Chapter 81

Kayla returned to Newton Group to deliver her report,and Archie couldn't hide his admiration for how swiftly she had handled the task.

Seated behind his desk, he flipped through the project contracts she submitted, each one signed by Jeremy.

With a satisfied nod, he said, "Kayla, I knew I made the right call. These deals have always been tough to lock in,yet you pulled it off like it was nothing. At this rate,I'll need to give you a bigger role. Otherwise, we're wasting your potential."

Kayla offered a humble smile. "That's kind of you, Mr.Newton. I'm just doing my part."

Archie let out a small laugh. "We're holding a celebratory dinner tonight with the project heads.You're on the guest list, of course. Also, expect a salary bump this month, along with everything else l promised."

Kayla suddenly recalled that Marsha was switching rooms tonight, and she had planned to help. Her expression tightened, atrace of concern flickering across her face.

Archie caught the shift in her demeanor. "Something the matter? You already made plans for tonight? You're the reason we're celebrating, and this dinner is meant to honor that."

Given his insistence, Kayla could only agree. "Okay.I'll be there."

Once she left the CEO's office, she pulled out her phone and stepped aside to make a call.

The caregiver picked up. "Kayla, is there something you need?"

"I have work tonight, so I won't be able to stay with Grandma. Please keep a close eye on her."

The caregiver's voice was calm. "Don't worry.Your husband already arranged for someone to help with the move. Since you've got your hands full, there's no need to come."

Hearing Liam's name made Kayla tense. If she hadn't been swamped with work, he wouldn't have had a chance to meddle at all.

The dinner was attended by Archie and several seasoned project leaders.

Just outside the private dining room, Kayla paused when she saw a waiter wheeling in a cart loaded with bottles of red wine.

Archie spotted her and called out, "Kayla, step inside."

As she stepped inside, several executives looked up,momentarily taken aback by her striking appearance.Isaac Brewer,one of the senior figures, smiled with a subtle squint and remarked to Archie, "I was starting to wonder how you've been closing so many deals lately.Now I see it's all thanks to this impressive young woman. You're sitting on a goldmine of talent."

Kayla returned a soft smile and took a seat beside Archie.

Chuckling,Archie replied, "Kayla's been a real asset.We're fortunate she chose to work with us."

Then hè leaned slightly toward her and murmured,"These folks have been with me a long time. No need to stay too long; just make an appearance, then you can head out."

Kayla nodded lightly. "Got it."

Across the table, Jorge Quinn lifted his glass and stood up. "Kayla, I've heard quite a bit about your accomplishments. Let me toast to your success."

Kayla poured herself a glass of juice, stood up, and responded warmly, "I'll toast with this instead. Mr.Quinn, I look forward to learning from you."

Isaac cut in, "Jorge is making a toast and you're drinking juice? Come on, everyone here has wine."

Before the moment grew tense, Archie rose with his own glass and laughed. "I'll take the wine for her.Hope that's alright with everyone."

Jorge and lsaac shared a qlance but couldn't refuse Archie's gesture. They raised their glasses, clinked them together, and drank as one.

Partway through the evening, Archie's phone rang. He excused himself and stepped out to take the call.

Left at the table, Kayla remained quiet. The conversation didn't interest her, so she checked her phone,scrolling through unread messages.

Isaac soon approached, wineglass in hand, and took the seat beside her. "I've heard your name more than once. Archie holds you in high regard, and now that I've met you in person, I can see why."

Kayla slipped her phone into her bag and returned a polite smile. "You flatter me, Mr. Brewer. I'm just doing my job."

His expression sharpened with amusement as he rested an arm along the back of her chair and leaned in, legs casually crossed. The space between them grew noticeably smaller.

He brushed her hand under the pretense of adjusting his glass,his tone suggestive. "Drinking juice all night,that's no fun."

Kayla's instincts kicked in. Her expression cooled as she pulled her hand away and discreetly wiped it on her skirt. Without a word, she reached for the wine bottle and filled a glass. "Mr. Brewer, since we've run into each other tonight,allow me to offer you a toast."