chapter901

Sean’s voice trembled as he spoke. "M-Mr. Hoffis, did I fail at something this morning? Or is it just... a bad start to the day?"

Elio’s voice was like a blast of arctic air, sending a chill straight down Sean’s spine. "Sean, what exactly possessed you to send me that highly inappropriate video last night? Are you trying to see how fast I can fire you?"

Beads of sweat broke out on Sean’s forehead. He swallowed hard, trying to find his voice. "M-Mr. Hoffis, I only sent it because you asked for a romantic animated movie. Since you live alone, asked for it late at night, and usually aren't one for animations—especially the romantic ones—I... I made an assumption. I thought you were hinting at something else."

Elio narrowed his eyes, his words coming out through gritted teeth. "Candice wanted to watch it. I knew nothing about romantic animations, so I relied on your professional judgment. And you managed to botch it spectacularly."

Sean’s eyes widened, his jaw dropping in genuine shock. For a long moment, the silence in the car was heavy enough to suffocate.

After taking a deep breath to rein in his temper, Elio released his hold on Sean’s collar and stepped back. "If Candice ends up with a bad impression of me because of this stunt, you can consider your desk cleared by tomorrow."

"I’m sorry, Mr. Hoffis! I’m truly sorry!" Sean apologized frantically, bowing his head. "I’ll find a way to fix this. I’ll do whatever it takes to restore your reputation!"

Elio remained silent, his expression stern as he climbed into the back seat. Sean wiped the sweat from his brow, hurried into the driver's seat, and pulled away, his mind racing for a solution.

After a few minutes, Sean ventured a cautious question through the rearview mirror. "Mr. Hoffis... Ms. Morrison didn't actually see much of it, did she?"

Elio responded with a noncommittal hum.

Bolstered by the lack of an immediate explosion, Sean asked further, "And what about you, sir?"

"I watched the entire thing," Elio replied bluntly.

Sean suppressed a grin, knowing better than to laugh. "Do you... need more recommendations along those lines?"

Elio closed the document he was reviewing and pinched the bridge of his nose. "No. I have no use for them."

"Understood," Sean said, trying a different angle. "Mr. Hoffis, what if I scouted out some truly exceptional ladies for you? I’m sure I could find someone who meets your standards."

Elio let out a faint, cold smirk. "I don’t need 'some.' One is more than enough."

Sean grew excited. "Of course, sir! What’s your preference? Is there a specific person you have in mind? Just give me the name, and I’ll handle the arrangements."

"Candice Morrison," Elio stated firmly.

The car swerved slightly as Sean froze in shock. It took him a long time to find his voice again. "Mr. Hoffis... isn't that asking the impossible of me? Everyone in Norvania knows better than to cross the Morrisons. I’m just an assistant; how am I supposed to 'arrange' that?"

"If you don't have a solution, shut up," Elio snapped.

Sean clamped his mouth shut, not daring to utter another word.

As noon approached, Candice sat at her desk with her eyes glued to the clock, watching the minutes tick by. The moment the hand struck twelve, she was out of her seat like a shot.

Vanessa turned around to invite her for lunch, only to find an empty chair.

Full of anticipation, Candice hurried toward the elevators. She smoothed the fabric of her dress and adjusted her hair in the reflection of the lobby windows, a bright smile on her face. When the elevator doors slid open, she squeezed into the crowded car and pressed the button for the top floor.

As she did, the other employees in the car turned to look at her, their gazes filled with curiosity and a touch of pity. The new CEO had established a reputation for being cold and uncompromising, prompting most of the staff to avoid his floor at all costs.

They wondered who this girl was, walking so boldly into the lion's den. Candice, however, seemed oblivious to their wary looks. One by one, the others exited at their designated floors, leaving her alone as the elevator ascended to the executive suite. When the doors finally hissed open at the top, she stepped out, ready to face the man who occupied every corner of her thoughts.