Page 2 of Billionaire Dragon King’s Rejected Mate

“I know.”

“You’re giving a speech to the press.”

“No, I’m not.”

Celia’s eyebrows lifted.

Chance leaned a little closer and lowered his voice conspiratorially. “New plan. You are.”

Celia blinked again. “Me?”

“You’re the marketing director,” he said easily. “You’ve been the one working with the city council, the contractors, the sponsors… you actually know what you’re talking about.”

“But that’s…” she gestured helplessly toward the stage “...that’s your job.”

He shook his head. “Today I’m just another employee.”

Celia looked down at the flip-flops. “Never in my career did I think I’d see you wearing those. You’re very committed to…whatever this is.”

Chance chuckled. “I want to walk around, talk to people, see the place the way our staff does. No speeches, no cameras, no predisposed respect.” He pointed a finger at her. “And definitely no ‘sir.’”

She sighed. “You realize half the press came because you’re supposed to be here.”

“They don’t know me, and they’ll still get a story,” he said cheerfully. “Just with you in it.”

Celia opened her mouth to protest again but Chance put a finger to her lips before he clapped his hands.

“Alright, everybody!”

The staff gathered closer. A few exchanged amused glances.

Chance spread his arms. “Today is a big day for the company. Baytopia is the largest project TimeOff has opened in Florida, and a lot of you worked your tails off to make it happen.”

Applause and cheers rippled through the group.

Chance nodded toward Celia. “So for the ribbon cutting this morning, the face of the company will be our marketing director, Celia Ramirez.”

Celia looked like she might pass out.

“And one more thing. For the rest of the day…” he pointed down at his flip-flops, “…I am not the CEO.”

The group laughed.

“I’m just Chance, and I’d prefer it if you didn’t say my name very often. And absolutely no titles, no Mr. Parelli, no boss talk. If you see me in line for the slides, treat me like any other person.”

“What do we call you?” Celia asked.

He smiled. It felt good to just enjoy himself. “I dunno. Dude. Hey you. Buddy.”

Laughter broke out. Someone called out, “Does that mean we can dunk you in the wave pool?”

Chance shrugged. “If you can catch me.” Laughter rolled again. “So that’s the rule. Celia runs the show today.”

He glanced at her with a mischievous smile. “And if anyone blows my cover, I will personally make your life miserable.”

A chorus of mock groans followed, and Celia just stared at him.

“You cannot just ambush me like that.”