Chapter 36: Rude Awakening

Maryanne tries to act naturally under the intensity of Daniel’s inspection. He is acting polite, and yet his eyes are constantly roaming Maryanne. Not in a creepy way, but as if he is noticing that she does not quite belong in the glittering dress that Max had bought her. “You have worked with Max for a while,” she finally asks.

Daniel nods, watching as Riley ignores the both of them and sits on one of the chairs, twirling around in circles. “Yes. I have been working with him for close to seven years now.”

“That’s a lot of time together.”

He folds his arms, “I hope to be able to spend another seven with him as well. To see Max grow as a CEO and a leader throughout the years has really been an honor.”

Maryanne isn’t sure what else to say, so she only nods and peers around the room.

Daniel’s voice beings to shift, a tightness forming in the back of his throat, “I do have to say, though, that the last few months Max has been quite off his game.”