Justin Battleson gently raised an eyebrow, indicating her to take her time. He did not enter, but merely stood at the office door waiting for her.
As the CEO, when had Justin Battleson ever been patient enough to wait for someone?
But there was an indescribable magic about Charlotte Thompson that drew him in.
Justin’s eyes unconsciously followed her every move.
An unnoticed sentiment seeped from his profound eyes.
Charlotte swiftly cleared up her desk in a matter of minutes. The previously cluttered table was neat once again.
Without any lingering, Charlotte packed up and went out carrying her bag.
As she turned around, Justin promptly hid the emotions in his eyes.
They were as indifferent as ever, as if the complex emotions that had been moments before never existed.
The two headed towards the elevator in silence, their shadows elongating under the outside light.
The serenity felt like time standing still.
Charlotte was frightened by her own thoughts, constantly raising alerts in her mind.
The elevator door opened, and they both entered, one after the other.
In the confined space of the elevator, there was an eerie silence. The tension rendered Charlotte unable to find a place for her hands.
Unreasonably tense, her hands became sweaty and she silently moved them behind her.
Justin Battleson was staring straight ahead, his expression changing erratically, apparently unaware of her discomfort.
"Mr. Battleson, why are you also working late today?" Charlotte broke the awkward silence with a dry chuckle.
A second after asking the question, she regretted it and even wished she could bite her tongue off.
It seemed the air had become even thinner in that moment.
Working late obviously meant he was busy!
How could she ask such a stupid question?
Despite Charlotte’s awkward attempt to start a conversation, Justin seriously responded to her question: "I just finished a task."
The moment their eyes met, Charlotte conceded, quickly lowering her eyes.
She felt a surge in his eyes, refusing to meet his gaze.
When the ’ding’ of the elevator sounded, Charlotte felt it was the most beautiful sound in the world.
As the elevator door opened, the fresh air flooded in, dissolving Charlotte’s awkwardness.
Like an ostrich, Charlotte hurried out, unconsciously kicking a small stone that came out of nowhere.
Witnessing her action, Justin found it adorable, unknowingly lifting a corner of his mouth in a smirk.
Yet, once he realized, he discreetly hid his amusement.
The two arrived at a minimalist yet elegant restaurant.
Justin wanted to discuss certain matters, so he ordered a private room. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ NoveI-Fire.ɴet
Having worked for three extra hours, both of them were extremely hungry.
Charlotte took the menu and chose some dishes at random.
As long as they had something to eat, she wasn’t picky.
While waiting for the food to arrive, Justin was drumming his fingers on the table, contemplating how to start the conversation.
"Regarding the task mentioned in today’s meeting, I plan to assign it to you."
Justin was not one for beating around the bush, getting straight to the point.
These words, although they seemed like a discussion, were actually a command from Justin.
His tone contained an authoritative air that brooked no refusal.
Charlotte, hungry and weary, was propping up her head in a daze.
Not immediately comprehending his words, she stared at him blankly.
All of her innocent expressions inadvertently found their way into Justin’s view.
It felt as if his heart was being lightly stroked by an invisible hand, causing a tickling sensation.