Not my problem, I think as I realize he’s not going to make it on time. I shut the door and jump when I hear the low voice right behind me. “As usual, you clean up well, Solis.”

“I thought you had already left.”

He shakes his head. “Not everyone is like you.”

“Me, you think I’d abandon you just to get the project? I’ve always been a team player, Archer. Unlike you.”

“Again with the assumptions.”

“They aren’t assumptions. Haven’t you heard the phrase; actions speak louder than words? You left me in Cancun to go and get your fucking project—which I ended up getting, by the way,” I gloat.

“Whatever, I could spend the next hundred years trying to convince you that I’m not the same person. But if you won’t take my word for it, maybe you should see the company for yourself.”

I sigh. If three years with Miller and three years away from Miller have taught me anything, it’s that no one should be the kind of boss he was to me.

And no one should think aspiring to be better than him is special. No, it should be common sense to treat employees with respect.

“Okay, let’s say you’re a nice guy who treats his employees like humans,” I say. “I won’t be giving you a medal for being a decent person. Doing the bare minimum isn’t praiseworthy, it’s your obligation.”

“But—”

“Stay away from me,” I warn him.

People never change.

Miller Archer can swear he’s a changed man, but his actions tell me a different story. When we arrive, the entire family is already in the main house. We’re talking: grandparents, parents, siblings, aunts, cousins, and the children. Mr. Gyles’s sister is only a couple of years older than me.

She’s beautiful. Tall, light brown hair, slim, and yet curvy.

She’s in charge of sales, and the moment Tony introduces her to Miller, she pulls him away because she has a lot of ideas.

With a big family like mine, I am used to mingling around without fraternizing and yet, looking social. When we’re called to sit at the table, I’m not sure how we’re going to fit. Except, I find they have several tables in the back of the house.

This is a party.

“Ms. Solis, come with us,” Mr. Gyles touches my elbow slightly and redirects me to the biggest table.

Miller is already sitting by Eva Gyles. They are close, chatting intimately. I’m gutted by the scene. He’s already found a way to exclude me. I wouldn’t be surprised if, by the end of the night, I’m told Blend is out of the running.