Chapter 5

A warmth enveloped Trevor, distinct from his typical authoritative and emotionless demeanor that habitually accompanied him. His staff couldn't help but notice the subtle shift as whispers rippled through the office the moment he stepped out of the elevator.

"Is he smiling?"

"This doesn't quite resemble a smile. Though he's a pleasant boss, I've never witnessed Mr. Burton appear this affable."

"Yes, he's always so quiet and standoffish, yet so handsome. I would love to be the woman in his life, in his bed," a female employee admitted, her eyes filled with desire.

"Keep dreaming. We all know that women and love are two things our boss has no time for. He's definitely good-looking but so taciturn. I like men like Mr. Burton. They say bad boys are the naughtiest in bed," another employee whispered.

"Ha-ha, let's observe who captures his heart. My money's on Miss Mari. She complements Mr. Burton so effortlessly, and they exude the air of a well-matched couple."

The murmurs persisted as he strolled toward his office, yet he remained oblivious to the lingering gazes. Trevor's thoughts were immersed in the replay of the brief encounter he shared with Saya Talou.

"Stop babbling and get back to work!" The department manager scolded them, tapping her pen on the desk.

However, when Trevor approached, she greeted him with a welcoming smile.

"Mr. Burton, welcome back. They are waiting for you in the meeting room."

"Tell them I will be in shortly," he replied, continuing into his office.

His secretary held the door open for him, entered right behind him, and began speaking immediately.

"Sir, I have prepared everything you need for this meeting. It's in this folder, and..."

"Lisa, before you continue; I have a question…" He raised his hand to stop her.

"O-Okay, sir," she replied, a bit confused.

"Umm…what should I do if I want to keep a close eye on someone?"

His imploring gaze stirred a rapid flutter in her heart, and a subtle blush tinged her cheeks. Trevor took note of her reaction, but he couldn't resist the impulse. His sole desire was to draw nearer to Saya, and given his newfound concern for her, the most logical course was to seek counsel.

"Sir, I'm not sure how to answer. Can I think about it?" 

"Ah you're right, that was sudden. Please keep this between us and let me know later what you thought of."

"Yes Mr. Burton. Here is the file. Ye should get going or we're going to be late."

He accepted the file and proceeded towards the meeting room, paying no heed to the astounded woman trailing behind him, her cheeks flushed. Lisa felt a sense of contentment that he had confided in her, creating an unspoken connection between them. Unbeknownst to Trevor, Lisa concealed a secret crush on him, dating back to the day he had taken her home after a bout of food poisoning during a business trip. His personal care and the attention of his personal doctor had revealed a different side of her boss. Since that incident, her eyes had found themselves drawn to his handsomeness.

The bond she shared with him held a special place in her heart, and romantic feelings had blossomed over time. Lisa began to ascribe meaning to every action and word from Trevor, even though there was nothing romantic from his perspective—he saw her solely as his personal secretary. Despite this, Lisa found herself yearning for his touch and affection. Determined to bridge the gap between them, she vowed to maintain a professional relationship and gradually close the emotional distance. As she trailed behind Trevor, she matched his long strides, lost in thought, pondering an answer to the question he had posed earlier.

The meeting concluded swiftly, thanks to the thorough preparation by his secretary. As he leisurely strolled back to his office, Lisa kept pace beside him, briefing him on the upcoming meeting scheduled for the next day.

"Sir, I left a file on your desk to take home. It's regarding the contract deal tomorrow. I have called Mr. June and arranged a time and meeting place. Everything is in the file."

"Okay, Thank you, Lisa. You are free to leave."

"Sir?"

"Did you not have to get your niece today?"

She glanced at her watch and hurriedly replied… "Oh, yeah. I truly forgot. Thank you, Mr. Burton."

"okay,"

He replied and continued toward his desk, sinking into the plush chair behind the mahogany surface. Engrossed in his thoughts, he assumed she had exited the room.

"Sir, I thought about what you asked me earlier."

Trevor lifted his head to reply.

"Yes, and…?"

"Sir, I think it is hard to answer because I don't know the motive or meaning behind the question. You did not say if it was a woman, a man, or just a friend. Is it for romantic reasons or just a means of getting to know the person? Is it business-related? Forgive me, Mr. Burton, I couldn't decide because there was not enough information."

Trevor maintained an attentive posture as she spoke, silently acknowledging the validity of her points. Her words resonated with him, and now, hearing her articulate them, he recognized the imprudence of posing the question. A brief silence enveloped the room before he responded.

"Don't worry about it. I got ahead of myself by getting you involved. You may leave now."

"Okay, Sir. Please let me know if I can help in any other way." Lisa's disappointment colored her tone, evident in her compliance with his instructions as she left.