Chen Yuxi barely had time to catch her breath before Lin Guo's voice came over the intercom:
"Yuxi. Come to my office. Now."
Her heart thudded—not from urgency, but from the strange mixture of fear and fascination she felt whenever he called. She arrived to find him sitting behind his enormous desk, calm, eyes calculating.
"I've decided," he said, voice low and smooth, "you'll assist me directly on the Thompson merger. Full access. Immediate reporting. Understood?"
"Yes… sir," she whispered, still unsure whether she was thrilled or terrified.
Ridiculous, she thought bitterly, mentally rolling her eyes. This man treats everyone like pawns. And now he's got me chained.
He raised a brow, just slightly, and the smirk tugging at his lips made her stomach flutter—though she didn't realize it.
What is he thinking? she wondered, not knowing that he could hear every word of her mental commentary.
"Did you just call me ridiculous in your mind?" he asked casually, leaning back in his chair, eyes gleaming.
Her face burned. He… he knows?!
"I—I didn't say anything!" she tried to defend herself, fumbling awkwardly.
Lin Guo's smirk widened. "You did. And it amused me."
Panic mixed with frustration. I will never forgive this man, she thought sharply. Never.
He leaned forward slightly, resting a hand on the polished desk. The subtle shift in posture sent a shiver down her spine. Why does he… make me feel like this?
"Good," he said softly. "I like honesty. Even if it's… reckless."
She froze again, caught between fear and something she didn't understand—an electric pull she couldn't resist. Her thoughts flickered with admiration: He's… efficient. Smart. Frightening… and maybe even impressive.
He tilted his head slightly, almost imperceptibly. "Interesting. You're conflicted. Fear and… respect, maybe even admiration. You'll do well here, Yuxi."
She gasped silently, stepping back a little, though her mind betrayed her once more: I can't believe I'm thinking that… but yes. He is impressive.
Lin Guo didn't correct her. He let her battle her own emotions, knowing full well she couldn't hide them—even if she tried.
Assistant, yes. But more than that… she's mine to guide, he thought, eyes flicking over her figure with subtle intensity.
And so, Chen Yuxi began her days as his assistant in both body and mind, unaware of just how much Lin Guo knew—and how he would use it to draw her ever closer, bending her thoughts and actions without her realizing it.