Chen Yuxi walked into the office, head still foggy from last night. She had survived the awkward encounter with Lin Guo—barely—but a strange unease clung to her. She couldn't explain it. Something about him made her heart race, even though she barely knew him.
Lin Guo sat at the CEO's desk, fingers tapping lightly on the polished wood, his expression perfectly unreadable. He didn't look up as she entered—yet she felt him watching her. Every small movement, every nervous glance.
She shook her head. Get a grip. He's just… a CEO.
But Lin Guo knew better.
He had spent the night observing her reactions, analyzing her thoughts, anticipating her instincts. Every hesitation, every flicker of worry, every hidden frustration in her mind—he had heard it all. And though she had no idea, it gave him a dangerous edge.
"Yuxi," he finally said, voice calm, almost casual, "I want you to assist me on the Thompson merger."
She blinked. "Oh—sure. I'll… do my best."
"Good." He leaned back, fingers steepled, eyes sharp. "I expect efficiency. Accuracy. And no mistakes."
Her chest tightened. There was something about the way he said it—not threatening, not cruel—but… knowing. It sent a shiver down her spine.
She walked to the meeting room, trying to focus, trying to pretend nothing had changed. But every glance over her shoulder made her heart jump. She couldn't shake the feeling that he knew more about her than he should.
And he did.
Lin Guo watched her from across the office. Her every thought, her fleeting worries, her inner doubts—all exposed to him. He didn't say a word. He didn't need to. The fun was in watching her, in letting her believe she was safe, unaware, oblivious.
She has no idea.
Not yet.
But soon, she would notice.
And when she did… the game would begin.