Chapter 57

“Now that I know that you are okay, what’s the plan for the rest of the day?”

“Chantel called while you were out, and I need to go into the office to sign some papers, so please drive me to the office.”

She rolled her eyes playfully. “Oh course Mon Cheri.”

I smirked. “I’ve asked Chantel to give you a tour, introduce you to everyone.”

She blinked. “Everyone?”

I nodded. “As you are my girlfriend, I thought you might like to meet my staff.”

Her eyes lit up. “Seriously?”

I nodded. “I think you’ll enjoy it.”

She grinned. “I’d love that.”

I smiled, knowing she had no idea how much more this visit would mean in just a few days.

As Monique drove us through the city streets, she seemed more excited than usual. “What kind of projects do you have going on right now?”

I smirked. “You’ll see soon enough.”

She glanced at me, eyes narrowing. “You’re keeping secrets, Moreau.”

I chuckled. “Not for long.”

She huffed, but there was amusement in her expression. “Fine. But I expect a full tour.”

We pulled up in front of the office, and she parked smoothly before turning to me. “Are you sure your staff won’t mind me invading?”

I grinned. “They’ll be happy to meet you.”

She leaned over, pressing a lingering kiss to my lips. “Then let’s do this.”

With that, we stepped out of the car, ready for a day that would bring us one step closer to our future.

As we entered the main part of the office, Monique looked around with wide eyes, clearly eager to see what a functioning architectural engineering firm was like from the inside. The space was modern and efficient, but warm—a reflection of the kind of work we did.

Chantel was already at her desk, ever the professional, but she gave me a knowing smile as soon as she saw us.

“Monique is going to spend the morning getting to know the company,” I said, giving Chantel a subtle look. “Would you mind giving her a tour while I make a quick call? I’ll join you both shortly.”

Chantel nodded, her smile widening. “Of course. I’d love to show you around, Monique.”

Monique beamed. “I’d love that. I want to see everything.”

I squeezed Monique’s hand before stepping toward my office. “I won’t be long.”

Just as I was about to enter, I called out, “Chantel, can I see you for a second?”

She hesitated, glancing at Monique. “Give me just a moment,” she said with a reassuring smile before following me inside.

As soon as the door shut behind her, Chantel crossed her arms and smirked. “Judging by that look on your face, you have news.”

I nodded, unable to hide my excitement. “Everything is arranged. MIT is on board, Monique’s professor gave her approval, and the paperwork will be sent over in the next day or two.”

Chantel let out a slow whistle. “That was fast. You really pulled it off. I’ve already had a few of the staff asking me about her. It’s a small world and they know some of the same people you know in America.”

I leaned against my desk. “I wanted to make sure she never had to choose between her future and staying with me. Now, she doesn’t have to.”

Chantel’s expression softened. “She’s going to be over the moon when you tell her.”

I nodded. “But not yet. I want to wait until everything is officially signed before I say anything. I don’t want to get her hopes up if something falls through at the last second.”

Chantel raised an eyebrow. “You’re being overly cautious, but I get it. I did ask they pass the word to keep it quiet for now. So, when are you planning on telling her?”

I took a deep breath. “I want you to arrange a staff meeting. I’ll explain everything then” I chuckled. “Just do me a favor and set up that meeting.”

She gave me a small salute. “Consider it done.”

I exhaled, feeling a weight lift off my chest. Everything was coming together. I sat and composed one last email thanking everyone involved at M.I.T.

Now, I just had to keep it a secret for a few more days.