NOVEL NEXT Chapter 100 - Unexpected Opportunity
Hazel's POV
"Hey Chl, Adrian called me. Do you know what for?" I asked my friend as I strolled into her office after wrapping up my day.
Chloe looked up from her computer with a confused expression. "I don't know, Hazel. I wasn't even aware he called you. Let me tell him you're here." She rose from her chair and disappeared into the boss's office, returning moments later with a gesture for me to enter.
"Hazel!" Adrian's face lit up with a broad smile as I walked in. "First, I want to express how delighted I am that you and my friend have finally worked things out."
I returned his smile, though not without a hint of caution. "Thanks, Adrian. I just hope your friend doesn't mess things up with me again."
"If he does," Adrian said firmly, "you know I'm here to help you kick his butt."
"Oh, right!" Chloe chimed in with obvious sarcasm. "Just like you did this time, spying on us and telling him everything."
"Oh, Chl, I can't be too hard on him, he's my friend," Adrian replied with the guilty expression of a teenager caught in mischief, causing all of us to burst into laughter.
"But you can always count on me, Hazel," he added more seriously.
"Thanks, Adrian. It's good to know that." My gratitude was genuine—he had been there for me when I needed it most, offering me a job and supporting me through my conflicts with Liam.
Adrian's expression shifted slightly. "That said, I'm extremely pleased with your performance. You're an exceptional employee—you adapted quickly, you're intelligent, and highly competent. Mauricio told me you've developed excellent relationships with clients. Hiring you has been tremendously beneficial for me."
Despite the praise, I sensed there was more coming. "Thank you, Adrian. But what are you trying to tell me?" Anxiety began creeping in.
"Hazel," he continued carefully, "I'm aware the position I offered you doesn't align with your professional background, even though you excel at it. And I recognize that being Liam's assistant is a prestigious role—something I simply can't match." My stomach tightened as I anticipated what was coming. "Liam wants you to return to work with him. As your friend, I must admit it's a superior opportunity—in your field, with excellent compensation and growth potential. Being his assistant carries respect and prestige."
"I know that, Adrian. But I genuinely love working here," I replied honestly.
"And I won't force you to leave, because we cherish having you here. But I want you to feel free to make this decision without obligation. You owe me nothing. If returning to Sterling is what you want, I understand completely and would release you immediately—you wouldn't be leaving me in a difficult position. Professionally speaking, I believe it's your best option." Adrian's frankness was both refreshing and unsettling. "However, if staying with us is your preference, I'd be delighted to continue being your boss. Just please consider this decision carefully."
"Wow, Adrian, I wasn't expecting this conversation. I deeply appreciate your honesty and support. The job opportunity you provided when I needed it most was tremendous, and I could never be ungrateful. I understand the Sterling position offers better career prospects, but I'm uncertain if returning is what I want," I explained, making my gratitude and confusion evident.
Adrian leaned forward slightly. "To help you make this decision with greater confidence, I'll add one more thing. If you choose to go and later regret it, you can always return—my company's doors will remain open for you."
Relief washed over me. "Thank you so much, Adrian. That's incredibly reassuring. I'd like a few more days to think about it."
"Hazel, I'm not pressuring you. Take all the time you need. I just wanted to ensure you felt comfortable and knew that I believe Liam's offer is exceptional. You have my complete support regardless of your decision."
I smiled gratefully at him. He truly was giving me tremendous support. As I left Adrian's office with Chloe, who had remained silent throughout the conversation, I felt both conflicted and comforted.
We headed to the break room for coffee, and my friend gave me a wide smile.
"My boss is amazing, isn't he?!"
"Yes, Chl, Adrian is truly wonderful. What he's doing for me is incredibly thoughtful."
"So," she asked, stirring her coffee, "are you going back to Collective Sterling?"
"I don't know. What do you think, Chl?"
"I think Adrian's assessment is accurate. Working with Sterling in the position he's offering provides excellent professional advantages. But ultimately, you need to consider where you'll find greater happiness."
"And do you have a theory? About where I'll be happier?"
"I do," she admitted. "But I won't share it. This decision is yours alone, Hazel."
We chatted a bit longer before I returned to my workstation, feeling considerably more at ease about the choice ahead of me.
As the day drew to a close, I received an unexpected surprise that touched me deeply. I was at my desk preparing a client proposal when I noticed a commotion beginning to spread across the office floor. Looking up, I saw Scarlett standing there with a beaming smile on her face.Chapter 100 - Unexpected Opportunity
Hazel's POV
"Hey Chl, Adrian called me. Do you know what for?" I asked my friend as I strolled into her office after wrapping up my day.
