"Knock knock—"
The wooden door of the president's office was knocked on.
Adrian Carter was discussing matters about the Liharbor project with his second assistant, Nalya Zulky.He was holding a thick stack of documents in his hands.
"Come in."
Adrian's movements were steady and deliberate.
When he saw a man and a woman walk in through the door, the coldness on his face slowly faded away, replaced by a warm and gentle smile.
"Riley, you're here."
Adrian stood up and walked toward Riley Palmer.
Riley froze for a moment, watching Adrian's figure move slowly toward her.
"Mr. Carter…"
Behind her, Nalya tried to say something and reached out her hand.
But Yulius Linn was a step faster, he grabbed her hand and led her out of the office.
Only Adrian Carter and Riley Palmer were left inside.
Adrian's face was filled with a gentle smile. He softly tucked a stray strand of hair behind Riley's ear.
"Riley, are you angry?"
He bent down slightly, one hand resting on his knee, looking at her.
Riley took a few steps back, avoiding his touch.
Adrian's hand hung awkwardly in the air, motionless, as he quietly looked at her.
"Adrian… you're the president of Aurelius Group…"
Adrian retracted his hand and took a step toward her.
"Yes, Riley."
"You never told me before!" Riley's voice trembled, her eyes showing a hint of anguish.
She had never thought of falling in love with a businessman.
Years ago, Chris Carter had already given her a harsh lesson, she would not make the same mistake again.
Adrian leaned against the sofa, gazing at her.
"Riley, I never lied to you."
"The contracts on the coffee table, the documents you pushed away by the bedside…"
"They all had Aurelius's signature emblem, you just never noticed."
As he spoke, a touch of grievance flashed across Adrian's expression.
"Riley, you don't care about me!"
He turned the tables, shifting all the blame onto Riley Palmer.
Riley listened to his reasoning, and before she realized it, she was caught in his logic.
He had never lied to her…
Adrian turned away, pretending to be upset, his shoulders trembling slightly.
Riley felt a pang of guilt in her heart.
"Adrian, I didn't mean it that way…"
"Really?"
Adrian looked up at her, his eyes filled with gentle grievance.
Knowing he was in the wrong, he also knew when to yield. Since Riley was offering him a way out, he would naturally take it.
"Really."
Riley nodded, her eyes sincere.
"Riley—"
Adrian slowly leaned closer, his face only inches away from hers. He couldn't resist getting closer.
Riley quickly pressed her hand against his lips. "Adrian, this is the office."
Adrian sighed helplessly. "Alright…"
He buried his head against her chest, rubbing lightly.
His arms wrapped around her waist as he breathed in the faint scent of jasmine from her body.
"Knock knock—"
Hearing the sound of knocking, Riley quickly pulled away, taking a few steps back.
"Mr. Carter." Yulius Linn's calm voice came from the doorway.
His gaze swept over both Adrian and Riley.
"Speak."
Adrian's tone returned to calmness. He walked back to his desk, picked up his usual pen, and slowly twirled it between his fingers.
"Mr. Carter, the progress at Launch Enterprise is getting slower… The deadline might not be met."
As Yulius spoke, he glanced briefly at Riley.
That project had always been handled by her. Now that the person in charge was gone, Launch was in chaos.
Riley looked at the project report in Yulius's hands, a complicated feeling welling up inside her.
Adrian quietly observed her expression, his twirling pen gradually coming to a stop.
He studied her carefully, as if trying to see through her thoughts.
Riley took a deep breath and stepped forward.
"Mr. Carter, may I take a look at the project?"
Adrian smiled slightly and gestured for her to go ahead.
When Yulius handed her the report, he glanced at his boss, who was leaning on his hand, eyes practically glued to Riley's face.
Riley flipped through the pages, her expression darkening.
The contents had been altered… and they were disgraceful.
Nervousness filled her chest, she was afraid Adrian might find out and blame her.
After all… Chris Carter used to do the same.
Adrian noticed her tense face and waved his hand, signaling Yulius to leave.
Riley didn't realize that Yulius had already walked out of the room.
She only heard Adrian's footsteps approaching.
