Page 82 of My Ruthless Opponent

When Archer was MIA for most of the week, I was beginning to think that he was kidding about the whole vacation thing.

He was a no-show during the meetings. And I couldn’t be more relieved. This was good. It meant little to no PDA.

Victor has work complications and he would be attending the wedding directly.

It meant we could work there without him or Archer breathing down our necks.

My peace was short-lived. Because as soon as I entered the jet, the man lounging in a leather seat was none other than my boss. Archer Kim.

In a floral shirt and white pants, Archer resembles the exotic model we hired for a photoshoot in the past.

“Archer!” Brielle shouts in encouragement before pushing past me to reach him.

Mia gasps, “What a pleasant surprise! You look dashing in this outfit.”

“Indeed!” Brielle nods enthusiastically.

He smiles at them. “Thank you, ladies.”

I hear Raleigh’s laughter from the doorway of the plane as he enters with the others.

I feel his large hand settling on my hip as he says, “Princess, why are you standing in the middle—”

I know that’s the exact moment he spots Archer.

Like me, he also assumed Archer won’t be joining us on this work trip.

“Aloha, my star employees.” Archer’s lips curl in a smile, his eyes closing with the motion. It makes him look younger than he already seems.

He doesn’t look thirty-one at all. It’s like Archer stopped aging after twenty-five or so.

“I thought you were—”

“It’s your wedding, Hannah. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. And besides, I am officially off duty from now. I am going to enjoy while you all work your asses off.” He grins at the group.

“That’s so not fair!” Someone whines.

Archer laughs. Then his eyes slowly slide to Raleigh who is still standing behind me.

“Well, as my star employee says, everything is fair in love and business. And this a big opportunity for us, right?” He breaks the eye contact and addresses the group once again.

“Yeah.” Everyone agrees.

“So are you all ready to embark on a new adventure?” Archer calls out in a booming voice.

It stirs up their spirit and everyone yells “yes, sir” in unison.

When everyone’s settled down and we are in the air, drinks are served.

Raleigh and I are sitting side by side on a couch facing Archer.

Not by choice. Because Archer picked the seat for us.

Archer picks up his glass. “To Raleigh and Hannah.”

“To Raleigh and Hannah,” Everyone cheers to that while Raleigh and I stare at each other with our mouths sealed shut.

Shit just got real.

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