Chapter 40

Eric rolled up to the Johnson Group HQ, tossed his keys to the security guard like he owned the place, and told him to park the car. He then strutted right into the building.

The receptionist hustled to catch up with him. "Sir, excuse me,who are you here to see?"

"Michael," Eric said, not even breaking his stride.

"Sir, you need an appointment to see Mr. Johnson," she called after him,practically jogging to keep up.

Eric just ignored her and headed straight for the elevator.

"You can't use that! It's for the president only..." she tried to say, but the doors had already closed.

Michael got a call and simply said, "Let him in." He thought to himself,Even if I told you to stop hi, you couldn't. It'd just be awkward for me.'

Eric barged into Michael's office,leaving the door wide open. He plopped down on the sofa and grabbed an apple fromthe coffee table, taking a big bite.

Michael, buried in work, was annoyed by the crunching. "Do you think this behavior is appropriate for a subordinate?"

Eric chewed slowly, swallowed, and then said, "As a subordinate, no. But I'm not just your subordinate; I'm also your..."

He paused for effect."Boyfriend."

Michael looked up, unfazed. "Oh? Qiana talked to you. Did she give you money?"

"Next time, can you at least give me a heads-up?" Eric stood up, leaned over Michael's desk, and whispered angrily, "Don't leave me hanging like that."

Michael shrugged. "Didn't you handle it fine? I didn't think it was necessary."

Noticing Jeremy peeking from the doorway, Michael grabbed Eric's hand and raised his voice. "I think we realy click."

Eric played along. "No, I don't want a relationship without communication.Couples should call and see each other more. If you won't come to the branch, I'll come here, or you can transfer me to work with you."

He leaned in closer and whispered, "Mr. Johnson, you owe me big time for Isabella today."

From Jeremy's angle, it looked like they were about to kiss. He quickly covered his eyes. Then he bolted to Qiana's office, holding his head.

Once Jeremy was gone, Michael let go of Eric's hand and grabbed a wet wipe,meticulously cleaning each finger. Eric did the same but with less care.

"You said I owe you for Isabella. What's that about?" Michael asked.

"John came to the company to mess with Isabella. I handled it," Eric said casually.

"What?" Michael shot up from his chair. "He dared to mess with Isabella?"

Seeing Michael so worked up, Eric quickly shut the door. "I took care of it.But if he tries again, you'll need to step in."

Knowing Isabella was safe, Michael relaxed and looked at Eric. "Thanks,man. I owe you one. How do you want me to repay you?"

"Let's save that for later," Eric said, lounging back on the sofa,"First,let's talk about us."

Michael sighed and leaned back in his chair."It's Jeremy. He had someone watch me and saw us together. He thought we were dating and told Qiana.She thinks I'm dating guys just to spite them."

"Why didn't you clear things up?" Eric asked. "Is Isabella not good enough for you?"

"She's the best," Michael said firmly, then gave a bitter smile. "But you know why I didn't explain."

"We're a lot alike," Eric sighed.

"Let's make things worse together," Michael suggested. "When they suffer,they'll appreciate the good times more."

Eric raised an eyebrow. "Is this all your plan?"

"It just happened this way. Planning it would make it too forced," Michael laughed. "I'm not that devious."

"Are you so sure I'Il go along with this?" Eric asked with a smirk.

Michael shot back, "You won't? It's a win-win. If you didn't see that, you wouldn't be here."

"If we're doing this, let's make it real," Eric said, extending his hand. "Let's go eat. It's peak time in the cafeteria."

Michael shivered, got goosebumps, but still took Eric's hand.

They walked around the company hand in hand and finallymade their way to the cafeteria.

Word quickly got to Victor that Eric had come to see Michael.

Victor was pleased. Eric, who had never been very ambitious, was finally showing some initiative. He was even building a good relationship with Michael.

Victor secretly went to the cafeteria. Seeing the two being close,he felt proud. Eric was finally learning how to play the game.

Hearing the news from Jeremy, Qiana rushed back to the company and saw Victor grinning like a Cheshire cat, watching the pair in the cafeteria.

"Mr. Allen, you seem very pleased with their relationship," Qiana said.

"Of course. Mr. Johnson is excellent. Eric wvill benefit a lot from this,"Victor smiled slyly.

"Eric is dating Michael," Qiana said bluntly, unable to stand Victor's smugness.

Victor frowned. "Ms. Johnson, I know we don't see eye to eye, but you can't ruin Eric and Mr. Johnson's relationship."

Qiana sneered and waved her hand. Jeremy went to fetch the two from the cafeteria.

"Don't you two have something to say to Mr. Allen?" Qiana asked, arms crossed, looking at Victor.

"Mr. Allen, Eric and I are dating," Michael said confidently,hugging Eric."So you can't make things difficult for him."

"Eric, is he forcing you?" Victor asked, pointing at Michael in disbelief.

Eric looked down, feigning shyness. "Dad, we're really in love."

Victor's fingers trembled with anger as he pointed at them. "You..."

Before he could finish, Victor collapsed.