No More Waiting, She Chooses Love
Chapter 704

bit uneasy. Even if she had seen it, it didn't matter. After all, I was the boss here, and taking a photo was perfectly normal.

My hand trembled, sending a shiver down my spine. Was this woman a ghost? How did she approach so silently, without me noticing? I couldn't tell how long she had been there, or if she had seen the message I was about to send. But in her presence, I wasn't the least I twirled my phone in my hands, looking at her professional, yet forced smile. "Ever heard of anyone going undercover with a marching band?"

Haley settled across from me, casually gesturing towards the bar. "I've made some minor adjustments to the bar, to give the patrons a fresh vibe."

I nodded in approval. "Not bad, it's quite the breath of fresh air."

"As long as Ms. Hudson is pleased," Haley signaled for drinks with a casual wave.

"You were my choice, why wouldn't I be?" I surveyed the surroundings as I spoke, "Clearly, my judgment was spot on. You've got the goods."

My gaze then drifted to her attire. Unlike the standard uniform of the other staff, she wore a daring, sequined mermaid dress that flaunted her figure. The outfit matched the bar's vintage charm perfectly, reminiscent of the bygone era of glamorous Shanghai.

I couldn't help recalling our first meeting, her demure and gentle demeanor, never would I have guessed she harbored such a side. My eyes lingered on her silhouette, and I pursed my lips, "When I say 'the goods,' I'm not just talking about looks, but brains too."

I genuinely meant it as a compliment, but Haley seemed to stiffen, probably assuming I was mocking her. Her retort was swift, "One must do what the role requires. You'd do the same in my shoes."

She implied that her current look was all for work. But if it were me, I certainly wouldn't go that route, though there was no point in arguing. After all, this was the exact scenario I had envisaged for her; the more she played into it, the more it benefited me. However, her attempt to overshadow me wasn't something I'd indulge. "Manager Perez leading by example, a bonus is in order."

The last three words reminded her of who was funding her paycheck, and her expression dropped instantly.

I enjoyed her reaction for a moment,

"Anything you need me to step in for, or help with? I might not run the day-to-day, but I won't ignore

problems either."

The subtext was clear: I was the boss here, and no matter how high and mighty she acted, she worked for me.

"Nothing major, I'm currently hiring The bar staff is too old-fashioned and stiff, we've had complaints from customers," Haley surprisingly brought it up herself.

I chuckled, "The waiter earlier thought I was applying for a job."

"Given your looks, it's understandable why they thought that," Haley shot back, cleverly making up for the earlier discomfort she might have felt.

I leaned in, "So, you're finally admitting I'm pretty?"

Haley was speechless.

"Anyway, keep up the good work. There's a bonus at the end of the year," I promised her the moon as I left.

Exiting the bar, I checked my phone. The photo I'd sent had been acknowledged with an 'OK.'

I pocketed my phone and headed to

the restaurant where Dustin had

asked to meet. He was already there, undoubtedly having arrived early. Of course, I was late,

intentionally delaying with Haley to buy some time.