Alina rushed out of the office, her heart pounding from embarrassment. She didn't know whether to scream, cry, or laugh at the absurdity of her boss.
Outside the company building, she pulled out her phone. WeChat notification.
> [FanX]: You did great today. Don't let anyone put you down.
Alina's eyes softened. She didn't know who this mysterious supporter was, but their words always came at the right time.
> [Alina]: Thanks… really needed that. My boss is insufferable. I swear he lives to ruin my life.
Back at his office, Adrian leaned against his chair, smirking at the screen of his second phone.
> [FanX]: Maybe he doesn't hate you. Maybe he sees something special.
"Special? Hah," Alina muttered as she walked toward the bus stop. "That man only sees me as an idiot employee."
Just then, her best friend Mia came running, waving wildly.
"ALINA!! You forgot your script notes!" she yelled, almost tripping over her own feet. Her fluffy pigtails bounced, her round glasses slipping off her nose.
"You'd lose your head if it wasn't attached!"
Alina burst out laughing despite her mood.
"Thanks, Mia. You're literally my lifesaver."
Mia leaned in, whispering dramatically, "By the way… Adrian totally looked at you differently today."
Alina choked. "What?! No way! He hates me!"
Mia's grin widened. "Or maybe…"
Meanwhile, back in Adrian's sleek office, Ethan, his loyal assistant, crossed his arms with a knowing look.
"Sir, may I ask why you're smiling at your phone instead of reviewing the company's quarterly report?"
Adrian froze, his expression instantly switching to his usual cold glare.
"Mind your business, Ethan."
Ethan smirked faintly. Boss, if only she knew you're the one cheering her on every night…
But fate was already weaving threads tighter than Adrian expected. Because the more he tried to keep his distance, the deeper he was falling.
The sound of heels echoed faintly in the wide hallway as Hana hurried after Elena.
"Wait, Elena! What just happened back there?" Hana asked, her brows furrowed, puffing out her cheeks in frustration. "Why did the CEO suddenly walk out with you? I've been working here two years, and the guy has never once left his office for anyone!"
Elena's chest tightened. She pressed the strap of her bag nervously.
"I… I don't know," she muttered. "Maybe it's just some boss thing. Maybe he thought I messed up."
Hana smirked and leaned closer, whispering, "Messed up? Please! You didn't even say a word when he dismissed the entire board. Elena, don't you see? You caught his attention."
Elena's cheeks turned pink.
"That's impossible. He's… my boss. And I hate him."
"Uh-huh. 'Hate him.'" Hana's tone dripped with sarcasm. "You say it, but your face is as red as a strawberry tart."
Elena swatted her friend's arm.
"Shut up, Hana!"
Before Hana could tease her more, a tall figure appeared at the end of the corridor—Kai. His presence was impossible to ignore. With his black tailored suit, broad shoulders, and calm yet intimidating aura, he seemed carved out of another world entirely.
"Elena," Kai's deep voice called, smooth but commanding.
She froze. Even her name sounded dangerous when he spoke it.
"Yes… Mr. Kai?" she stammered, her palms sweaty.
He stopped a mere step away, his cologne—a mix of cedar and something sharper—brushing past her senses. His eyes locked onto hers, sharp and unreadable.
"Tomorrow morning, 9 sharp," he said. "I want you in my office. Alone."
Elena blinked, her heart skipping a beat.
"A-alone?"
"Yes," he replied without hesitation. His tone held no room for argument. Then, as if he hadn't just thrown her entire world upside down, he turned on his heel and walked away, his stride precise and confident.
Hana grabbed Elena's wrist, eyes wide.
"Oh. My. God. Do you even realize what this means?!"
Elena clutched her chest, trying to steady her breathing.
"It means… I'm going to die of stress before my paycheck even clears."
But deep inside, where she refused to admit it, her heart was already racing in anticipation of tomorrow.