CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR :Step Toward Trust

The crisp morning air carried with it a promise of renewal, yet Lu Xiao's heart felt heavier than ever. Sitting in her small office, she glanced at the digital clock on her desk, counting down the minutes until she would face Lei Han again. After the intense confrontation from the previous night, she had spent hours replaying his words in her mind.

"You're all I've ever wanted, Lu Xiao."

His declaration had been raw and unfiltered, stirring emotions she had long buried. But could she allow herself to trust him fully? Could she let him into the fortress she had built around her heart?

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps outside her door. A knock followed.

"Miss Lu," came the voice of Chen Fang, Lei Han's personal assistant, "Mr. Lei would like to see you in his office."

Her pulse quickened. She nodded curtly and stood, smoothing the creases on her blouse. As she made her way to Lei Han's expansive office, her mind raced with uncertainty.

---

Lei Han was standing by the floor-to-ceiling window when she entered, his back turned to her. The morning sunlight bathed him in a golden glow, accentuating the broad lines of his shoulders. He didn't turn immediately, as though he sensed her hesitation.

"You're punctual," he said finally, his voice deep and calm.

"I always am," she replied, masking her nerves with professionalism.

He turned then, his gaze meeting hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch. "Good," he said, stepping closer. "Because there's something important I need to discuss."

Lu Xiao stiffened. "If this is about last night—"

"It's not," he interrupted, though the slight curve of his lips suggested otherwise. "This is about a new project."

She blinked. "A project?"

Lei Han gestured for her to sit, his demeanor shifting to one of businesslike efficiency. "I've decided to expand our operations in Chongqing. You'll lead the team."

Her jaw dropped slightly. "What?"

"You're more than capable," he continued, ignoring her shock. "Your performance these past months has proven that. This expansion will require someone who knows the region, someone who can navigate its complexities."

Lu Xiao's mind reeled. The offer was a significant step up in responsibility and trust. But why now?

"Why me?" she asked, her tone cautious.

Lei Han leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk. "Because I trust you, Lu Xiao. You have the skills, the knowledge, and the determination to make this a success. And because I want you to see that I believe in you."

Her heart tightened at his words. It wasn't just about the job. It was about her—about him showing her that he saw her worth, both professionally and personally.

---

The rest of the meeting was spent discussing the logistics of the project, but Lu Xiao found it difficult to focus. Her mind kept returning to the way Lei Han's gaze lingered on her, the warmth in his voice when he spoke her name.

As she left his office, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. Perhaps, just perhaps, she could allow herself to believe in him.

---

Later that evening, as Lu Xiao sat on her balcony overlooking the city, her phone buzzed. She picked it up and saw a message from Lei Han.

Lei Han: Dinner tomorrow? Just us. I promise I'll behave.

A smile tugged at her lips despite herself. He had a way of disarming her, of making her feel seen and valued in ways no one else ever had.

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard before she typed a reply.

Lu Xiao: Okay. But only if you're on your best behavior.

His response came almost instantly.

Lei Han: Deal.

For the first time in a long while, Lu Xiao allowed herself to feel a sliver of excitement. Maybe this was the beginning of something new, something she no longer had to fight so hard against.