Alden was quietly waiting for me to finish work in the reception room. Employees passing by couldn't help but glance at him, and eventually, I had no choice but to invite him into my office.
As soon as the door closed behind us, he suddenly kissed me around my waist.
Before I could even react, he picked me up and placed me on the office desk. Startled, I pushed against his shoulders and reminded him:
"Alden, this is an office."
His breath was ragged, and a low chuckle lingered in my ears:
"I locked the door."
"Well, that's still not okay. I have work to do…"
He grabbed my hand and pinned it behind my back, and I turned my head to avoid his kiss:
"Alden, can you… Can you focus on the City Square project bidding…?"
He furrowed his brows, a playful smile spreading across his face:
"What, sis, are you going to bargain with me again?"
"What do you want this time?"
His laughter filled the air, teasing and ambiguous.
I couldn't help but blush at his words:
"I just want a fair chance to bid."
"Every bid is fair."
"You've been working with Russell Huynh's company for years, and I know you two were college classmates and are very close."
Alden couldn't help but laugh out loud: "So, does Velez Group never look at itself when it loses the bid?"
For a moment, I felt a bit embarrassed:
"We've been preparing for this for a long time…"
I pushed the proposal in front of him. He frowned, clearly displeased, as he sat down in the office chair.
Then, he pulled me onto his lap, one arm around my waist and the other clicking the mouse.
He was reading fast, scanning the pages:
"You did this?"
"No…"
He chuckled softly: "I thought it was your work."
I didn't understand. "Why?"
"Long-winded, cliché, flashy but useless, and completely uninspired." He flipped through the pages, offering critiques.
"It's not that bad! You're just being deliberately harsh!"
The proposal was completely torn apart by his criticism, and I couldn't help but feel angry.
He logged into his email and downloaded several project files, opening them directly and showing them to me.
"These are all Russell's projects. Take a look."
As I flipped through Russell's previous proposals, I couldn't help but admire them. From the overall structure to the smallest details, they were flawless.
"Indeed, we're no match for them..." I sighed deeply.
Alden Everett couldn't hold back his laughter. "Even you, an outsider, can tell?"
"I know I lack experience, but I am trying to learn..." I defended myself.
Alden shook his head. "Why force yourself to do something you don't like?"
I couldn't help but roll my eyes inside. "Do you think all these office workers are here because they enjoy their jobs?"
"I know everyone is probably laughing at me. How could someone who paints make anything of a company?"
His arm around my waist tightened, pulling me closer.
He steadied me with one hand, his cool gaze locking onto mine.
"What I mean is, every field has its own expertise. A businessman, drenched in copper smells, is no more noble than an artist with his brush."
"The problem with the Velez family is that they've become stagnant over the years. Staff turnover and mismanagement."
Alden's words hit the nail on the head.
"Do you think I shouldn't lay off employees?"
A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he stared at me. "I've told you before, I'll support your decisions unconditionally. Have you forgotten?"
He casually picked up some papers from the desk and began flipping through them, but his few words had already stirred my emotions.
"It's not unconditional..." I muttered under my breath, "I'm a businessman. If I invest, I expect returns."
Alden's smile deepened, his eyes scanning the resume in his hand.
"New hire?" he asked.
I nodded, my gaze falling on the resume.
It was of a girl with bright eyes and white teeth, and she had graduated from the same school as Alden.
He changed the topic, his tone shifting. "Actually, the City Square project isn't without a chance for you."
"We can't compete with Russell's team. How could we possibly have a chance?"
I thought Alden was joking.
"What if I bring Russell over to your side?" He raised an eyebrow.
I stared at him in disbelief. "Russell? How could he possibly come here? And I can't afford him, he must be expensive."
"No need to pay him. He'll come work for you for free tomorrow." Alden placed the resume back on the desk.
"Why?" I asked.
He pointed to the resume. "Because of her."
"Who is she?"
"Russell's enemy."
I was taken aback for a moment, but after thinking for a few seconds, I guessed that the girl must have some kind of history with Russell.
Before I could think further, Alden pulled me back into his arms.
"Since I'm doing you such a huge favor, shouldn't you show some sincerity?"
If Russell could join, it would solve a pressing issue, and with his capabilities, he could lead the company back on track.
Alden had indeed done me a huge favor.
His hands didn't stop igniting sparks on my body, teasing me freely.
"Alden… it's almost time to clock out…"
"Then, tonight, you take the initiative," he whispered, his deep voice brushing my ear. I couldn't help but feel my ears turn red.
He seemed much more relaxed now, while I felt increasingly uncomfortable.
This awkward, unspoken relationship and transaction made me feel incredibly heavy inside.
