The Last Laugh novel Chapter 53

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Ace's POV:

A whole week did pass and the company's profit increased. Christina now knew that I was right and completely trusted me for the production. A big mistake of hers.

One weekend, I visited the manager in charge of the industry and workers. For a little bribe.

"I have a proposition for you, James," I told him. He was a selfish man who loved money. A lot.

"Yes, boss."

"I want you to do something for me."

"Which is?"

"I want you to add something odd that'll change the taste of our products to the milk that is being delivered to the industry."

He looked at me.

"Something like?"

"Anything that will drive away customers. That will cause a great loss to the company."

"You want something that will ruin the business?"

"Exactly."

"Then you need to give me something, buddy."

"I know," I took out a plastic bag full with thirty thousand dollars and gave it to him. His face brightened when he saw the amount.

"Then we have a deal," we shook hands.

"Keep putting it in the milk, whatever you're gonna be putting, until I ask you to stop."

"As you wish, sir."

I smiled and stood up, satisfied.

"Good."

"But why would you want to try and ruin a company you work for?"

"Mind only your business, pal," I patted his shoulder and left. Things were improving. At a fast rate.

**

Things seemed to be working out in my favour. Christina blindly trusted me and Heather and I were getting closer. No more awkwardness and the rest. I wanted more but I had to be patient.

Heather's POV:

Ace and I had really gotten close. He was literally my favorite person at the workplace. And he was so sweet,nice and understanding. He was someone I really felt comfortable with.

One day, Kevin came to visit me at the office. Our relationship seemed to be getting stronger. And I was kinda glad about it. We were chatting in the corridor in front of my door.

"I'm so happy we've gotten closer," Kevin said, holding my hand in his. I smiled, "You don't know how much I love you."

"I love–" I was about to complete my sentence when Ace walked by. He gave me a quick wink and continued his way. I felt my heart skip and smiled to myself, blushing.

"Oh, my darling. You're blushing. Because of me? You hardly blush for me," Kevin said happily.

Oh, I'd forgotten he was in front of me.

"Uh yeah," I lied with a broad smile.

*

Ace's POV:

I was serving myself some coffee when Heather approached me. She gave me a playful punch in the arm.

"Ow. What was that for?" I laughed.

"Nothing. I just felt like it," she smiled shyly at me. I melted within.

"So cute. You've always been."

She looked at me.

"You speak like you've known me. For a long time now."

"Maybe I have."

She stared at me silently.

"Yes," she looked into my eyes, "Maybe. Tell me where."

Uh oh.

"In your dreams," I joked, breaking the seriousness. She laughed and rolled her eyes.

"Idiot!" she punched me again.

"The look on your face though. Like you believed me."

"A lot of people remind me of a childhood friend of mine. I see some traits of him in every guy I meet."

"That Sheridan?" I asked.

"Yeah. You remember his name? Even Kevin reminds me of Sheridan at times."

The hell? Don't compare me to that beef.

"That's crazy," I said and she laughed.

"I know. Every single person or guy I meet reminds me of him. I still have hope that he's still alive and maybe closer to me than I think."

"I wish I could be him. But sorry, I was born in Chicago and raised here," I said and she chuckled.

"You're silly."

"But you love me for that," I teased with a smile. She blushed and rolled her eyes.

"You can always dream," she giggled and walked away. I couldn't help it but stare at her as she walked away. Soon and very soon, she'd be mine. She'd always been.

*

Heather's POV:

"So how's work?" Shirley asked me. I was spending the night in her apartment.

"It's okay. Kevin even visited today. I was quite happy he did."

Shirley rolled her eyes.

"Shirley," I said sternly.

"Sorry. I know things have gotten better between Kevin and you but I still don't like him. I don't trust him. Sorry girl, but you can't force me."

I sighed.

"Oh, well."

"So tell me, how's Ace?"

Shirley knew that Ace and I had gotten closer.

"He gets more handsome with every single day that passes," I said with a smile.

"I know right. Too bad he's taken. I was interested," she pouted her lips and I laughed.

"I've never seen that girl, though."

"Whoever she is, she Is lucky. Tell me, if you were single, and he too, could things work out?"

I smiled at her.

"Definitely. I mean, he's hot," I said, blushing.

"I know right."

I smiled.