Please Me Daddy (Gracie) novel Chapter 25

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

**25**

**CONTENT: 4/4**

He’ll definitely fire me.

**Grace**

The pulsating music reverberated in my ears, a steady thrum that matched the frantic beat of my heart. I was lost in a sea of job listings, my thumb moving lazily across the screen, while my eyes felt heavy and parched.

Ugh. Nothing.

It seemed as if every position I clicked on was either already snatched up or came with dismal pay, unreasonable demands, or were outright scams.

With a long, exasperated sigh, I dragged my palm across my face, pressing my fingers into my closed eyes. What on earth was I going to do?

I desperately needed a job. I had to start earning something, anything. Living off Eleanor and Wyatt’s kindness felt like a burden I couldn’t bear, no matter how many times they reassured me it was fine. But it wasn’t fine. I felt like a parasite.

“Ah,” I muttered, frustration bubbling over. “Why does this job have to be the best offer?”

The benefits were incredible, the experience invaluable, the paycheck promising, and the PR team was top-notch. Everything about Reed Corporation was precisely what I needed to get my life back on track.

Too bad I was on the brink of losing it all.

“He’ll definitely fire me,” I whispered, the words tasting bitter on my tongue.

But then again… maybe not?

I licked my lips, attempting to reassure myself. “No. I mean, he might not. There’s always a chance.”

I snorted, the sound filled with self-derision. “Please. There are countless reasons for him to fire me. Why wouldn’t he? He’s ruthless and heartless. Just—” I thumped my palm lightly against the steering wheel in frustration. “Why does it have to be him?”

I groaned, tilting my head back against the seat, when suddenly, I let out a startled scream. “Oh my god!”

My hand flew to my chest, nearly propelling me out of my seat.

Apollo was sitting casually in the back seat, arms crossed, a picture of relaxed authority. My boss. My stunning, indifferent, emotionless boss.

When had he slipped in? How long had he been there, silently observing me?

My heart raced, a wild drumbeat in my chest. I fumbled to pull my earpiece out, my palms turning clammy with anxiety.

“H-Hmm… Mr. Apollo,” I stammered, my voice barely rising above a whisper.

His eyes opened slowly, those piercing hazel irises locking onto mine through the rearview mirror. They appeared warm and drowsy, but I knew better than to be deceived by appearances.

“Drive back to the office,” he commanded, his voice low and steady.

He tilted his head slightly, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. “Or… do you have something to say to me?”

I quickly shook my head, panic surging through me. “N-No. Of course not.”

My hands trembled as I turned back to face the road, gripping the steering wheel tightly, praying silently for the duration of the drive.

Please. Please don’t let him hear everything.

As I parked in front of the company and turned off the engine, I realized I hadn’t taken a single breath the entire ride.

Even though my curiosity was piqued about what Apollo and my parents had discussed, I kept my lips sealed.

I bit down on my bottom lip, my gaze fixed intently on the road ahead. I wasn’t foolish. I valued my life, thank you very much. He wasn’t the type of man you dared to question unless you were courting disaster. And I had no intention of tempting fate.

The moment we parked, Chase sprang into action, opening the car door for Apollo, who slowly blinked awake.

My body shook with nervous energy. I pressed my palms together, attempting to calm myself, and squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for the inevitable.

“Miss Grace,” he said, and my heart plummeted. This was it. I was about to be fired. Or worse… arrested for touching that damn book.

“I—” I began, but he cut me off.

“Be early tomorrow.”

**Wait. What?**

I jolted, my mind racing as I looked back at him, bewildered. He held my gaze, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes, before standing and striding toward the office doors.

Just as he was stepping out of the car, he glanced back over his shoulder, the corner of his mouth twitching in what might have been a smirk. “And oh, you were right.”

“Huh?”

“I am ruthless and heartless, but only to those who deserve it.”

With that, he walked away, ignoring the employees who bowed as he passed. He didn’t even acknowledge them. Behind him, Chase flashed me a thumbs-up, his pride evident as if I had just achieved something monumental.

I sat there for a moment, stunned into silence.

What just happened? No. That wasn’t the question.

The real question I should be asking myself was, did I just survive that?

I wasn’t fired.

He nodded, pressing the elevator button. The doors opened, and we stepped inside with a handful of others.

It seemed everyone had decided to ride the elevator at once.

Within moments, the space felt cramped.

I found myself pushed back against River’s chest, his hand instinctively reaching out to steady me, brushing lightly against my waist.

“Sorry,” he leaned down, whispering near my ear. “Are you okay?”

I swallowed hard, adjusting my fake glasses again, my heart racing. “It’s okay.”

Thankfully, the elevator reached the second floor, and we stepped out into the bustling corridor.

As we walked toward the PR department, side by side, an unsettling chill filled the air as we entered.

I raised an eyebrow, glancing around. “What… is happening?”

People, mostly women, were staring at me. No, glaring at me as if I had just committed a heinous crime. Some of the newer employees whispered behind their hands, while others openly glared.

River leaned closer, a frown creasing his brow. “Huh. Did I miss something?”

I whispered back, “I have no idea.”

I caught one of the girls near the coffee machine hissing under her breath. “She’s such a slut. First, she seduces the boss, and now River? With that face and body?”

I stared at her, confusion washing over me.

Ah, whatever. I didn’t care. Nothing could ruin my mood today.

I smiled wider, lifted my chin, and walked confidently to my desk. The more they whispered, the more amused I became.

Jealousy was a loud thing.

Just as I was about to sit down, I heard a voice call out.

“Oh, you’re around. Good.”

I turned to see Mr. Aiden approaching, clipboard in hand, his gaze fixed on me as if I were the most fascinating thing in the room.

“Grace,” he said, “from today, the boss wants you to work directly under him. You’re to go upstairs.”

My smile faltered, my heart racing.

I’m sorry, what?