CHAPTER 3

From Arden's Perspective

The moment the security-coded glass sliding door opened, Arden came face-to-face with the very woman he had least wanted to work with—someone known for her ego,arrogance, and self-importance. At least, that was the rumor surrounding the owner of DE PHILIPS CORP.

Yet,despite everything he had heard, Arden was caught off guard.

He hadn't expected Maya Adelline Lily De Philips to be this beautiful.

The woman standing before him, eyes sharp with intensity, made his composure waver for a brief moment.

Her deep onyx-brown eyes, naturally arched brows, and long, delicate lashes framed a face that was undeniably striking. Her wavy, wolf-cut hair, neatly tucked

back, rested just above her shoulders. She wore a maroon high-waist skirt that

accentuated her slim waist, paired with a black Queen Anna top that revealed

her collarbones and just a subtle hint of her curves. Her makeup was minimal

but flawless—red lips, rosy cheeks, no unnecessary accessories except for a

single pearl earring on her right ear. And those seven-inch black Louboutin

heels only added to her commanding presence.

She was a woman who clearly cared about her image.

Arden took a deep breath, trying to compose himself.

As he followed behind her, a faint floral scent drifted toward him—her scent. It

was intoxicating. He had to shake himself out of the momentary daze.

When Mr. Bills left the room to change, Arden silently prayed that Maya would leave as well. But instead, she approached him.

Without warning, she reached out and straightened his slightly disheveled tie. The sudden action startled him, rendering him momentarily frozen.

He remained expressionless, maintaining his usual cold demeanor. He wasn't about to show weakness—not in front of her. That would be a direct blow to his pride as a man.

But beneath his calm exterior, his fists clenched tightly at his sides.

His hands ached with the effort it took to stop himself from touching her. The

scent of her perfume was maddeningly distracting. The veins on his hands bulged as he tightened his grip, holding himself back.

And then she whispered to him.

Her words were clearly a threat, yet—why the hell did it sound so seductive?

Arden clenched his jaw. He had no choice but to respond, his deep voice masking the unease stirring within him.

The moment she walked away, Arden let out a breath as if he had just run a

marathon.

Reaching up, he tugged at his tie, undoing the top button of his shirt to let in some much-needed air. His heart was racing. He couldn't believe it—he, Arden Enrique Zayn, was actually flustered by that woman.

When Mr. Bills returned from the changing room, he stopped in his tracks, frowning at Arden's disheveled state.

"What the hell happened to you?"

Arden swallowed hard, trying to ignore the fact that, for the first time in his life,

a woman had completely thrown him off balance.