Chapter 69
Maxine’s expression softened a little. “Let’s not talk about that anymore. I’m planning to join Urban’s law firm. It’s good to have solid backing. I’ll help him handle the Soto family first, then I’ll deal with Gabriel.”
Cleo nodded. “Sounds like a plan. What about your current firm? Have you finished the resignation process?”
Maxine hesitated, checking her schedule.
“Not yet.” She frowned slightly. “Patrick hasn’t signed off on it.”
Cleo’s eyes widened. “What? They’re not letting you go, huh? Don’t tell me Sebastian’s pulling strings again.”
Maxine muttered, “Hard to say. If they keep dragging it out, it could turn into a real headache.”
“Well, give it a shot. If they start acting shady, tell me. I’ll help you figure something out,” said Cleo.
*****
Early the next morning, Maxine headed to her current firm to submit her resignation.
But when she got there, her colleagues told her Patrick was on annual leave. In his absence, Rayden was handling things. They directed her to Rayden instead.
Maxine frowned at the mention of Rayden. They’d never gotten along–he was close with Kathleen, and rumors around the office suggested he might even be related to her.
“Mr. Robinson.” She knocked on Rayden’s door with a composed expression. “I’m here to finalize my resignation.”
Rayden, who looked more like he was in his thirties despite being in his early forties, glanced up from his screen. With his neatly combed hair and scholarly vibe, he was a sharp contrast to the balding Patrick.
He smiled pleasantly. “Resignation? Come in. Take a seat. I just need a minute to wrap this up.”
Caught off guard by his sudden warmth, Maxine relaxed a little and walked in.
“Take a seat,” Rayden repeated, still focused on his screen.
Maxine waited patiently–but that “minute” stretched into nearly half an hour.
Rayden kept her engaged in small talk, asking vaguely about her next steps. Maxine kept her answers short, avoiding any specifics.
Eventually, she glanced at her watch. She had an appointment with Urban that afternoon to check out the new office. Her patience was wearing thin.
“How much longer is this going to take?” she asked.
Rayden finally stopped clicking, looked up, and adjusted his glasses with a smile. “In a rush, huh?”
“I’ve got things to do,” Maxine said, frowning slightly.
“No need to rush,” Rayden replied smoothly. “You know how it is–resignations aren’t something we process on a whim. As per our policy, we require a month’s notice. I can’t just approve an immediate exit.”
Maxine raised an eyebrow, equal parts amused and irritated. She’d actually thought Rayden’s attitude meant he was being cooperative–but clearly, he had other plans.
1/2
38
17:13 Wed, 18 Jun
Chapter 69
K
With a dry smile, Maxine asked, “So basically, you’re saying no, right?”
“It’s not that I’m making things difficult for you,” he said, still smiling. “But you didn’t go through the proper channels. Here’s what I suggest–submit the notice today, then come back in a month. That’s fair, right?”
Maxine’s expression didn’t change. “I need the documentation today. I’m filing for automatic resignation. Just calculate last month’s pay. I don’t need anything for this month.” She didn’t care about that little money.
Rayden’s smile stiffened. “Well, technically, that’s against policy. We’re not even required to pay out last month’s salary.”
2/2
