Chapter 72

As Monique and I exited my office, Marc was waiting just outside, looking utterly miserable. He ran a hand through his graying hair, his face tinged with embarrassment.

“John, Monique, I—I am so sorry,” he blurted out. “I had no idea it was a secret. I just assumed—”

I sighed, shaking my head with a small smirk. “Relax, Marc. The news was coming out soon anyway. You just ... expedited the process.”

He let out a relieved breath, but his shoulders were still tense. “I really didn’t mean to—”

Monique smiled warmly, cutting him off. “Marc, it’s okay. It was a shock, but I’m happy. No harm done.”

That seemed to ease him a little, though the embarrassment remained.

I turned to the gathered staff, who had clearly overheard everything. “Well, since the cat is already out of the bag—” I shot Marc a teasing glance, and he winced, making the others chuckle. “—I’d like to officially welcome Monique as our newest team member. She will be finishing her work experience here under Marc’s supervision, and he will be responsible for reporting to M.I.T. about her progress.”

Marc straightened, looking both proud and still slightly mortified. “Of course. I’ll ensure she gets the best experience possible.”

Chantel, who had been standing off to the side with an amused smirk, called out, “And don’t accidentally reveal any more surprises, Marc.”

The room erupted in laughter, with Marc rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m never living this down, am I?”

Luc grinned. “Not a chance.”

As the laughter subsided, several team members came up to Monique to introduce themselves officially, shaking her hand and offering their welcomes. She handled it gracefully, her excitement evident, and I could see how much she was already fitting in.

Chantel then pulled me aside, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “You’re not going to kill him, are you?” she asked in a mock whisper. “Because we really do need Marc.”

I rolled my eyes. “He’s safe ... for now.”

She smirked. “Good. Because I really don’t want to go through the hiring process again.”

I sighed dramatically. “Fine. I suppose he can stay.”

Marc, overhearing, threw his hands up. “Oh, come on.”

The staff burst into laughter again before I clapped my hands together. “Alright, back to work, everyone. Enough fun at Marc’s expense ... for now.”

As the team returned to their projects, I took Monique’s hand. “Come on, let’s get out of here for lunch. We have a lot to talk about.”

She nodded eagerly, and as we stepped out of the office together, I couldn’t help but smile. Everything was falling into place—better than I could have hoped.