Conrad lounged in his chair, sharply dressed in a black suit, a white shirt, and a tie with stars. I had given him that tie for his birthday last year. He never wore it, and he probably wasn't fond of it. Yet, he was donning the tie again after we parted ways., Conrad's expression was grim, his gaze fixed on me, harboring a fierce intensity., I knew what was irking him, but I calmly initiated,

"What can I do for you, Mr. Wagner?

",

"Where have you been these days?

" His tone was icy.,

"Taking my holiday!

" I responded, deliberately missing his point., Conrad's fingers twitched on the desk.

"I mean, where did you go?

",

"Galaxy Harbor!

" I had nothing to hide, so I told him straight., His brows furrowed more tightly, a hint of confusion flickering in his eyes, clearly clueless about Galaxy Harbor., It was a small, obscure town. Why would Conrad know of it?, But if he had cared, he would have known. I had mentioned it was my birthplace, where my parents always dreamed of taking me., Yet, he had heard but forgotten because he never truly cared about me, and my words never mattered to him.,

"Did you go there for a vacation?

", Conrad's question almost made me laugh. And I did laugh, nodding lightly with a smile.,

"Why did you go off the grid? Couldn't even send a text back?

" Each word from him sounded like an accusation., I pursed my lips.

"That's my prerogative, Mr. Wagner.

", His face darkened more.

"Yes, you can say that, but the company has rules. Employees can't just disappear and affect their work.

",

"Did I affect any work?

" I countered calmly., Conrad's Adam's apple bobbed, and it somewhat reminded me of Ernest's chin brushing against my nose, his Adam's apple moving in the same way., It seemed like Ernest's was a bit larger, somehow more masculine.,

"About the amusement park project,

" Conrad pointed at me,

"are you saying that wasn't affected?

",

"Not at all!

" I denied outright,

"Taking my holiday or not, the lighting issue would have been there. And once I knew of the problem, I cut my holiday short and rushed back.

", I was supposed to be off for ten days but returned after a week., Conrad was briefly taken aback and fell silent, then nodded reluctantly.

"But it's your project. Any issues fall on you.

",

"I'm aware. I'm working on a solution to ensure the amusement park's timely completion,

" I assured., Conrad knew my capabilities and stubbornness. He nodded,

"Fine, I'll give you time. But if it affects the completion, don't blame me...

", He didn't finish his sentence, but I knew what he meant and voiced it for him,

"If it's not completed on time, I'll bear all the consequences.

",

"Can you afford that?

" His voice suddenly boomed., My fingers tensed.

"I know I can't afford it, so I won't let it affect the completion.

", We exchanged words, a conversation that should have reassured Conrad, yet I could see it only irritated him further. Conrad fell silent, just staring at me.,

"Anything else, Mr. Wagner? If not, I should get back to work,

" I said, turning to leave.,

"Wait!

" He snapped coldly.,

"Any further instructions, Mr. Wagner?

" I asked, maintaining formal politeness., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.