Chapter 272

"Madeleine, Mr. Hale wants to see you." Madeleine kept her head down like a kid caught red-handed and walked into the office. "When did I say anything about a team-building event?" Julian bit out, clearly annoyed. She took a deep breath and straightened up. "Mr. Hale, everyone's been working overtime for the project. Morale's getting low. Just thought some team-building might help boost the vibe and, you know, efficiency." His smile was all sharp edges. "No wonder you're my assistant. Always thinking for the boss." "You flatter me, sir." Madeleine's tone was polite but with a playful edge. "By the way, I don't need a bonus for the Brindleford Village project." Julian twitched a bit. That project had a promised bonus of half a million, which he had personally said would go to whoever bagged the deal. "Rogers, send it to finance," he said through clenched teeth. His secretary beamed. "Will do, Mr. Hale." Madeleine blinked innocently, her eyes sparkling. "You're too kind, Mr. Hale. I was