Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1017

“We need to step back if we want to get ahead.”

“There’s no point rushing things right now.”

“I need some time to completely rewrite Sync’s core algorithm. I want to launch Sync 2.0.”

She narrowed her eyes, a chill flickering in her gaze.

“When I’m ready to relaunch Sync 2.0, we’ll have a real fight on our hands with Nelson Corporation.”

“So trust me on this.”

Emmy smiled. “Right now, we need to save our energy.”

“You should take a break, too. When you come back, I want you rested and ready to go to battle with me, alright?”

Krystina was quiet, turning it over in her mind.

All year long, other companies sent their teams abroad for retreats as a perk. Starlight Corporation was different. Their benefits were quick and simple—either a cash bonus or a day off for sleep after a big project.

She really did work people hard. Sure, Starlight paid double what others did, overtime pay was generous, late-night taxi rides were reimbursed, meal and housing allowances covered everything. Even with all the late nights, people were still desperate to get in.

But people aren’t machines.

“Alright.” Krystina finally gave in. “If the boss says so, I’ll make it happen.”

“But a half-month is too much. I’m worried the company will fall apart.”

She paused to think. “I’ll have everyone wrap up their projects within a month, then we’ll plan the retreat.”

Emmy raised her eyebrows.

Danny had grumbled to her more than once. Mr. Carter is basically a robot, he’d say, living at the office and setting the pace for everyone else. As long as the light in Mr. Carter’s office was on, nobody dared leave. It was always Krystina who had to tell people to go home, and by then it was almost midnight.

If Krystina was put in charge, the retreat would just turn into another offsite meeting, nothing more.

Emmy made the call. “Not a month from now. Next week.”

Krystina opened her mouth to argue, but Emmy held up a hand to stop her.

“The sooner the better. Plans tend to change if you wait too long.”

“I’ve checked Starlight’s current situation. Other than the Sync project, everything’s steady. Just keep things running as they are.”

“I’ll have Danny arrange the retreat. The place is already set—Fiji.”

“But I’ve got a job for you, Krystina.”

“Okay.”

Krystina grabbed her desk phone without missing a beat and started giving orders.

“Tell the admin department we’re going to Fiji for a company retreat next weekend. All top employees get paid time off, flights and hotels are on the company.”

Emmy could only smile helplessly.

While Krystina organized everything, Emmy crossed the room to a solid wood bookshelf. It was lined up with certificates and a few trophies, all perfectly arranged.

She blinked in surprise when she noticed the base of one trophy. Her own name was engraved there. The dates were mostly from the year she’d disappeared.

Danny must have accepted them for her and made sure they ended up here.

A warm feeling spread through Emmy’s chest.

As she turned away from the shelf, her eyes landed on the corner of the big desk.

Amidst the folders and electronics, a cheap little seashell bracelet looked completely out of place.

Emmy stopped. She recognized it instantly.

She walked over and picked it up.