He really didn't come off as my boss-more like a buddy., I flashed a smile, my gaze on Grant while I posed my question to Ernest,

"You two seemed to hit it off quite well. It's the first time I've seen someone go out for a meal with the boss right after an interview.

" My curiosity was piqued because Jefferson had mentioned that a Mr. Collins was backing Grant., And just like that, my suspicion was triggered once again.,

"Mr. Smith invited me out to get to know me better, after all...

" Ernest paused,

"a salary of three million a year is no small figure.

", I was taken aback. That much?, I hadn't pegged Ernest to be that in demand.,

"What, you think I'm not worth it?

" He was straightforward., I smiled, replying,

"No, that's not it.

", Continuing, I asked,

"So, what were you making at your previous job?

",

"A monthly salary of thirty thousand,

" Ernest's reply had me grimacing. Grant's offer was tenfold.,

"Mr. Smith is... quite bold,

" I managed to say, under Ernest's 'I'm-not-worth-it?' gaze.,

"I was the one who proposed it. I didn't think Mr. Smith would agree,

" Ernest clarified., I chuckled awkwardly,

"Mr. Smith must be really keen on acquiring talent.

", Then, I couldn't help but express my admiration,

"You've got quite the nerve, Ernest.

", Even at the Wagner Group, those at the vice-president level were making about the same.,

"I know my worth. Besides, I need the money for a wedding,

" Ernest's latter remark sent my cheeks ablaze., I coughed, avoiding the subject, and quickly started the car, asking,

"Where to? I'll drop you off.

",

"And you?

" he countered.,

"After dropping you off, back to the office.

", Ernest replied,

"Mr. Smith gave you half a day off, suggested we enjoy some 'us time'.

", I couldn't help but smile and say,

"Mr. Smith is that thoughtful?

",

"You can ask him yourself. Why would I lie about something like that?

" Right after Ernest said that, my phone buzzed with a message from Grant, indeed giving me the afternoon off., I couldn't help but laugh helplessly.

"Mr. Collins, you're really something, managing to get the boss to roll out the red carpet for you even before you've started. Are you sure you and Mr. Smith aren't friends or... business partners?

", Ernest remained silent, just looking at me. I held his gaze for a few seconds before shaking off the thought. Yet, I couldn't help but feel that Grant was overly friendly with Ernest, especially considering the investor Mr. Collins backing Grant., So, my imagination ran wild.

"Ernest, you don't have any siblings? Like, a very wealthy brother or sister?

",

"I only have a sister, Susie!

", I pursed my lips, then asked,

"Then do you have any wealthy relatives with the same surname?

",

"There are, but they're all average, just regular working folks, nowhere near wealthy,

" Ernest's response left me with nothing more to probe. Maybe it was all just a coincidence!, I found myself heavy with suspicion, doubting Herschel over a contract and Ernest because of Grant's investor with the surname Collins. Sigh! I was even getting on my own nerves.,

"Have you ever been to a police station?

" Ernest suddenly asked., Instinctively, I denied,

"No.

", I had always been well-behaved, never stepping foot in a police station., But then he threw me off with his next question,

"So what's with that man Jimmy?

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