Love in the Limelight (Astrid and Elio) novel Chapter 534

Astrid hadn't seen Healey in ages, it was almost nostalgic. "Of course I do!”

Healey, with his usual gruff charm, retorted, "Oh, cut it out. You never reach out unless you need something, and here I am, swamped with work!"

"So, you know about the Brookes and the Lampards, right? Or should I say, did you know Elio before all this?"

"In the upper echelons of this city, there's hardly a soul I don't know," Healey boasted.

"Whatever you need to tell me, you will, I trust that. And if you don't, I figure it's for my own good."

Astrid's voice turned grave, "Jay's after my son, and he's got ties with those Viper Mirage goons."

Healey scoffed, "Viper Mirage? They're small fries to me. I handed over the reins to you two years ago. Do what you must, and don't bother me with this. I've got better things to do!"

Better things to do? This old man!

Astrid tried to turn over, but Roman clung to her arm like a koala bear. She didn't have the heart to wake him, so she set her phone down. Whether it's a snake or a worm, it's got to be dealt with.

The next morning, Astrid went home. As she reached her doorstep, she found Chad, sheepish and apologetic, along with Hank, who had come to make amends.

"Boss, I messed up. Please, spare me the African project. I can't face planting trees in the desert! I'd rather give up my bonus, even go without pay!"

"Get out of the way with that pathetic look," Astrid said, disgust clear in her tone as she shooed Chad aside to unlock her door. Chad quickly stepped aside, mumbling, "Oh, and Boss, your Astar account received a job offer. We didn't act on it since you weren't around."

Astrid, slipping off her shoes inside the doorway, replied nonchalantly, "Handle those jobs yourselves. I'm not lacking a few bucks."