Chloe looked up from her computer with a confused expression. "I don't know, Hazel. I wasn't even aware he called you. Let me tell him you're here." She rose from her chair and disappeared into the boss's office, returning moments later with a gesture for me to enter.
"Hazel!" Adrian's face lit up with a broad smile as I walked in. "First, I want to express how delighted I am that you and my friend have finally worked things out."
I returned his smile, though not without a hint of caution. "Thanks, Adrian. I just hope your friend doesn't mess things up with me again."
"If he does," Adrian said firmly, "you know I'm here to help you kick his butt."
"Oh, right!" Chloe chimed in with obvious sarcasm. "Just like you did this time, spying on us and telling him everything."
"Oh, Chl, I can't be too hard on him, he's my friend," Adrian replied with the guilty expression of a teenager caught in mischief, causing all of us to burst into laughter.
"But you can always count on me, Hazel," he added more seriously.
"Thanks, Adrian. It's good to know that." My gratitude was genuine—he had been there for me when I needed it most, offering me a job and supporting me through my conflicts with Liam.
Adrian's expression shifted slightly. "That said, I'm extremely pleased with your performance. You're an exceptional employee—you adapted quickly, you're intelligent, and highly competent. Mauricio told me you've developed excellent relationships with clients. Hiring you has been tremendously beneficial for me."
Despite the praise, I sensed there was more coming. "Thank you, Adrian. But what are you trying to tell me?" Anxiety began creeping in.
"Hazel," he continued carefully, "I'm aware the position I offered you doesn't align with your professional background, even though you excel at it. And I recognize that being Liam's assistant is a prestigious role—something I simply can't match." My stomach tightened as I anticipated what was coming. "Liam wants you to return to work with him. As your friend, I must admit it's a superior opportunity—in your field, with excellent compensation and growth potential. Being his assistant carries respect and prestige."
"I know that, Adrian. But I genuinely love working here," I replied honestly.
"And I won't force you to leave, because we cherish having you here. But I want you to feel free to make this decision without obligation. You owe me nothing. If returning to Sterling is what you want, I understand completely and would release you immediately—you wouldn't be leaving me in a difficult position. Professionally speaking, I believe it's your best option." Adrian's frankness was both refreshing and unsettling. "However, if staying with us is your preference, I'd be delighted to continue being your boss. Just please consider this decision carefully."
"Wow, Adrian, I wasn't expecting this conversation. I deeply appreciate your honesty and support. The job opportunity you provided when I needed it most was tremendous, and I could never be ungrateful. I understand the Sterling position offers better career prospects, but I'm uncertain if returning is what I want," I explained, making my gratitude and confusion evident.
Adrian leaned forward slightly. "To help you make this decision with greater confidence, I'll add one more thing. If you choose to go and later regret it, you can always return—my company's doors will remain open for you."
Relief washed over me. "Thank you so much, Adrian. That's incredibly reassuring. I'd like a few more days to think about it."
"Hazel, I'm not pressuring you. Take all the time you need. I just wanted to ensure you felt comfortable and knew that I believe Liam's offer is exceptional. You have my complete support regardless of your decision."
I smiled gratefully at him. He truly was giving me tremendous support. As I left Adrian's office with Chloe, who had remained silent throughout the conversation, I felt both conflicted and comforted.
We headed to the break room for coffee, and my friend gave me a wide smile.
"My boss is amazing, isn't he?!"
"Yes, Chl, Adrian is truly wonderful. What he's doing for me is incredibly thoughtful."
"So," she asked, stirring her coffee, "are you going back to Collective Sterling?"
"I don't know. What do you think, Chl?"
"I think Adrian's assessment is accurate. Working with Sterling in the position he's offering provides excellent professional advantages. But ultimately, you need to consider where you'll find greater happiness."
"And do you have a theory? About where I'll be happier?"
"I do," she admitted. "But I won't share it. This decision is yours alone, Hazel."
We chatted a bit longer before I returned to my workstation, feeling considerably more at ease about the choice ahead of me.
As the day drew to a close, I received an unexpected surprise that touched me deeply. I was at my desk preparing a client proposal when I noticed a commotion beginning to spread across the office floor. Looking up, I saw Scarlett standing there with a beaming smile on her face.