She

I stepped out of the car, nodding in acknowledgment as the manager greeted me. Without breaking stride, I entered the building, a line of people following behind. Everyone else stopped and bowed as I made my way to the private elevator.

Victor, my assistant, went ahead and pressed the button. The elevator doors slid open, and I stepped inside. As they closed, the cabin began its smooth ascent. I glanced to the side. The grand elevator was empty except for me and Victor. The glass walls reflected my broad frame, my mildly tanned skin, and my scruffy yet well-maintained beard. My buzz cut, neat and sharp, completed the look.

When the doors opened, I walked out, heading straight for my office. Stepping inside, I approached the large, circular desk positioned at the center of the room. Taking my seat in the oversized, luxurious chair, I turned my attention to Victor, who stood in front of me.

"Sir, what would you like to do first?" he asked.

"What's on my schedule, Victor?" I replied.

"We need to discuss the YL Entertainment deal, which is nearing termination. Some details may need revision before the renewal date." He read from the iPad in his hand.

"Call Chris in. Let's handle this first."

Victor bowed and left the room. I opened my laptop and began reviewing the submitted reports.

Moments later, the door opened, and a young man walked in behind Victor.

"Yo, man, why are you here at this hour?" he said as he strolled in, dropping onto the chair across from me.

"I assume Victor already briefed you on the agenda," I replied in a monotone voice.

Chris scoffed. "Oh, come on. Do you really expect me to believe you showed up just to handle a contract renewal?" He leaned forward, eyes locked on mine.

More than just a subordinate, he was a friend. And he knew me too well.

"If the CEO of this company is acting like this, then I have no choice but to step in myself," I said dryly.

Victor dramatically fell back in his chair. "How could you wound me like this?" he exclaimed. "You know I've done nothing but bring you profit since my appointment!"

I knew that. And that was the frustrating part.

"Alright, let's get serious," I said, straightening up. "We also need to discuss the XLS Limited takeover before next week."

Chris mirrored my posture, finally getting serious.

The meeting continued. Periodically, Victor left and returned, bringing in department heads—finance, advertising, HR. They answered questions, presented reports, then left.

The sun climbed high, its midday light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Alright, that's enough for now," Chris groaned, stretching. "Are we really going to go over every major decision today? I need lunch."

"Go ahead," I said, gesturing dismissively. "Be back in two hours. We need to wrap things up."

He groaned again but left.

"I'll bring your lunch now, sir," Victor said before stepping out.

The soft ding of the elevator signaled his departure. I leaned back in my chair, closing my eyes.

Chris was right. I didn't need to be here today. But my grandfather had been bringing up marriage again, and I wasn't in the mood for another argument. So I escaped to the company instead.

I exhaled, opening my eyes. Through the narrow glass slits beside the door, I noticed someone standing outside.

That was odd. This floor was reserved for me. The elevator was the only way up, and only Victor, Chris, and I had access.

I stood and walked over, pulling the door open.

A schoolgirl stood in the hallway. She wore a uniform, her oversized sweater draping loosely over her small frame.

"What are you doing here, kid?" I asked. She didn't answer.

I stepped closer.

Ash-brown bangs fell over her eyes, obscuring her expression.

"How did you get up here?" I asked again.

She pointed to the elevator.

Victor must have left it open.

"Come inside," I said. I'd send her back down once Victor returned.

She hesitated before taking small steps forward. As I walked back into my office, she followed. The door shut behind us.

I gestured to the sofa on the left side of the room. "Sit there."

She obeyed.

I returned to my seat, trying to focus on my work, but I could feel her staring at me. It was… distracting.

Finally, I stood and approached her.

"What's your name?" I asked, sitting beside her.

No response.

I lifted a hand, brushing aside her bangs. Her face was delicate, features soft. Her skin felt like silk beneath my fingertips. She flinched slightly but didn't pull away.

Her eyes—deep, dark pools of innocence—met mine.

"Can you not speak?" I asked.

She remained silent.

Just then, the door opened, and Victor entered, pushing a trolley. He looked at me, then at the girl beside me, confusion flickering in his gaze.

"You left the elevator open," I said.

Horror flashed across his face. He bowed deeply. "I sincerely apologize, sir."

"It's fine. Take him down and return him to his parents."

Victor stepped forward, gently taking her hand. As she stood, her eyes drifted toward the food on the tray.

I hesitated. "Are you hungry?"

She nodded.

Something about that small gesture stirred something in me.

"Let her stay," I said.

Victor looked surprised but obeyed, stepping back.

"It's not like eating will do her any harm," I muttered, placing a generous portion of pasta onto a plate and setting it before her.

She hesitated, then picked up the utensils and began eating. Victor excused himself.

I watched her. The way her rosy lips parted for each bite, how her cheeks flushed pink with satisfaction, her much full with food—it was strangely captivating.

"Eat slowly," I reminded her, leaning back in my chair.

Somehow, I wasn't hungry anymore.

Then I noticed the sheen of sweat on her forehead, her hair dampening.

"Are you feeling hot?" I asked.

She nodded.

I got up, closing the blinds to block out the sun, then adjusted the air conditioning.

When I turned back, I noticed her oversized sweater again.

"You'll feel better if you take that off," I said instinctively, stepping forward. I reached for the hem.

She shrank back.

I frowned. "I'm not going to eat you," I said dryly, pulling the sweater off.

She was incredibly lean underneath. But as my gaze traveled upward, I froze.