Ambergris Locakboxes Traveled Salt Routes by Hugh Calder 22

Chapter Twenty–Two: Accepting The Offer.

Merrick raised his hand and knocked lightly on the CEO’s door. A sharp voice came from inside right away. You don’t need to knock, Merrick. Just come in.”

Merrick let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head with a grin. Cassienne couldn’t help but laugh too. She was already warming up to the CEO’s personality. He seemed so casual and fun, not stiff like the bosses she had known before. It made her feel a little less nervous, like she might fit right in here.

Merrick pushed the door open and stepped inside, holding it for Cassienne to follow. She walked in behind him, her eyes widening as she took in the office. It was large and beautiful, with clean lines and a sense of calm power. A cozy lounging area sat right by the glass wall, where soft chairs invited you to sit and watch the busy streets below.

People hurried along sidewalks, cars zipped by–it felt alive, full of energy. The desk was standard, just like the one in Merrick’s office, but everything else screamed quality: polished wood, sleek shelves, and touches of modern art that made the space feel expensive without being showy.

Still, it wasn’t as flashy as Dreston’s office. Dreston always went for the absolute best–top brands, over- the–top details, nothing less. She knew that about him all too well. Even in women, he chased perfection. That’s why she still believed he stuck with Tina: her stunning beauty, her high status, the way she turned heads everywhere.

Cassienne had spent years wondering if that’s what kept him loyal, or if it was just an excuse. For her, she was just an ordinary girl with a sharp mind for tech–intelligent, sure, but nothing special in his eyes.

He had never really seen her potential, never celebrated the way her brain sparked with ideas. The thought twisted in her gut, a familiar ache of being overlooked. But she brushed it away quickly, forcing herself to focus. She was here now, in front of Corren, and this moment felt too important to let old hurts cloud it.

Merrick gestured to one of the two chairs in front of the desk. “Have a seat, Cass,” he said softly. She nodded, grateful for his steady presence, and sank into the cushioned seat. The leather was cool against her skin, grounding her racing thoughts.

Corren didn’t look up at first. He was deep into typing on his computer, his fingers flying across the keys with focused intensity. “Just a minute, please,” he said, his voice polite but distracted. He didn’t lift his eyes from the screen.

Cassienne took a deep breath and relaxed a little, her shoulders easing down. She let her gaze wander around the room again, drinking in more detail. The office felt even bigger now, with sunlight streaming through the glass and casting warm patterns on the floor.

That’s when she noticed the two other doors, tucked discreetly to the side. One looked like it might lead to a private meeting room, the other perhaps a washroom or storage. Curiosity bubbled up inside her–what secrets did they hide? What kind of life did Corren lead in this space?

It made her wonder about him, this man who had kissed her so boldly earlier. Her lips tingled at the memory, a mix of embarrassment and thrill chasing through her.

Finally, Corren stood up. He walked to a printer in the corner, the machine humming as it spat out a document. He grabbed the pages, sat back down, and turned to face them. His expression was unreadable- a blank mask that hid whatever thoughts swirled in his mind. Cassienne’s heart picked up speed. What was

Chapter Twenty–Two: Accepting The Offer.

coming next? She clasped her hands in her lap to steady them.

“Okay, Cassienne,” Corren began, leaning forward slightly. His voice was steady, professional, but with that underlying warmth she had glimpsed before.

“From what my friend Merrick has told me about you, and based on what I saw myself today—how you fixed that glitch in seconds- I’d like you to join our company. Be assured of a competitive high salary, nice and decent accommodation, a car, and a driver of your choice. We’ll make sure you’re set up comfortably.”

Cassienne didn’t react right away. The words hung in the air, too big, too fast. It all felt unreal, like a dream she might wake from any second. Her mind raced–high salary? Accommodation? This was more than she had dared hope for. But she needed clarity.

What exactly would she be doing? She swallowed, her throat dry. “What is my job description?” she asked, her voice coming out steadier than she felt.

Corren’s face broke into a smile, his eyes lighting up with approval. “Brilliant question,” he said. “Very brilliant. I’d like you to take the position of director of engineering. You’ll report to the CTO here–that’s Merrick–and sometimes, if necessary, you can report directly to me. We’ll value your input at every level.” “What?” Cassienne whispered, the word slipping out before she could stop it. She couldn’t believe what she had just heard. Director of engineering? Her?

This man barely knew her–a few hours, one demo, and he was handing her a role like that? It was overwhelming, a rush of disbelief crashing over her. Joy bubbled up, but so did doubt. How could he see her worth so quickly?

And then the comparison hit her hard, like a punch to the chest. Her husband of five years–Dreston–had never seen it. Never praised her skills, never pushed her forward. He dismissed her ideas, treated her like an afterthought. But here was a stranger, offering her the world because he recognized her talent.

Tears stung her eyes, hot and unexpected. She felt a deep sadness for the years wasted, the love poured into someone who never truly valued her. Five years of feeling small, invisible. It hurt, a sharp reminder of the betrayal, the loneliness that had built up inside.

Why had she stayed so long? Why hadn’t she fought for herself sooner? Her chest tightened, emotions swirling–regret, anger, and a fierce determination to never go back to that.

She glanced at Merrick, who was already watching her with a gentle smile. His eyes were kind, full of quiet support. He nodded slightly, as if reading her thoughts.

“You should take it, Cass,” he said softly, his voice encouraging. “I believe in your work. You can handle this -you’re ready. I’ve seen what you’re capable of.”

His words wrapped around her like a warm blanket, easing the ache. Merrick had always been her cheerleader, the one who saw her light even when she couldn’t. It made the decision feel safer, more real.

But she had one more thing on her mind–her personal projects, the designs she had poured her heart into late at night. They were her babies, full of passion and innovation.

“I have my own projects I’m working on,” she said, meeting Corren’s gaze. “Can I share my designs with the company? Will I get a share in the sales if they work out?”

Chapter Twenty–Two Accepting The Offer

Corren nodded without hesitation. “Absolutely,” he replied, his tone enthusiastic. “Every idea you bring in, if it meets market standards, you get forty percent of the shares. That’s how we work here at Coralreach- fair, collaborative, rewarding talent. Your success is our success.”

The generosity of it all washed over her, filling the empty spaces left by her past. Forty percent? It was more than fair; it was empowering. For the first time, she felt truly valued, like her mind and creativity mattered. Excitement sparked in her veins, chasing away the shadows of doubt. This was her chance–a fresh start, a place to shine.

“Okay,” she said, her voice firm now. “I accept the offer.”

Merrick and Corren stood up immediately, their faces beaming. “Congratulations, Cass,” Merrick said, pulling her into a quick, brotherly hug. “Welcome to the team. You’re going to fit right in.”

Corren extended his hand across the desk. “And welcome to Coralreach,” he added, his grip warm and strong as they shook. “We’re lucky to have you. Let’s make some magic happen.” 1

Merrick shook her hand next, his eyes shining with pride. Cassienne stood there, shaking hands, a smile spreading across her face that she couldn’t contain. The weight of the past lifted just a little more, replaced by a glowing sense of possibility.

She was director of engineering now–at a company that buzzed with life, surrounded by people who believed in her. Her heart swelled with gratitude, hope, and a quiet thrill for what lay ahead. For once, the future felt bright, full of promise she could finally claim for herself.

Chapter

Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.