Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 54

After speaking, she smiled and waved at Leo Hammond, who was standing behind Julian. "Long time no see, Leo."

Leo smiled back. "It's only been a few days."

Behind Leo stood several other men and women in sharp business suits. One look made it obvious they were still in the middle of discussing work.

Elara turned back to Julian. "Should I go wait in the lounge for you?"

Julian nodded. "Yeah, I'll come find you as soon as we wrap up here."

Because they were discussing confidential business matters, Elara didn't wait in the private resting area attached to his office, but instead went out to the main guest lounge.

The junior assistant, worried she might get bored or hungry, brought over some snacks and drinks.

She set the items down and was about to leave when Elara stopped her.

"Why are you the one handling the hospitality today? What happened to the new intern from a few days ago?"

This junior assistant had joined the company last year and had long since transitioned into a full-time employee. When there was an intern around, menial tasks like pouring tea and serving snacks never fell to her.

The assistant looked visibly surprised that Elara recognized her. She paused, a flicker of nervous energy in her voice. "Are you asking about Vivian... Ms. Winthrop? She's on sick leave."

Elara feigned shock. "Sick leave? What happened? Is it serious?"

"I'm not entirely sure about the details."

"I'm sorry for keeping you. I'm all set here, you can get back to work."

The assistant nodded and turned to leave, but then stopped. She stood there, silently watching Elara with a hesitant expression, her eyes laced with a deep, unmistakable pity.

Meeting her gaze, Elara immediately read her hesitation. The girl clearly wanted to say something about Vivian but knew it wasn't her place.

A sudden wave of warmth welled up in Elara's chest. Not wanting to put the girl in a difficult position, she pretended not to notice the underlying message and offered a gentle smile. "Was there something else you wanted to tell me?"

The junior assistant bit her lip, then slowly shook her head. "Please enjoy your snacks, Mrs. Beckett."

With that, she opened the door and slipped out of the lounge.

Elara was equally shocked to bump into Leo here. She stepped inside. "Leo, shouldn't you be in the meeting?"

Leo's gaze flickered nervously. He held up his cigarette pack and shook it. "Nicotine craving. Had to step out for a smoke."

Elara immediately stopped in her tracks. "Did I interrupt you?"

"Not at all. I was just finishing up anyway."

Leo forced a smile and asked, "You haven't been to the office much these past few months, but you've been dropping by a lot lately. Is something going on?"

Was he trying to feel her out?

Elara smiled, flawlessly beating around the bush. "Julian mentioned this morning that the company ran into some trouble. I was worried we might be facing a crisis like back when Ark first started, so I wanted to come check on things."

The fluorescent lights in the stairwell hadn't been changed in ages, casting a sickly, yellowed glow. The harsh lighting painted shadows over their faces, making it impossible to read their true expressions.

Elara tilted her head slightly, locking eyes with Leo without blinking. "Leo, can you tell me exactly what kind of trouble the company is in?"