Chapter 169 **

“They have worked on this project for over two years,” he said with a smile. “Even if it takes another year to get it to the testing stage, I will make certain those involved are compensated for their time.”

“You are a very kind sir, Mr. Ashford,” she teased, leaning her head against his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her slender waist.

The doors to the lift opened far sooner than either would have preferred, and Sandra looked up, spying the elaborately decorated room beyond. Like the one downstairs, this one too had a variety of potted plants in various sizes located throughout the room. There were four desks, two on either side of the room, with the same glass window panels as the main lobby had. The floors were covered in a thick soft grey pile carpet and the furnishings were blonde oak.

At the far end of the room was a larger desk than those facing each other, and behind it sat Michelle Dubois. She smiled as the doors opened and stood, revealing the very tight mauve color