Chapter 4

One week later.

On my way back from an art exhibition, I passed by the company and had a sudden idea to buy some afternoon tea snacks and visit him.

The receptionist greeted me with a smile. I winked at her, saying I wanted to give Mr. Stratton a surprise.

At the CEO's office, I knocked on the door. Archer's stern voice came from inside.

"I said not to disturb me."

I said with a laugh, "Archer, it's me."

The electronic lock inside opened remotely. I pushed the door open and went in.

The curtains in the room were drawn, making it a bit dim.

Archer sat behind his massive desk, looking at me with a smile.

"Jade, what brings you here?"

I pouted, "I came to bring you afternoon tea, but you were so mean just now."

"Take a ten-minute break," he said to the computer.

Then he took off his Bluetooth earpiece, tiredly pinched the bridge of his nose, and said with a smile:

"I was in a video conference. I didn't know it was you."

I whispered, "Are you still in the meeting?"

"Yes, I've muted myself."

He smiled at me, his eyes crinkling:

"No matter how busy I am, I always have time for snacks from my darling."

His camera was still on, so I didn't go over to him. Instead, I sat down across from his desk. "Since you're working so hard, your dear wife will have to feed you herself!"I opened the cake box and used a fork to cut a piece to offer him.

He smiled warmly, leaning forward to take a bite.

Suddenly, his brow furrowed slightly and a muffled sound escaped his throat.

"What's wrong?" I asked, holding the cake.

He squinted his eyes, ate the cake, and after a few seconds, said in a restrained voice:

"It's nothing, I might be too tired. Just felt a bit dizzy for a moment."

I looked at him with concern.

"Then I won't bother you anymore. You have more meetings soon, go ahead and rest for a bit."

He pressed his lips together, showing a hint of apology, "Next time you come, let me know in advance. I'll clear my schedule for you."

His voice had a slight hoarseness to it.

As I pushed open the door to leave, I glanced back.

Archer was leaning back in his chair, his head tilted slightly back. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, barely illuminating his chest, the light and shadows rising and falling.

When I reached the elevator, I still felt a bit uneasy, so I turned back.

Just as I reached the corner, I saw Archer's office door open.

Someone walked out.

As she looked left and right, I clearly saw her face.

It was Iris.

Still with her usual makeup and ordinary attire, still looking inexplicably fragile.

The only thing slightly out of place was that her lipstick seemed smudged, with a faint ring blurred around her lips.

I froze, not moving. From exiting to the elevator area, to turning back around, the time hadn't exceeded one minute.

When did Iris go in?

Was it during this brief minute?

Or—

My mind flashed to Archer's desk.

It was huge.

Big enough to hide a person inside.