"It's getting late. We should go."

After sitting there for almost half an hour, even though David had been doing his best to strike up conversations and break the ice, Emma just couldn't bring herself to show any real interest. Her responses were lukewarm at best.

"Ah, okay. Let me walk you out then?" David quickly stood up with a hopeful smile as soon as Emma spoke.

"Thanks, but no need. I drove here. Take care."

Emma's reply was polite yet distant. She grabbed her bag and walked straight out of the booth without another glance.

Watching her leave, David could only shrug with a wry smile, tossed on his coat, and headed out as well.

...

On the way back home-

In the driver's seat, the longer Emma thought about how the evening had gone, the more irritated she felt. She tapped her steering wheel, then hit the call button to ring up Helen.

"Hey, Emma? Done with dinner?"

Helen's trademark teasing tone came through the car's speaker, which didn't help Emma's mood one bit.

"Helen, I just wrapped up. Thanks for the coffee, by the way."

Trying to keep her voice calm, Emma continued, "But honestly, I don't plan on dating right now. So maybe stop setting me up, yeah?"

"What? Emma, seriously, did you even get a good look at David? I'm telling you, don't be too picky. You're already twenty-three, and David's got everything going for him! Don't tell me you turned him down?"

Hearing Helen go off in that familiar lecturing tone made Emma both annoyed and amused.

What is it with people these days? Are they really this bored? Even her director was starting to dabble in matchmaking?

"Helen, whether I date or not is kinda up to me, don't you think? Don't stress over it so much."

Emma's voice was cold as she directly cut Helen off.

That caught Helen off guard-Emma had always come across as gentle and easy-going, and now she was snapping back at her?

"Wait... be honest with me. Do you... not like men?"

Okay, that came out of left field-but not entirely surprising. In Helen's eyes, David might as well have been Mr. Perfect. Only a fool would turn him down.

And Emma? She was apparently that fool.

"Wow, that's quite the joke."

Emma let out a breathy chuckle, more exasperated than amused, and honestly couldn't be bothered to keep this conversation going any longer.

Her director really was something else.

"I'm driving right now, so I should go. Thanks again for tonight."

Without waiting for a reply, Emma ended the call and tossed her phone aside.

...

Hunt Enterprises.

7 p.m.

"Mr. Hunt, the bidding results have been released."

"Alright. You can go."

Andy nodded, then walked out of the office.

Leaning back in his chair, Ethan rolled his neck to ease the stiffness from a long day of staring at paperwork. Then he stood, glanced at the clock on the wall, grabbed his car keys, and headed downstairs.

Once home, he noticed-Emma wasn't back yet."This woman's been coming home later and later..." Ethan muttered to himself, pulling off his jacket. He started undoing his shirt buttons as he walked up the stairs.

Just then, the sound of the front door opening made him pause. He looked up-and locked eyes with Emma as she walked in.

Emma wasn't expecting to run into him the second she stepped inside. There he was, leaning against the stairs, half-undressed. Her heart instantly started racing out of control.

Yeah... no matter what stupid stuff Ethan did, she still couldn't help herself. After all, she'd been crazy about him for years.

Avoiding his gaze, Emma dropped her eyes and moved to go past him.

"You're back," Ethan said lazily as he leaned his elbow on the stair railing.

"Yeah," she replied shortly, keeping her head down. Clutching her bag, she headed for the stairs-only to be pulled to a stop.

"Forget something?" Ethan asked, one brow raised.

He didn't let her pass. Instead, he suddenly yanked her into the corner by the stairs, boxing her in with one hand on the wall.

Caught off guard, Emma looked up into his eyes, heart thudding wildly again. But when he spoke next, she figured out pretty quickly what this was about, and her heartbeat started slowing down.

Must be about that big project Helen mentioned this morning.

Classic Ethan-already here looking for a "thank you" before the deal even closed.

"I don't know what you're talking about," she said, frowning slightly and pretending to be clueless.

"Didn't your company just get a new bid approved?" Ethan said with a knowing smirk.

"Oh, you mean that one..." Emma dragged out her words deliberately, staring into his amused eyes.

"Yeah," he leaned in a little closer, arm braced next to her face. "So? What are you gonna do to thank me?"

Emma scrunched her brows, clearly not amused. "Thank you? For what exactly?"

"You gave us that project on your own. I didn't beg you or anything," she said while pushing at his chest, but he didn't budge an inch.

Ethan raised his eyebrows dramatically, acting all innocent. "Doesn't matter. Point is it got approved because of me. I went out of my way for you, you know."

"Oh really?" Emma gave a sarcastic laugh, arms crossing in front of her. "Now what?"

"Well, you could always thank me with your body," he said with a smirk, eyes locked on hers as he leaned down and kissed her.

"Mmph-!"

Totally caught off guard, Emma froze as his hands started wandering, lighting little fires all over her skin.

"You-"

Emma had just lifted her hand, trying to push the man in front of her away, but before she could move, he grabbed her wrist and pinned it against the wall behind her.

