Please Me Daddy (Gracie) novel Chapter 18

**Across Distant Skies Lies Hope Waiting To Be Found by Kade Rowan Flint**

**Grace**

The instant his name reached my ears, it felt as though my very essence was about to escape my body.

A wave of bodies surged forward, a chaotic mass of eager new recruits suddenly intent on capturing the attention of the most intimidating figure in the room. One moment, I was visible, and the next, I found myself engulfed by a sea of enthusiastic faces, all vying for a moment of his notice.

Thank the heavens for small mercies.

Without a second thought, I bolted.

Like a thief caught in the glaring light of day, I dashed through the nearest glass door, bursting into the hallway. My shoes squeaked against the polished floor as I rounded the corner, my heart racing and adrenaline roaring in my ears like a wild storm.

I ducked into the recess of a wall, slid down until I was sitting on the cool floor, and pulled my knees tightly to my chest, gasping for air.

That was way too close.

My chest heaved, rising and falling as if it were trying to escape the confines of my ribcage.

If he had laid eyes on me, my entire life would have come crashing down.

I buried my face in my hands, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on me. “What on earth am I doing here?”

Today was meant to be a fresh start after a string of unfortunate events. It was supposed to be my moment to stride confidently into Reed Corporation, to work diligently, to blend into the background, and absolutely not to act like a criminal fleeing from a one-night stand who also happened to be my boss.

My fleeting romance had turned out to be with the very CEO of the company I had aspired to join for as long as I could remember. And not just any CEO, but Apollo Reed himself. The billionaire. The man whose intellect and cunning could elevate or obliterate careers with a mere thought.

“What kind of twisted fate is this?” I muttered, dragging my hands down my face in disbelief.

I should have done my homework. I should have googled the name of the CEO. In hindsight, I should have avoided shamelessly showing up at work after what had transpired. But no, in a stroke of misguided confidence, I had allowed Eleanor to disguise me this morning. A blonde wig, oversized glasses, and a baggy cardigan had transformed me into an off-brand librarian attempting to masquerade as a timid intern. I had thought, surely, there was no way I would encounter the CEO in a company of this magnitude.

And here I was, thirty minutes into my first day, already grappling with a near-catastrophe.

I groaned, wrapping my arms around myself tighter. “I can’t even apologize now. I can’t return the money. If he finds out I’m here, he’ll fire me without a second thought, or worse, drag me into a lawsuit for emotional distress.”

Gradually, my breathing began to stabilize, but my heart was still thundering in my chest. “I just want to vanish.”

“Are you alright?” a deep voice inquired.

I gasped, my hand instinctively clutching my chest as I jerked my head up.

Before me stood a tall, attractive man. His dark hair was tousled, and his gaze was warm and kind.

For a brief moment, my brain froze. I recognized him—he had been standing just a few feet away during orientation.

“I, um… yeah,” I managed to breathe out. “I just needed a moment to catch my breath.”

He smiled, a genuine expression that softened his features. “I was concerned. You seemed like you were running from something.”

If only you knew the truth.

I quickly shook my head, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace. “Oh, not at all. I wouldn’t run away from anyone.”

Not exactly a lie. More of a strategic evasion.

He raised an eyebrow, curiosity evident in his expression, but he chose not to press further. Instead, he extended his hand toward me. I hesitated for a heartbeat, then placed my hand in his.

With a gentle pull, he helped me to my feet, and I offered him a grateful smile. “Thanks…”

“River,” he introduced himself. “I’m River.”

“Grace,” I replied.

He nodded, his demeanor relaxed. “Come on, let’s head back inside. Mr. Aiden already assigned our tasks while you were away. Since the CEO is back in his office, we’ve been paired up. You and I are partners.”

Straightening my posture, I clapped my hands together lightly. “Alright then! We shouldn’t waste time on our first day.”

He chuckled softly, and together we made our way back through the glass doors into the PR department.

As soon as we entered, the noise level surged.

“Oh my god, he is so incredibly hot!” one girl squealed from the back row of desks. “I had no idea he’d be that attractive in person.”

“I know, right?” another chimed in, a dreamy sigh escaping her lips. “And he’s forty? That’s, like, my mom’s younger brother’s age! My uncle looks so old and worn out, but the CEO? He looks like he’s in his late twenties. Lord, have mercy.”

I bit the inside of my cheek, quickening my pace.

“Honestly, he’s giving off total daddy vibes. You know, the kind you read about in romance novels? Hot, rich, older than you, probably amazing in bed. I’d call him daddy right now if he asked.”

I froze in place, my heart racing as River glanced at me in surprise.

I hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing my words. “It just feels too convenient. Reed Corporation’s reputation is usually impeccable. Even if that celebrity was an ambassador, the backlash seems excessive. And the way he mentioned the company—why would he rely on them? It feels fishy.”

I glanced at River, who appeared to be processing my words, his brows knitting together slightly.

Ah, there it was. I had probably said too much again.

I bit my lip, recalling my mother’s words about my tendency to talk too much when I shouldn’t, especially regarding opinions that weren’t solicited. Perhaps I—

“Shit,” Mr. Aiden’s voice rang out from the front of the room. “I need someone to deliver these files to the CEO’s secretary right now. Mr. Apollo needs to see this. It’s important.”

The employees around me suddenly ducked their heads, engrossed in their laptops or the imaginary specks of dust floating in the air.

My instincts kicked in, and I lowered my head too.

Please no.

Not me.

I tried to blend in, shrinking behind River as best as I could. The new recruits kept their heads high, hands raised, eager to be chosen, but Mr. Aiden ignored them. Still, I could have sworn I felt someone’s gaze boring into me.

“You, take these to the CEO’s secretary, please.”

I didn’t dare lift my head or even breathe.

Maybe he meant someone else. Perhaps he was pointing to the person behind me. Please let there be someone behind me.

River gently poked my elbow.

“Grace,” he whispered. “He’s calling you.”

With a slow, reluctant motion, I lifted my head.

Mr. Aiden was indeed staring directly at me, holding out the file with an expression that clearly conveyed, ‘Don’t make me repeat myself.’

I nodded slowly, my fingers trembling as I reached out to take the folder.

“Sure,” I said, forcing a smile, but inside, my soul was screaming.

Of all the places I did not want to be today, I was now being sent straight to Apollo Reed’s office.