She didn't lift her head, letting him do as he pleased.
He kissed the back of her hand softly, again and again.
Then he moved behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and rested his head on her shoulder.
"Found it?"
Riley didn't reply, but her hands paused mid-page.
She didn't dare answer, she hadn't expected the project to turn out this way.
"Adrian…"
He spoke before she could continue.
"Riley, it's not your fault."
"You've done well. The progress was great in the beginning."
"What happened later wasn't your doing. You're not to be blame."
Riley placed her hand over his that was wrapped around her waist.
"Adrian, let me handle the follow-up on this project… alright?"
She asked carefully, meeting his gaze.
Adrian froze for a moment. He didn't want her to see Chris Carter again so soon.
He was afraid, the girl he had finally won over might slip away again.
"Riley, can you not go?"
Riley's eyes tightened slightly; she hadn't expected him to sound so pleading.
She stayed silent for a long time, quietly letting him hold her.
Adrian frowned slightly, turned her body to face him, and looked into her eyes.
He let out a long sigh.
"Go then, but be careful."
He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly.
Riley stiffened at first, then slowly raised her hand to rest it gently on his back.
"Mm."
She rubbed her face lightly against his chest, searching for a trace of comfort.
"Knock knock—"
Yulius entered again.
He glanced at the two of them, one looking out the window, the other rummaging through her bag and cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Mr. Carter, it's time for the meeting."
Riley picked up the documents and shut them with a firm motion.
"Let's go."
Adrian walked ahead, with Riley following behind.
When passing the secretary's office, Adrian deliberately slowed down, watching as Riley put her bag down.
His gaze lingered on the little bunny keychain hanging from it.
He smiled, one hand in his pocket, his face full of fondness.
Conference Room.
Adrian sat at the center of the long table, fingers interlocked, introducing the young woman beside him to the senior executives.
"Everyone, this is Riley Palmer, our new secretary at Aurelius."
The room immediately filled with murmurs.
"Riley Palmer? Isn't she the vice president over at Launch Enterprise?"
"Our Mr. Carter really has his ways."
Riley ignored the chatter.
When she chose to accept Aurelius's offer, she already knew what she would face.
But something one of the managers said still struck her like a blow.
"No wonder the joint project with Launch has stalled. Turns out Vice President Palmer left."
The older man shook his head, his tone regretful.
Riley, of course, knew. When she'd resigned, she had already handled every loose end properly.
She had sent every plan and key document clearly to Anna Young.
Thinking of Anna, Riley cursed inwardly 'idiot' .
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to keep a composed expression.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Riley Palmer. I understand there are doubts and questions about the project with Launch. But that has nothing to do with me anymore."
"As for the Liharbor project's final phase. I already know how to deal with it."
"What Aurelius decides to do next has nothing to do with me."
In just three short sentences, Riley cleanly cut ties with Launch Enterprise.
The executives all nodded, they understood.
If Aurelius wanted to distance itself from Launch, Riley already knew how to resolve the remaining matters.
Everyone in the room knew Riley's reputation.
Officially, Chris Carter was Launch's president, and Riley its vice president.
But whenever problems arose negotiations, social events, client entertainment, it was always Riley who appeared.
Many major companies had tried to poach Launch's most valuable asset, but she turned them all down.
Adrian looked at her resolute eyes, feeling both pained and proud.
"Buzz buzz—"
Adrian glanced at his phone.
"Take your seats," he said calmly.
Riley sat in the empty chair beside him.
He stared at his phone, looking a bit irritated.
"Let's begin the meeting."
He set the phone down on the table and listened as each department gave its report.
The sun drifted toward the windows of the twenty-eighth floor.
Adrian looked at the golden-lit conference room and spoke softly, "Dismissed."
Riley gathered her things, ready to leave.
Adrian hooked the leg of her chair with his foot, glancing at her sideways, mouthing, Don't go.
Riley noticed and slowed down her movements.
Seeing this, Yulius quietly lowered the blinds, preventing the twenty-eight-year-old "saint" from doing anything inappropriate.
After closing the curtains, he bowed his head and walked out.