With one arm wrapped firmly around her slim waist, Ethan lowered his eyes and deepened the kiss.

At that point, it was over-Emma had completely lost the strength to fight back. Her body gave in as his took over, leaving her powerless.

Outside the sheer curtains by the window, stars shimmered in the cool night sky. Inside the brightly-lit villa, the temperature kept rising steadily.

The night was far from over.

...

Next morning.

8:00 AM.

Upstairs bedroom, second floor of the villa.

"Mmm..."

With a soft groan, Emma rolled over and slowly woke from sleep. As she opened her eyes, she was met with a very familiar face-far too close for comfort.

The man was still asleep, lying right in front of her. Oddly enough, the first thing that popped into her head wasn't memories of last night, but a rather strange thought-how could a guy have eyelashes this long?

"You're awake?"

Sensing the woman shifting in his arms and letting out a sleepy sound, Ethan opened his eyes and looked straight at her, his deep gaze locking onto hers.

His voice was husky, like aged red wine-rich and alluring. Just waking up added a lazy edge to it, making it dangerously tempting.

"Yeah," Emma mumbled, dropping her eyes to avoid his gaze.

There was something dangerously soft about this man in the morning, a kind of charm you really had to brace yourself against.

"I should get up. I'm gonna be late for work."

Taking a breath to steady herself, Emma turned away and reached down to grab one of Ethan's white shirts from the floor. She pulled it on and headed barefoot into the bathroom.

Ethan propped himself up on one elbow, watching as she walked away from the bed. The light coming through the thin curtains outlined the curves of her figure, making her look even more captivating.

He kept his eyes on her until she disappeared into the bathroom, then finally got up himself, pulling on a robe and planning to head to the study.

Just then, Emma's phone buzzed lightly on the nightstand. Without thinking, Ethan picked it up-and his face darkened the moment he saw the message on the screen:

"Dinner was great last night, Ms. Grace. Thanks again. No pressure at all, but if you ever feel like grabbing coffee, let me know. -David"

That easy, relaxed feeling from earlier evaporated instantly.

Last night? Dinner with another guy?

Was she seeing someone behind his back?

Expression hardening, Ethan grabbed his own phone and quickly dialed a number. "Andy, I want a full report on Emma's recent whereabouts, and dig up everything you can on a guy named David. I want the details within thirty minutes."

Still half-asleep, Andy fumbled to answer his phone. But the second he heard Ethan's stormy tone, he bolted upright in bed, instantly wide-awake.

"Yes, sir-I'm on it now!"Andy didn't even bother with his shoes. The moment the call ended, he grabbed his laptop and got to work.

Not long after, Ethan's phone chimed. An email had come in-Emma's complete itinerary for the past two weeks, plus everything there was to know about David.

Skimming through the info, Ethan noticed her routine barely changed: work, villa, repeat. Except for last night.

"So, she really went on a date behind my back, huh?"

He glanced at David's profile, his brows slowly drawing together. That thought took root and wouldn't budge.

Honestly, with Emma, that wasn't entirely out of the question. They'd had their fair share of shouting matches, and she'd mentioned wanting to leave more than once.

Back then, he just brushed it off. Emma was different from her father-she actually cared. Otherwise, why would she stay in love with someone who never gave anything back?

That belief let him hurt her over and over again without second thoughts.

But now? Seeing that message... Ethan wasn't so sure anymore. Maybe she really was ready to walk away.

And the weird thing-he always thought he wouldn't care if she did. But now, why was there this nagging voice inside, screaming not to let her go?

Emma came out after freshening up, only to find Ethan standing dead center in the bedroom, frozen, eyes glued to his phone.

When he heard her steps, he finally looked up, gaze locking onto her. Those deep brown eyes didn't move an inch.

Being stared at like that sent a shiver down her spine. Her footsteps slowed instinctively.

"What's going on?" Emma asked, her voice cautious.

Ethan blinked like he was snapping out of something, then curved his mouth into a mocking smile.

"Emma... You really had me fooled. So, you went on a blind date? Was he your type?"

Emma stared at him, wide-eyed. Did he seriously think she was that kind of person?

"Aha, touched a nerve?" Ethan said coldly, reading her look as a confession.

"You can think whatever you like. I'm going to work," she said tiredly.

She didn't have the energy to fight anymore. Why was she even holding onto hope, after everything?

She was just a big fat fool.

Emma opened the bedroom door and walked out without a single glance back. For some reason, Ethan felt a sudden, sharp sting in his chest. Not a big one, but enough to notice.

Lately, he'd been acting differently whenever it came to her-harsh, petty, over the top.

He didn't want to admit it. Hell, he didn't even want to face what that meant.

He couldn't do Lily wrong.

...

3 PM.

Daisy Design Studio.

"Emma, come to my office for a bit."

Halfway through her work, Emma's office phone rang. The second she picked up, she heard Helen' voice.

"Okay."

Although yesterday's conversation had been awkward, Helen was still her boss. Emma quickly tidied her desk and headed to the director's office.

*Knock knock.*

Hearing the knock, Helen looked up and gestured to the chair in front of her. "Emma, come in, take a seat."

"Alright." Not sure what this was about, Emma sat down and waited quietly for Helen to speak.

"I've got a task for you," Helen said, pulling a file out of the drawer and sliding it across the table toward her.

Emma took a glance. The title screamed "Original Export Design," and the project was tied to Eastwave Global.

"Helen, working on modified export designs isn't really my thing. I'm just a junior designer. Wouldn't it be better to have someone else handle this?"

Emma's brows pulled together the moment she saw the company name. She pushed the folder back.

"Aww, come on, you haven't even opened it. How do you know you can't handle it? I believe you can-why else would I give it to you?"

Helen gave her a smile, clearly trying to sound encouraging despite Emma's clear resistance.

"But-" Emma started, only for Helen to wave her off. "No buts. Just finish this one, and from now on, you'll have full freedom picking your projects. I won't interfere again. Think of it as doing me a favor. Everything's already settled with the other party."

Hearing that, Emma was stunned speechless.

Back when Helen wasn't around, wasn't everyone allowed to pick their own projects?

Seeing Emma's unimpressed expression, Helen dropped the fake smile. If David hadn't messaged her, hinting at his feelings for Emma, she would've never bothered chasing her down for this.

"Alright, go back to your desk and look through the file carefully."

She waved her hand dismissively and lowered her head, not sparing Emma another glance.

Watching Helen put on such a show, Emma didn't know whether to laugh or scream. She'd been working here a while, and this was the first time she'd seen someone act like this.

"Then maybe you should just fire me." Without even touching the file, Emma stood up and walked straight out.

Helen's head snapped up as she stared at the untouched folder and Emma's retreating figure, speechless.

Young people these days-life's too easy for them. They've got no idea how the world works!

...

Hunt Group Headquarters.

Inside the CEO's office.

"Sir, Eastwave Global Tech Group is a joint-stock company that had plans to go public earlier this year but didn't make it. David joined them a year before last."

Standing in the office, Andy respectfully reported his findings.

"Still not public?" Ethan set his work aside, laced his fingers together, and looked up.

"Yes, according to the reports, the company's cash flow collapsed after a major shareholder pulled out."

"Buy it." As soon as he heard that, Ethan tapped his finger lightly on the back of his hand and spoke calmly.

"You mean... buy that shareholder's shares?" Andy asked carefully, still unsure what exactly his boss meant.

"No, buy the whole company." Ethan leaned back against his large office chair, stretching his arms a little, sounding almost casual.

"The whole company?" Andy was so shocked his jaw nearly hit the floor. "B-Boss, if we're doing a full buyout of Eastwave Global, shouldn't we at least talk it over at the board meeting first?"

"No need. Just do it under my personal name." Ethan picked up his pen again, his voice as calm as before. "If their execs refuse, tell them they've got two options-either get rid of the people who don't belong, and we'll provide the funds, or Eastwave Global goes down completely."

That last line made everything fall into place for Andy.

Classic boss move-going this far just to fire one person.

Clicking his tongue inwardly, Andy nodded. "Got it, Boss."

...

Eastwave Global.

Inside the chairman's office-

Knock knock.

David stepped in after lightly tapping the door, walking directly to the seat in front of the desk and sitting down, looking completely at ease.

"Mr. Kim, you wanted to see me?"

Hearing his voice, Brandon Kim looked up at the young man sitting across from him, a deep sigh lingering in his heart.

David, oh David... who on earth did you piss off to get this much heat dropped on my head?

"You've been with us for about two years now, right? How's it been?"

As David sat upright, looking polite and proper, Brandon Kim only felt more regret.

"Yeah, it's been good. I've learned a lot, and the team's been great," David answered honestly, unsure why the sudden small talk.

Truth be told, Brandon already knew-David was sharp, competent, and a genuinely good guy.

But none of that outweighed the survival of the company.

"Actually... there's something I need to tell you today." Brandon folded his hands on the desk, voice a bit heavy. "David, I think it's time you looked for opportunities elsewhere. This place... might not be the right fit for you anymore."

"Wait, Mr. Kim... what do you mean?" David's eyes widened, clearly stunned.

"Don't ask me the 'why,' okay? I know you've done your part for this company. Your remaining salary and benefits have already been transferred. Here's your release letter. Sign it and head out," Brandon said, sliding a single piece of paper across-the bold title read: "Letter of Resignation."

The shock hit David like a truck. He stared at the chairman, eyes full of confusion.

"Look, don't waste time hanging around here," Brandon added with a wave of his hand, tone a bit kinder now. "Just... be a little more careful in the future."

And just like that, it clicked for David-he must've stepped on someone's toes, someone powerful.

Still gripping the resignation form, he looked up and asked sincerely, "Mr. Kim, I'll sign this. But could you at least tell me-who did I offend?"