?Chapter 1168:


    Kristian didn’t seem shocked when Gerard showed up. He just waved him inside and pointed to a chair.


    Gerard’s heart raced, but he was determined to hold his ground at Shaw Group. “If I’ve slipped up anywhere, just let me know. If something’s wrong, I’d rather you say it straight.”


    His boss’s n to hire new assistants… Didn’t that mean his days were numbered?


    Kristian was puzzled. “What are you getting at?”


    Gerard took a deep breath and spilled his worry. “I saw your messages.” Kristian stayed cool, not thrown off by the sudden shift. “And? What’s on your mind?”


    Gerard steadied himself. “I’m not looking to date anyone right now. I can still handle the assistant job as well as ever.”


    Kristian’s voice was even, almost gentle. “You’re not getting any younger, you know.”


    Gerard was about the same age as Kristian. It was only natural for them to want to settle down.


    “If you meet someone special and need time for a personal life, just say the word,” Kristian said kindly, always understanding about his team’s needs. “I’ll lighten your workload.”


    Gerard’s thoughts spun, making him more uneasy by the second. In a moment of panic, he blurted out, “Are you trying to push me out?”


    Kristian blinked. “What?”


    Gerard’s voice was steady, but his heart pounded. “Is this about recing me with someone new?”


    Though his stomach churned, he kept his face calm, like they were just talking shop.


    Kristian’s brow creased, clearly thrown off by the question.


    His confusion hit Gerard like a wake-up call—he’d gotten it all wrong.


    Kristian spoke earnestly. “You’ve been by my side for years, always reliable. Married or not, the assistant job is yours for as long as you want it.”


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    Gerard hesitated. “Then why…”


    Kristian was alwaysid-back and thoughtful, but he rarely poked into personal matters. He usually just approved time off without digging deeper.


    Kristian exined, “I’ve told HR to bring on two new assistants. Over the next couple of years, you’ll train them. That way, if you’re ever tied up, they can step in.”


    Felipe’s advice had struck a chord with Kristian.


    Gerard paused, then nodded. “Got it.”


    He still wasn’t sure why Kristian brought this up out of the blue, but if that was the n, he’d give it his all.


    Gerard slipped back to his own room.


    Kristian stayed awake, lost in thought. Gazing out at the night, his mind wandered to Freya, wondering what she might be up to.


    Caught in a whirlwind of thoughts, he didn’t drift off until the early hours.


    Monday, June 12th rolled around.


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