“No need, really,” Stella insisted quickly, surprised he was taking her so seriously. “Don’t stay up late. Just get some rest—three days will be enough.”
Harold shot a furtive glance at Joshua. The man’s expression remained as calm and unreadable as ever, betraying nothing.
Truthfully, one day would have sufficed, but Joshua had told Harold to say three, just to avoid arousing Stella’s suspicions.
Stella turned to Harold. “Joshua told me you work as a driver, right?”
She smiled. “With your skills, it seems like a waste for you to be behind the wheel. How about joining my company as the Director of IT? We’ll start you at a million dollars a year, and once this current crisis is over, I’ll help you move up even further. What do you think?”
Harold’s poker face didn’t slip as he glanced at Joshua.
Stella was actually trying to poach someone right in front of Joshua. If it had been anyone else, they’d probably be out of luck by tomorrow.
In his most earnest tone, Harold replied, “Being a driver has always been my childhood dream, honestly. Hacking... that’s just a hobby. I really love my job, and I’m not looking to change careers right now.”
Stella didn’t want to push. “Well, if you’re this talented as a hobbyist, I’m seriously impressed. If it’s your dream, I won’t try to convince you otherwise. But if you ever change your mind, my company’s doors are always open to you.”
Harold gave a polite nod. “Thank you.”
Stella smiled. “There’s no need for thanks. You’re Joshua’s friend, so you’re my friend too. If you ever need anything, just let me know.”
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Harold excused himself. “I should get back to work—I’ve got some things to take care of.”
“All right. Thank you for your help.”
Once Harold had gone, Stella looked over at Joshua, who had remained silent the whole time.
“Joshua, can I ask—where exactly did you meet your friend? He’s incredible. Three days, and that’s all he needs? Who is he, really?”
Joshua’s eyes were distant, as if veiled by a thin mist. “He just has a little talent, that’s all. Those so-called online rankings are pretty meaningless anyway.”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance