Yvonne carried the paper bag up to the executive floor.
As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she almost walked right into William.
Running into a coworker at the office always made her a little awkward. “Assistant William, Linda asked me to bring this sample up for the CEO to review.”
William was just coming out of the break room, holding a mug of black coffee meant for Marico.
Hearing Yvonne call his name, he walked over, glancing at the paper bag in her hand—it looked oddly familiar.
“Perfect timing. Could you take Marico’s coffee in for me too?” William smiled warmly, handing her the coffee.
It was obvious he wanted her to deliver both.
Yvonne frowned slightly. “I have work to do. I’d rather not go in.”
“I think the CEO would much rather see you bring it in yourself,” William replied, the smile on his lips softening the sharpness of his suit-and-tie demeanor, though there was a clear hint of matchmaking mischief in his tone.
Yvonne could only accept the coffee, resigned. She was genuinely curious—what could be so important that Linda would give up the chance to see Marico herself? Had she lost some authority after a recent mistake, and now Linda was suddenly cautious?
Still, Yvonne’s instincts told her there was more to this.
The imposing office door was half open. Marico sat behind his desk, deeply focused on a stack of documents, red pen in hand.
Today, he wore a crisp white shirt, the top two buttons undone, showing the elegant line of his neck. The collar stood neatly, framing a face defined by calm strength and mature confidence. His eyes, dark as midnight, held an air of mystery and quiet power.
Even seated, he radiated presence—tall, straight-backed, effortlessly dignified.
He capped his pen, lips curving into an almost-smile as he said, “It’s only been an hour, and you already missed me?”
If she hadn’t heard it herself, Yvonne would never have believed that the same man who’d just been so intent and serious could turn and tease her like this.
Unfortunately, Yvonne was hopelessly shy—she could barely handle being flirted with.
“Come on, aren’t you curious what’s inside?” she said, nudging the bag toward him, a little desperate to change the subject. She really did want to know what made Linda so nervous.
“Should I open it for you?” she offered, noticing that he seemed more interested in her than the sample.
“Sure, you do it,” Marico replied, picking up his coffee, eyes never leaving her as she took the package.

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