The old man raised his brow at Luna's words, his sharp eyes narrowing on her.
"Oh? Hell yes, Miss Ashford. I wonder what gossip you're trying to spread this early in the morning, with your…"
His words trailed off as his gaze shifted to the girl standing next to Luna. She was quite familiar, and his piercing stare lingered on her for a long moment.
"And you are…?"
"I'm so sorry, Mr. Luke. I was just showing my junior around to make sure she won't get lost," Luna said quickly, a grin on her lips.
"Yes, I can see that," Mr. Luke replied with a faint smile, though his attention never left Elysia.
"Young lady, are you Elysia Aryson?"
"Yes, she is, Mr. Luke," Luna interrupted hurriedly. "If you'll excuse us—"
But Mr. Luke's expression hardened he was annoyed with Luna's behavior.
"And where do you think you're going? I've been looking for someone unoccupied, and since I've found you, go to my secretary's office and fetch the folder I left there a few minutes ago. I want the work done within an hour. If not, I'll fire you for laziness and skipping work," he said coldly.
Elysia froze, stunned by his temper. She silently prayed he wouldn't become her direct supervisor.
"I'd be more than happy to do the work," Luna said with a thin smile. Elysia didn't need to guess it was fake.
Luna hurried off, leaving Elysia alone and awkward.
Should I also walk away or stay? she thought nervously.
Making up her mind, she turned to leave.
"And where are you going? I came here looking for you."
Elysia blinked, startled.
Looking for me? Why?
"Mr. Luke. Supervisor of all new workers in the finance department," he said curtly. "And yet you're here gossiping, making you the last to report on your first day. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"I'm sorry, Mr. Luke. I'll be more careful next time," Elysia said softly.
"Promising. Don't fall into the same category as your friend, or you'll have a very difficult time," Mr. Luke replied coolly.
He was strict with all interns, and fear of the new CEO labeled the devil had the company on edge. No one dared slip up, especially since the CEO's name remained a mystery.
The door to the finance department opened as Mr. Luke strode in, Elysia at his side. Something about her quiet confidence made him allow her to walk beside him. She carried herself gracefully, standing out among all the other interns.
"Everyone," his commanding voice rang out, making the room fall silent. "We have another new member joining our department."
"Hello, everyone. I'm Elysia Aryson, and I'm happy to join you," she said politely.
Everything went smoothly, and soon she was seated at her desk, working diligently. Despite a few minor mistakes, she quickly found her rhythm.
She was so focused she didn't notice the man standing in front of her until she looked up.
"Hello there, beauty. Having any difficulties?" he asked with a sly smile.
Elysia's tone was flat. "No, thank you. I'm good."
"I don't think so." He leaned down, placing his hand over hers on the mouse.
She quickly pulled her hand back, glaring at him.
"I said I am good."
"Dante, unless you want your ass kicked out of here, back off. She's off-limits," Luna's sharp voice cut in from across the room, her arms folded.
Dante scoffed, annoyed. "Jealous, or what? She didn't say she's off-limits."
"Let me give you some advice, Dante. Not every girl you see belongs on your dirty list. Unless you want me to report you to someone you don't want to meet…"
"Hey, chill. Stop making a fuss. I just thought she wanted some help," he muttered, raising his hands as he backed off.
"You know what, Luna? I was really going to punch that noisy nose of his," Elysia grumbled, still irritated.
"I know you could. But isn't your stomach starving right now?" Luna teased, pulling her out of her chair.
As they walked out, Luna said, "There's always so much work here. If you keep overworking like this, you'll end up doing tasks that aren't even yours."
"I'm not stupid, Luna. I can handle the pressure. Just watch me," Elysia replied with a smirk.
They both giggled.
"What's so funny, ladies? Mind if I join you?"
Luna turned, already prepared to snap at Dante again but froze.
"Oh, hell no. Nothing could be funnier than you joining us, handsome," she said playfully.
"Luna, don't tell me you're letting him join us," Elysia muttered uneasily. The man standing there was none other than Nick.
"I'm Nick. Nice to meet you." He extended a hand toward Elysia, but Luna grabbed it first.
"Nice meeting you too, Nick. What a lovely name. I'm Luna. Oh wait—Nick and Luna. What a perfect match," she teased, still holding his hand.
"I'm so sorry, sir." Elysia quickly pulled Luna's hand away.
"What's your name?" he asked gently.
"It's Elysia…"
"Aryson?" he finished, raising a brow.
"How did you know that?" both Luna and Elysia asked at once, suspicion in their eyes.
"What do you want?" Luna asked seriously, her playful demeanor gone.
Nick was taken aback by her sudden change of tone.
"Just happened to know," he said casually, sipping his coffee while staring at Elysia.
"Let me repeat myself," Luna said firmly. "She's off-limits. You're handsome, but she's already married to a big shot."
"Wait, what?" Nick froze, shocked.
He grabbed Elysia's hand, making her face him.
"Who is it?" His voice was cold, his aura sharp enough to silence the room.
"Who the hell do you think you are to question me? We're in an era where freedom and privacy matter," Elysia snapped. "Let go."
Nick released her hand as she turned and walked away with Luna.
What is wrong with the men in this company? she thought bitterly.
Zarek appeared beside Nick.
"You're worse than I thought
. Let's try it my way."
They exchanged a silent glance, a smirk tugging at Nick's lips.
"She leaves me no choice, then."