More Than A Favor

< More Than A Favor Chapter 78 © Get 101 Menu "Miles, what's going on here?" I glanced at his outfit-a set of work overalls and a safety helmet. Deep down, I already knew the answer, but I couldn't help asking.

The situation struckas absurd. Was it really necessary to involve the entire Mercer family just because Ashton was here? And Miles of all people-he had been living abroad for years. Shouldn't he still be working in whatever country he was stationed in? How did he suddenly end up back at Mercer Corporation? Did this mean he was planning to work domestically from now on? "I'm joining the team. I'll be working with you from now on," Miles said with a polite smile, extending his hand toward me.

His words confirmed my suspicions, but I still found myself hesitating. After a brief pause, I shook his hand. "Welcome... uh..." I trailed off, unsure of how to address him now that we were supposedly colleagues. Calling him by his first nfelt too familiar for a work setting.

"Just callMiles, like you always have," he said with that trademark gentle smile.

I decided to draw a line. "It's better to keep things professional. Logan has always emphasized the importance of separating personal and work relationships.” Although I didn't know whose idea it was to place Miles here, Logan had to be involved. He was the executive president of the company, and there was no way he wouldn't be aware of his younger brother's assignment.

Miles seemed to pick up on my subtle hint. "I'm the executive director for this project," he explained. Executive director? That was a new one. In all my years at the company, I'd never heard of such a position. "Temporarily, of course," he added. “I'll mainly be overseeing the progress of the amusement park and helping resolve technical issues. My background in mechatronics should cin handy." Hearing this, I could barely suppress the wave of frustration building inside me. It was obvious Miles wasn't here to help-he'd been sent to keep an eye on Ashton and me.

It seemed both Logan and Miles had decided that my proximity to Ashton was unacceptable.

Before I could respond, Ashton strolled over, his calm demeanor as steady as ever. "That's great news! I suggested to Ms. Hart yesterday that we might be able to shorten the deadline. With you on board, Mr. Mercer, we'll finish even faster." Ashton's enthusiasm for Miles's arrival caughtoff guard.

Turning to me, he said, "Let's get started right away!" Then, addressing Miles, he continued, "Since this is your first day, you should take stto familiarize yourself with the current workflow and the most pressing issues. Once you're comfortable. we'll split up the tasks. I'll work with Ms. Cown, and you can team up with Ms. Ellison." 1. D) 1413 I stared at Ashton in disbelief. Was he serious? Get 10 > = Menu How could he casually assign work to Miles, the second-in-line to inherit Mercer Corporation? And not only that he had cleverly arranged it so Miles couldn't monitor Ashton anddirectly.

It hitthen that Ashton, behind his polished and professional exterior, was surprisingly shrewd.

Miles opened his mouth, likely to protest, but Ashton didn't give him the chance. "Well, let's not waste time. Ms. Hart, shall we?" With no other choice, I nodded at Miles and followed Ashton. I didn't look back, but I could feel the weight of Miles's gaze on my back as we walked away.

The whole situation leftuneasy.

Logan had sent Miles here to prevent anything from developing between Ashton and me, but Logan had no idea about Miles's feelings for me.

If Logan ever found out, I was certain he'd regret his decision.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't realize where I was walking until I felt a firm tug pullingto the side.

Ashton's arm hooked around mine, steadyingas I stumbled into him. His clean scent surrounded me, and his voice, low and steady, cclose to my ear. "You should pay more attention to where you're going." Startled, I stepped back quickly, trying to shake off the awkwardness.

"You overstepped earlier," I said, my tone firm. "Miles is technically my superior here. You can't just assign him tasks." Ashton raised an eyebrow. "He's new to the project. If I don't assign him work, are we supposed to wait, for him to assign tasks to us?" His logic was difficult to argue with.

Miles might be highly capable in his field, but he didn't understand the specifics of what Ashton and I were working on.

"Why? Would you rather team up with him?" Ashton asked suddenly, his tone neutral but his eyes sharp. "Absolutely not," I replied quickly.

A faint smile flickered across Ashton's face before disappearing.

We got back to work, and Miles didn't approach us again.

However, Maya rushed over not long after, her face full of curiosity. "Elaine, what's happening? Why is Mr. Mercer here? Is he here to oversee the project?" "Yes, and he'll be teaming up with you," I said, unable to resist teasing her. "He'll be helping you with the testing phase." Maya's jaw dropped. "What? No way! Elaine, you should be the one working with him. If you make a mistake, he'd never get angry with you!" "I don't agree," Ashton interjected without even looking up from his work.

Both Maya and I turned to him in surprise. He repeated calmly, "I don't agree.

2429% Chapter 78 His bluntness caught us off guard. Maya gavea helpless look, while I bit back a laugh.

"Elaine, con... Maya started, but Ashton cut her off.

"Ms. Hart," he said, "can you cup here and helpcheck the lighting effects?" I nodded and stepped into the elevator, leaving Maya behind, still pouting.

When I reached Ashton, I glanced at the control panel and froze.

Displayed on the screen in bold text was the message: "I insist on being in a team with you.

I looked at Ashton, stunned. "Are you serious?" Ashton gavea challenging look, as if daringto agree to Maya's request.

I sighed, exasperated. A moment Greed later, the screen returned to normal, working as if and Ashtores Gmed mer nothing had happened. "Ashton, you're such a two-faced person," I teased, unable to hold back a grin.

| "What do you mean?" he asked, his expression feigning innocence.

"You act all proper and professional, but you're actually sneaky and manipulative," I said, shaking my head.

"Me? Manipulative?" Ashton asked, looking genuinely offended. "Is that how you see me?" "Isn't it true?" I shot back.

Instead of responding, Ashton fiddled with the control panel. A moment later, the elevator began to sway gently.

Startled, I instinctively grabbed onto Ashton for support.

His voice clow and teasing. "Ms.

Hart, shouldn't you be more mindful? e What if someone sees us like this?" I shut my eyes and clung to him tighter. "Why is it swaying? Fix it!"

Ashton smirked slightly, his arms wrapping aroundMR Leaning closer, he whispered, "Stay still, and it'll stop.