mind. He was a graduate of Riverfall University who had joined Baystream Group right after graduating last year and had been in Project Department Three ever since.

Just as she was about to reply, another message popped up. ”Manager Grant, I know I might not have enough experience, but I’ll work hard! I definitely won’t let you down!!!”

A small smile touched Leah’s lips. It was like seeing a reflection of herself right after she graduated. She knew Miles Kessler had been with the company for about a year, always handling simple tasks. It was quite similar to her own early days at Aevon. She replied, ”Why do you want to work on this project?”

She looked up and saw Miles Kessler through the glass, typing away furiously. Sure enough, another message appeared on her screen a moment later. ”Manager Grant, the others might not know, but I graduated from Riverfall University. Your photo is still in the distinguished alumni showcase there.”

”And my professors even used your class projects as examples. I don’t know how you became the second daughter of the Grant family, but that’s not important! I believe in your abilities, Manager Grant, so I’m willing to follow you on this project!”

Leah blushed instantly. She never expected that her coursework would still be used as an example, even years after her graduation. No wonder Miles Kessler had been so supportive this morning—he already knew who she was.

”Manager Grant, can I? I really want to start on a project soon. I’m already very familiar with all the basic stuff, and I’ve also done some research on renovation projects.”

Leah thought for a moment, then asked him a few technical questions. To her surprise, Miles Kessler answered them all quickly and well. His professional knowledge was indeed solid. After some consideration, Leah agreed.

She needed someone who would be completely on her side. Miles Kessler had a simple background, lacked experience, and was a younger alumnus from her university. He was indeed the most suitable candidate.

”Thank you, Manager Grant! Please rest assured, I’ll work my hardest and won’t disappoint you!”

After sending this, Miles sent a hilarious sticker. Leah chuckled softly. But to her surprise, just as the workday was about to end, someone else volunteered.

It was a young woman named Doris Harlow. She had graduated a year before Miles Kessler, worked at another company for a year, and then switched to Baystream. Leah asked her the same question, and she was calmer and more direct than Miles.

”Manager Grant, at my previous company, the project I worked on was an office building renovation. I have experience in this area, so I believe I’m the most suitable person for the renovation project. Plus, I’m sure I’ll have a lot to gain by following you!”

With that, she had two of the three people she needed. Leah looked through the files of the remaining staff. Miles Kessler and Doris Harlow were young, after all. She still needed to pick someone older and more experienced. Otherwise, with just the three of them, a bunch of novices, she wasn’t sure if they could measure up to one seasoned expert.

She eventually narrowed it down to two people, one man and one woman. Their experience and qualifications were more or less the same. Leah found it hard to choose and began to struggle with the decision.

Her phone rang. She answered it listlessly. Asher Keating’s teasing voice came through the line, ”Still at work, Manager Sinclair?”

Leah immediately sat up straight. A glance at the clock showed it was already past seven. She had lost track of time while reading the files. ”Asher, I’m coming back right now. Are you hungry?” she said, quickly gathering her things.

”No rush. I’m downstairs.”

Leah gasped, grabbed her things, and rushed downstairs. She found Asher Keating’s Bentley in the parking garage, parked right next to her car.

”Asher, are you hungry? I lost track of time reading files. I’ll go back and cook now,” Leah said hurriedly as she got into the car.

Asher chuckled and pinched her cheek. ”We’re celebrating your first day on the job today, so we’re eating out. And you don’t have to cook anymore from now on. Mrs. Lowell will be coming over starting tomorrow. Do you want to stay at my place or yours?”

Now that Leah was working—and starting on a project right away—she was bound to be busy. He couldn’t let her come home and cook after a long, tiring day, so Asher had arranged for Mrs. Lowell to come.

Their marital home was set to be Asher’s villa in Silverwood. He and Mabel Grant had originally planned to buy a new one, but Leah had vehemently refused. Asher already owned plenty of properties.

Besides, Mabel Grant had already bought a house for Leah before. This time, because of the banner incident at her graduation ceremony that went viral, Ian Grant felt she had brought him great honor and, in his delight, bought her another house. Buying yet another one was truly unnecessary.

Leah had even sulked for a whole day over the matter to dissuade Asher and Mabel from their idea of buying a new house for their marital home.

She had originally wanted to live at Europa Gardens, but Mabel Grant didn’t approve of it as a marital home, so they finally settled on the Silverwood villa. Plus, Nathan Grant, Ethan Shaw, and Shawn Grant all lived there.

Seeing that they were all there, Riley Sterling bought a place as well. With all their close friends and family living together, Asher arranged to have the entire Silverwood villa renovated so they could move in after their engagement.

Asher knew Leah was shy and that they would need their privacy at night. She wouldn’t be able to relax with someone else in the house. That’s why he asked where she wanted them to stay, so Mrs. Lowell could stay at the other place.

Leah didn’t really mind. She hadn’t spent much time in her own house anyway, and most of her things were already at Asher’s place. She told him to have Mrs. Lowell stay at her house; she just needed to go back and tidy up a bit.

Dinner was at the revolving restaurant atop the tallest building in Riverfall. Both the environment and the atmosphere were top-notch, offering a panoramic view of the entire City of Riverfall.

It was Leah’s first time here, and she was captivated by the night view outside. The lights from the countless skyscrapers looked as if the night sky had fallen to earth, making it hard to tell where the city lights ended and the stars began.

Asher picked up his wine glass, a smile playing on his lips as he gestured to her. ”A toast to Manager Sinclair’s successful first day at work.”

Leah shot him a playful glare, then picked up her glass and gently clinked it against his. She took a sip, and her eyes lit up. The wine was delicious. It was silky smooth with a rich, fruity aroma; it hardly even felt like she was drinking alcohol.

Seeing her sparkling eyes, Asher knew he hadn’t made a mistake choosing this bottle of Romanee Conti. He had given instructions for it to be decanted that afternoon, allowing the wine to reach its absolute peak.

Leah ate and chatted softly with Asher. She didn’t know why, but she just felt incredibly happy.

In the elevator, Asher gazed at her face, slightly flushed from the wine. Her eyes were curved into smiling crescents and shone so brightly, it was as if they held all the stars in the sky. He couldn’t resist pulling her into a kiss.

There was no one else in the elevator. After an initial moment of nervousness, Leah relaxed. Not until the elevator chimed with a DING did she quickly push Asher away, her face turning an even deeper shade of red. Asher clicked his tongue, a little annoyed. He hadn’t had his fill of kissing her.

”Asher, Leah, you two are having dinner here?”

Hearing the voice, Leah looked up and instinctively took a small step behind Asher. It was Morgan Sterling.