New Boss Is My One-Night Stand's Baby Daddy novel Chapter 8

8 Chapter 8 – The Price of a First Impression

Chapter 8 – The Price of a First Impression

Hazel’s POV

The elevator doors opened, and I spotted Chloe immediately. Her blonde hair bounced as she waved enthusiastically from her parked car.

“There’s my working girl!” she called out, opening her arms for a hug. “How was your first day?”

I collapsed against her with a dramatic groan. “I’m pretty sure I’m getting fired tomorrow.”

Chloe pulled back, her perfectly shaped eyebrows shooting upward. “What? Already? What happened?”

“I argued with my boss on the phone,” I admitted, wincing at how unprofessional it sounded.

Chloe’s eyes widened before she burst into uncontrollable laughter. “You did what? Oh my God, Hazel!”

“It’s not funny!” I protested, but a reluctant smile tugged at my lips. “He was being a complete jerk.”

“Mommy!” A high–pitched voice called from the backseat. I peered in to see my beautiful three–year–old son, his rare violet–blue eyes lighting up at the sight of me.

“Hi, baby!” I leaned in to plant kisses all over his chubby cheeks, my heart melting as it did every time I saw him. “Were you good for Aunt Chloe today?”

Leo nodded enthusiastically, clutching his favorite toy dinosaur. “We got ice cream!”

I shot Chloe a look as I climbed into the passenger seat. “Before dinner?”

“Don’t start,” Chloe warned, sliding behind the wheel. “Now, tell me everything. I want all the details about this boss.”

As she pulled into traffic, I recounted the phone call with Liam Sterling. By the time I finished, Chloe was wiping tears of laughter from her eyes.

“So this guy basically tried to intimidate you, and you shut him down?” She slapped the steering wheel. “That’s my girl!”

“Evelyn said it was some kind of test,” I explained, “but now he’s coming in tomorrow, and his text tonight was… terse.”

“Show me,” Chloe demanded,

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8 Chapter 8 – The Price of a First Impression

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I pulled out my new work phone and showed her his message: “Arriving tomorrow. We’ll discuss your duties, and prepare the chamomile tea.”

“Ooh, he sounds intense,” Chloe whistled. “Is he at least hot? Please tell me he’s not some crusty

old man.”

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“I don’t know! I haven’t even met him in person,” I replied. “Evelyn mentioned he’s quite young for his position, but that’s all I know.”

Chloe grinned mischievously. “A young, powerful CEO? This could get interesting.”

“Stop it,” I warned. “I’m a single mom who desperately needs this job. The last thing I need is workplace drama.”

“Speaking of jobs,” Chloe said, her smile growing wider, “guess who just got hired at Apex World?”

I gasped. “You did? Chl, that’s amazing!”

“I know! The interview went perfectly, and I start next week. We’re both moving up in the

world!”

We high–fived as Leo giggled in the backseat, mimicking our excitement without understanding

1. it.

“Where to now?” Chloe asked. “Home?”

I checked my watch. “Actually, can we stop at the mall? I need to get a few things for Leo’s daycare tomorrow.”

Twenty minutes later, we were strolling through the mall with Leo between us, holding both our hands and occasionally jumping to make us swing him.

“Careful, baby,” I cautioned as he nearly tripped a passing shopper. “Let’s get your supplies first, then maybe we can look at a new toy if you’re good.”

“Dinosaur!” Leo exclaimed hopefully.

“You have fifteen dinosaurs already,” I laughed, ruffling his black hair.

“But not a purple one,” he argued with impeccable three–year–old logic.

After gathering Leo’s daycare supplies, we wandered past a toy store where Leo spotted a building block set

“Mommy, look!” He pressed his face against the glass, his eyes wide with wonder.

The price tag made me wince, but my recent paycheck from my previous job had finally cleared. For once, I could afford a small splurge.

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8 Chapter 8 – The Price of a First Impression

“Okay, birthday boy,” I said, though his birthday was still two months away.

Leo’s squeal of delight was worth every penny as we left the store with his new treasure clutched tightly in his arms.

As we continued walking, a dress in a boutique window caught my eye. It was a deep emerald green that would perfectly complement my eyes, with an elegant cut that spoke of quiet confidence. The kind of dress that could make someone take you seriously at first glance.

Chloe noticed my lingering gaze. “That would look incredible on you.”

“It’s beautiful,” I agreed, reluctantly turning away. “And completely impractical.”

“Why?” Chloe challenged, blocking my path. “You have a high–profile job now. You should look the part.”

“It’s too expensive,” I protested.

Chloe checked the price tag through the window. “It’s on sale! And with your new salary, you can afford it.”

“I should be saving that money for Leo’s future, not wasting it on clothes.”

Chloe

put her hands on my shoulders. “Hazel Vance, listen to me. This isn’t frivolous spending. It’s an investment in your career. You said yourself this boss is intimidating. Walking in there tomorrow looking like a million bucks will give you confidence.”

I bit my lip, considering. “You think?”

“I know,” Chloe insisted. “First impressions matter, especially with men like Liam Sterling. If you look confident, you’ll feel confident.”

Twenty minutes later, I was standing in the dressing room, staring at my reflection in disbelief. The dress fit perfectly, hugging my curves in all the right places without being inappropriate for work.

“Well?” Chiqe called from outside.

I stepped out, and her jaw dropped.

“Holy shit, Hazel,” she whispered, mindful of Leo playing nearby with his new blocks. “You look incredible.”

I turned to examine my reflection in the three–way mirror. For once, I didn’t see the exhausted single mom struggling to make ends meet. I saw a confident professional woman who could stand her ground against anyone

“I’ll take it,” I decided.

–

even a temperamental CEO.

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