Chapter 36: Rude Awakening

Maryanne tries to act naturally under the intensity of Daniel's inspection. He is acting polite, and yet his eyes are constantly roaming Maryanne. Not in a creepy way, but as if he is noticing that she does not quite belong in the glittering dress that Max had bought her. "You have worked with Max for a while," she finally asks.

Daniel nods, watching as Riley ignores the both of them and sits on one of the chairs, twirling around in circles. "Yes. I have been working with him for close to seven years now."

"That's a lot of time together."

He folds his arms, "I hope to be able to spend another seven with him as well. To see Max grow as a CEO and a leader throughout the years has really been an honor."

Maryanne isn't sure what else to say, so she only nods and peers around the room.

Daniel's voice beings to shift, a tightness forming in the back of his throat, "I do have to say, though, that the last few months Max has been quite off his game."

Swallowing her unease, Maryanne refu