Praise

Whispers drifted into Ava Moore's ears from all directions. She couldn't help overhearing murmurs about Ethan Sterling—his reputation, his ruthlessness, the kind of man people believed he was. It made her curious.

What kind of man is he, really?

Everyone described him as cold and ruthless, but she hadn't seen that side yet. In fact, she wondered if people simply judged him based on appearances.

"Mr. Sterling! It's been a long time," a deep voice interrupted her thoughts.

A middle-aged man, around forty, walked over to them with a broad smile.

"Mr. Chen, it has been a while," Ethan replied politely, shaking his hand. "I heard you recently acquired a new property. Congratulations."

Mr. Chen laughed modestly. "Oh, please, it was my wife who secured the deal. I can't compare to you, Mr. Sterling—especially now that you're working with the famous actress, Lana West…"

Before he could finish, Ava stepped forward and said evenly, "Mr. Sterling, Mr. Mason is waiting for you."

Ethan turned his head and looked at her, then back at Mr. Chen."My apologies, Mr. Chen," he said smoothly. "My assistant is still learning the ropes—please forgive her. That said, I do have a prior engagement, so let's catch up another time."

Though his tone was courteous, the message was clear: The conversation was over.

As Ethan walked away with Ava at his side, Chen stood there alone, visibly awkward.

In the elevator, Ethan finally gave her a real look.

"I didn't expect you to be that sharp," he said, studying her openly for the first time.

She was still wearing what she'd had on all day: a three-quarter-sleeved white shirt, jeans, canvas shoes, and her hair pulled back in a ponytail. Something about her energy felt fresh—almost radiant.

"I'll make an exception for you. No need to wear a uniform from now on," he said with a slight smile as the elevator doors opened and he walked away.

Ava followed, processing what had just happened. She'd only stepped in because she saw Ethan's growing impatience, and now, somehow, that moment earned her a small favor.

Maybe he's not as cold as everyone says, she thought.

"Hey! Look who finally decided to show up," a lazy, teasing voice called out as they entered the next room.

Ava guessed immediately—this had to be Mason Fang.

He was lounging on a sofa, red wine in one hand, the other resting across his forehead. His blazer had been tossed to the corner of the couch, and his shirt was stained with wine. The collar hung open, his tie draped loosely around his shoulders. If Ava had to describe him in one word, it would've been chaotic—or maybe dangerous.

Ethan ignored the greeting."Here," he said to Ava.

She quickly handed him the folder. Ethan passed it to Mason without a word.

Catching the folder, Mason raised an eyebrow. "You could at least pretend to be polite."

"You have two days," Ethan replied flatly.

Mason flipped the file open, scanned a few lines, and his relaxed expression darkened. But as soon as he closed it again, he was back to his usual smirk. He stood, drained the last of his wine, and tossed himself back onto the couch.

That's when he finally noticed Ava standing quietly behind Ethan.

"Well, well... I didn't know this was your type," Mason grinned.

Ava's cheeks flushed at his comment. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say anything, Ethan turned and gave her a quick look—calm but unreadable. She froze.

"She's just a temporary assistant," Ethan said.

Mason didn't seem convinced. His gaze lingered on Ava, a crooked smile playing on his lips. "Sure she is…"

Before the air could grow any more uncomfortable, a soft voice interrupted them.

"Mason, what are you doing out here? You were supposed to be resting."

Everyone turned to see the newcomer.

She wore a pale blue strapless dress, her skin porcelain white. A simple ring hung from a delicate chain around her neck, and she wore no other jewelry. Her appearance was quiet, understated, and tired.

Mason's expression softened instantly. He rushed over, taking her hand in one of his and wrapping the other around her waist.

"I told you to rest, Emily," he said gently.

Ava blinked. The transformation was unbelievable. One second ago, Mason had been every bit the sly, devil-may-care troublemaker—and now, he was someone else entirely.

So that's the real Mason Fang, she thought. He hides it well.