Chapter 249
249 Leaving ?
249 Leaving?
Who was she saying goodbye to ?
Who was leaving early ?
Risa ?
Out of everyone close to Alice, only Risa had plans to leave the country.
And she had a packed schedule.
That was when it struck him.
Something cold and heavy.
He didn’t really know Alice.
Not the way he should’ve.
He didn’t know what mattered to her, or what she hoped for, or what kind of things kept her up at night.
But Alice? She knew everything about him.
She understood his goals. She could see through his strategies. She even knew how his mind worked. They had been stuck in this strange in–between, and all because he hadn’t moved forward–because he hadn’t been enough.
Alice noticed him walking over and gently pushed his favorite dish toward him.
“Go ahead and eat. I’m done. I’ll check some documents and be right back.”
Eric stayed silent.
She had eaten so quickly that he felt a little self–conscious picking up his fork now.
Alice didn’t look back or notice his hesitation. She simply turned and walked into the study.
There were a few studies in the house.
The one on the first floor mostly held novels and popular literature. Whatever files she mentioned likely weren’t in there.
The truth is, she wasn’t looking for documents.
She just didn’t want to stay.
Eric exhaled quietly.
She didn’t want to open up to him anymore.
Daniel had just come back from checking the car when he saw her entering the study . Then , his gaze shifted to his boss, Eric, who was still sitting there with a distant look.
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249 Leaving?
He blinked in surprise.
“Mr. Eric, you’re not eating? Did the food turn out bad?”
Eric waved it off with a heavy hand.
“What’s the status at the company?”
Daniel immediately reported.
“Global Hotel’s still stuck at the top of the trending list.
“Room cancellations are flooding in.
“And Ms. Randall’s team is buying headlines to keep the fire going.
“We’re definitely going to get grilled by the board today.
“They’ve already come up with some ridiculous suggestion… They want you and Mrs. Nolan out of the
company.
“They’re forgetting it was the two of you who saved the design department from falling apart in the first place.”
His voice carried frustration.
He had already counted Alice as one of their own.
Eric’s eyes narrowed.
Even if the hotel managed to clear its name, bad press always left a stain. Customer traffic would never bounce back the same way.
Daniel let out a breath. “Mr. Eric, I think we should do some damage control. Maybe bring in a celebrity for a quick boost?
An idea sparked in his head.
“What about Levi? He still owes you. If he endorsed the hotel, his fans would probably book out every
room.
“We just need to keep occupancy high until people forget. Then it’ll settle down.”
Eric’s face turned cold.
That suggestion was the same one everyone had been pushing.
Even Levi had called and offered to put his whole career on the line if needed.
But Eric had already refused him.
“Daniel.”
“Yes?”
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249 Leaving?
“Don’t bring this up again.”
Daniel paused, confused.
But since Eric had made his stance clear, he dropped it and shifted the conversation.
“Mr. Eric, something feels off with Mrs. Nolan. She’s been in that study for a while and hasn’t come out
Eric had barely touched his sandwich.
He didn’t feel like eating anymore.
He lifted his head and glanced toward the study.
His expression stayed flat, but his eyes darkened with thought.
Suddenly, the door creaked open.
Alice walked out, holding a horror novel.
Daniel blinked at the sight. “You really went in just to read?”
Alice looked up, a little surprised.
“Hm? Am I not allowed?”
Daniel quickly waved his hands. “No, no, it’s fine. Totally fine.”
Alice let out a soft laugh. “Are you two done eating? Let’s head to the office.”
Daniel nodded right away.
He had eaten early that morning.
He usually kept things light–just bread and water–just in case something urgent came up.
He only had a proper meal when the schedule was clear.
It was the polar opposite of Eric. His eating habits were all over the place. His stomach had been a mess for years .
If Alice was around, he might eat something halfway nutritious.
If she wasn’t, he’d just eat whatever or skip it altogether.
Even the nutritionist had scolded him again and again, but it never changed.
Alice glanced at the table, then turned to Daniel. “Pack the rest for Mr. Eric. He can eat at the office . ”
Eric looked like he was going to protest , but Daniel grinned and stepped in.
“Don’t worry, ma’am. I’ve got it covered.”
Eric shot him a look.
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249 Leaving?
Daniel didn’t flinch.
He had Alice on his side. She was the boss. He was her second–in–command.
Eric sat there with a stiff face while Daniel cheerfully packed up the food.
He even started humming while sealing the containers.
The scene turns to Nolan Group.