The Last Laugh

Chapter 71

***

Ace's POV:

She had the guts to flaunt her teeth at me and greet. Like the hell? The next time she'd try, she'd see

some other side of me that she wouldn't appreciate.

I entered the elevator. I had to go for lunch.

**

That night after work, I was amongst the last people to leave the office. I left the building and headed

for my car. I was tired and needed a good night's rest. Heather had left earlier. I missed her already. I

wanted her at all times.

I got into my car and headed home.

I reached the apartment and got comfortable. I thought carefully of my next move. While I ate and

watched TV, a brilliant idea crossed my mind. It would be perfect to drive Rob and Christina crazy. But I

had to wait for the perfect moment. Keith would be very helpful to me for this new idea.

Heather's POV:

"How are things moving with Ace and the plan?" Shirley asked me that night. I was sleeping over at her

own place.

"Things are fine but there's one big problem."

She looked at me, slightly frowning.

"Oh no. What again?"

"I can't kiss him and snuggle up with him the way I want!" I giggled and she rolled her eyes playfully.

"Girl, you scared me a little. Thought some bad news was up again," she laughed. I joined her.

"But y'all can arrange that. You can find a little time or a hidden place for your secret meetings," she

winked.

"Hehehe, not a bad idea. Sex in the office. That'll be fine," I joked and Shirley's mouth dropped open in

playful shock.

"Ohmigosh! Heather, you're deep water. Calm but deep water."

I laughed.

"Was kidding!"

She raised a brow at me.

"Mm, yeah right."

I giggled.

"Ace would totally love that idea," she approached me then hugged me, "I'm happy for you, dear.

You've finally found him."

I smiled at her.

"Yeah."

She smiled and stood up.

"Now let me go sleep. You should too. We both got work early tomorrow."

"Alright," I stood up too and we went off to sleep.

*

Ace's POV:

I had quite an uncomfortable night. I didn't get enough sleep. I'd gone to bed at eleven pm but woke up

because of a bad dream at around three. Yup, I stayed up till six when I finally showered and went to

work.

Heather's POV:

The next morning, I immediately got to work. I met with one of the women working in the company. She

was known to be a first level gossiper. Jasmin. Perfect for the mission.

She was by the coffee machine, drinking from her mug. I took out my phone and pretended to be

chatting with someone, then made my way towards the machine too.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Uh huh," I spoke, took a mug and served myself some coffee.

I waved a little at her and she waved back. I continued talking, knowing she was all ears.

"No, you're not bothering me– Yeah okay– Really?? I'm not surprised."

I could feel Jasmin's eyes on me while I spoke.

"Yeah, it's obvious. Can I tell you something? Don't tell anyone."

From my side, I noticed Jasmin discretely leaning close to listen. Perfect.

"Well mom is ruined I think. Yeah, I know right– The employees? Oh, no way, she's lying– She won't

pay them– mhm, she has no means– yeah– she wants to sell the com huh? Yeah, okay. Thanks. It was

nice talking to you– alright, bye."

I pretended to hang up, then I took a sip of my drink and turned to leave. I looked at Jasmin and smiled

innocently.

"Oh hey, Jasmin. Forgot you were still here."

She smiled.

"Just finishing my coffee, miss."

"Alright. Have a great day."

"Same to you, ma'am."

I smiled and walked away. Jasmin would not resist a good gossip topic, would she?

*

Ace's POV:

In the afternoon while I strolled down the corridor of my floor, I noticed some other colleagues chit

chatting about something. Amongst them I saw Jasmin, a colleague, she was talking and others were

listening attentively.

I walked up to her once she was finally alone.

"Hey, Jas."

She turned to me.

"Oh hi, Ace," she smiled.

"What's going on? Everyone's talking about something."

I asked her because she was always aware of everything.

"You don't know?" she asked, surprised.

"What?"

"Well," she whispered, "Mrs Christina's rumoured to be ruined!"

My brows shot up.

"What?? You serious??"

"Yeah! Odd right? But it seems to be true. Our sales have dropped and we still haven't been paid yet."

I wanted to smile.

"Oh, that's bad."

"I know! I don't know about you but many are planning to quit," she turned and walked away.

Yes! Perfect!

I walked down the hall, trying not to smile. I met with Aiden.

"Hey, pal. Where you going?" I asked him.

"Just went to meet the boss." Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

"What for?"

"To quit, man. Can't work for free. Don't know bout you but as for me, I'm outta here."

Aiden had quit? This would devastate Christina.

"I'm on the same track as you. Gonna quit too. So this shit is real?"

"Yep. Catch you later, pal. Got my number right?"

"Yeah."

He patted my shoulder before walking away.

I smiled to myself.

I would get a copy of the list of names of all those who quitted. Once I got the company back, I would

reemploy them. And everyone would be paid more than usual.

I continued my stroll, hearing comments and gossips here and there.

Where had the rumors suddenly come from? Was it my girl's fault? I smirked and made my way

discreetly to her office.

I entered her office and met her chilling, legs crossed and on her table. She smirked at me.

"Aiden just quit."

"So did Marisa, Clark, Sonia, Judy and Garry."

I closed the door behind me.

"Are you for something in this?"

"Are you doubting?" she wriggled her brows at me.

Hope she was ready. I was about to lose control.