"Put Derek on the phone. I need to speak with him."
I cut her off, my voice sharp as a blade.
"Mr. Shaw is... not available right now—"
The call went dead before she finished.
A few minutes later, a message came through—there was a return-to-work reception that evening.
I got the address from someone and took a cab straight there.
By the time I arrived, the reception was already underway.
Derek stood on the small stage, rattling off last year's achievements. After handing out a few rounds of red envelopes, he stepped down to make the rounds, toasting table by table.
When he reached Adela's table, someone started egging him on.
"Mr. Shaw, Adela helped the company land such a huge deal this year—aren't you going to show some appreciation?"
"Oh, stop it!" Adela swatted the person beside her with a coy pout, then ducked her head with a smile. "Mr. Shaw already gave me a red envelope!"
"Then how about a lovers' toast? Liven things up a little!"
The drinks had been flowing, and more and more voices joined the chorus.
Derek laughed—open, easy, magnetic. He pulled Adela close, and they linked arms, glasses raised.
The crowd cheered as they swapped glasses and drained them in one go.