Having secured the order, she was in exceptionally high spirits, her face radiating with an unmistakable joy that could not be concealed. To my surprise, she could actually drive. For as long as I had known her, I had only ever seen her as a passenger, chauffeured either by Lucas Steele or a driver. Now, she was behind the wheel, driving me back to the hotel. As the scenery outside the window swiftly receded, my attention was more captivated by her lighthearted, cheerful demeanor.

Upon arriving at the hotel, I freshened up and changed, preparing to meet her downstairs. To my surprise, she was still waiting, her car parked at the hotel entrance with its headlights softly flickering. It seemed she was determined to prevent me from running off. With others, debts were a matter of power— the creditor was the lord, and the debtor, a servant. But with me, it was as though I were constantly reminded of what I owed her. Did she really need to keep bringing up past grievances? I silently wondered, though I dared not speak my thoughts aloud.

At the office, I went straight to her secretary's room. There was little for me to do here, and I was thinking of playing a game on my phone when her voice suddenly called out from her office:"Ryan, come here."

I had no choice but to close the game and enter her office."What is it?"

She glanced at me, her gaze tinged with impatience."Bring a chair and sit next to me. Watch how I do these things and learn."

Reluctantly, I moved a chair from the opposite side of her desk and sat beside her. She immediately resumed working on her computer, the data and charts on the screen so overwhelming that they left my head spinning. I tried my best to keep up with her pace, but she was far too quick. Eventually, I could no longer fight the exhaustion; my eyelids grew heavy, and despite my efforts to stay alert, I drifted off.

However, my sleep was far from peaceful. I frequently opened my eyes, constantly on edge. Fortunately, she was too engrossed in her work to notice me. One arm rested on the armrest, my palm supporting my weary head, and I slipped into a deep sleep.

I'm not sure how much time had passed when I awoke, only to find a red garment draped over my shoulders. Her voice suddenly pierced the silence:"Are you a pig? You've fallen asleep sitting next to me."

Her outburst instantly pulled me out of my slumber, and I was struck by the realization of where I was and what I had been doing. She took the garment from me, wrinkling her nose in distaste."I don't know how much you've smoked, but your smell is all over my clothes."

I inwardly grumbled, wishing she could have better senses. Just as I was about to sit back down, a knock came at the door. I stood to open it, but she interjected,"Come in."

It was Lucas Steele. Upon seeing me standing next to Sophie, his face shifted slightly, and he seemed uncomfortable. He awkwardly said,"Sophie, Elias Montgomery and the others are back. The contract has been signed." He then turned to me, forcing a strained smile."Although Ryan caused some trouble, he has made up for it. He did well."

I cursed inwardly at his pretentiousness but kept my composure. Sophie, seemingly oblivious to the discomfort in the room, responded calmly,"He did well this time. Have Elias Montgomery and Charlotte Hayes wait for me in the conference room. Also, inform the production, quality, logistics, and administrative departments of Eldoria to join as well."

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

"Understood," Lucas nodded and left to make the arrangements.

Sophie watched him leave, then turned to me with a slight smirk."Still a good job, huh?"

I understood her teasing tone, and though I knew it was meant in jest, I shot her an exasperated look and turned away, intending to step outside for a moment of respite.

"Where are you going?" she asked suddenly.

"Just going for a smoke," I replied casually.

With a sharp snap, a folder was slammed down onto the desk. Sophie furrowed her brows, her voice tinged with irritation."How many times have I told you not to smoke? Why won't you listen?"

I sighed in frustration, muttering,"It's just a habit. Can't you stop nagging me about it?"

"You can cultivate other habits," she insisted, unwavering.

"Can I play games at work?" I asked tentatively.

"You dare?" she glared at me.

"First you forbid this, then you forbid that," I muttered under my breath, filled with helplessness.

"I'm just trying to help you form a healthy habit," her tone softened, tinged with a hint of helplessness, but more so with concern. After speaking, she stood up, preparing to head to the meeting."Come on!"

"Do I have to go too?" I asked, somewhat reluctantly.

"Didn't I tell you? Where I go, you go," her voice held a trace of impatience, but beneath it lay an undeniable care.

I turned away in resignation and made my way to the secretary's room to retrieve my notebook, eager to avoid another reprimand."At last, some ambition," she remarked with a smile, a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes.

Upon entering the meeting room, I found Elias Montgomery and Charlotte Hayes already waiting. A subtle, knowing smile crossed their faces as they saw me. I chose to ignore it, walking straight to the other side of the table and sitting across from Lucas. To my irritation, he had taken the seat I had occupied that day—an infuriating move.

The meeting began, and Sophie succinctly summarized the contract signing situation, then proceeded to outline the upcoming tasks in detail.

As I listened to the proceedings, I discreetly observed Sophie's expressions. Her brows furrowed slightly, clearly dissatisfied with certain aspects. I silently breathed a sigh of relief; at least the contract had been successfully signed, or else her wrath would not have been so easily quelled.

Her gaze was sharp as an eagle's, capable of pinpointing even the smallest mistake. Every time she furrowed her brow, the entire room tensed, everyone holding their breath, fearing they might be the one to incur her ire.

As the meeting drew to a close, Sophie turned to Lucas Steele."Make arrangements for tonight; you and the management team should have dinner together. Also, inform the Eldoria administrative department to make the necessary preparations."

Lucas Steele, though always somewhat reserved in front of Sophie, nodded and asked,"Aren't you joining us?"

Sophie replied coolly,"I will be there."

"Alright!" Lucas responded and quickly left the meeting room.

Sophie turned toward me, her gaze fixed with an air of command that left no room for refusal."You're coming too."

I quickly waved my hands to refuse:"I don't want to go. I'm still drunk." I was indeed still not feeling well. I drank a little too much at the social event last night and my head was still aching.

Sophie cast a cold, calculating glance at me, the corners of her lips curling into a slight, mocking smile."You're uncomfortable now and want to run away. What will you do when you're the general manager? Will you run then too?"

I forced a bitter smile and shook my head."I'll never be the general manager. I'm just someone who runs errands."

Sophie let out a disdainful hum, her voice dripping with contempt."You really are like mud that can't be supported against a wall." The words struck a familiar chord. I recalled that seven years ago, she had said the very same thing to me.

I lowered my head, sighing inwardly."I am that mud; this is who I'll be for the rest of my life. There's no hope." With this thought, my mood grew heavier, as though a great weight were pressing on my chest, making it hard to breathe.

Sophie watched me, her gaze momentarily reflecting a complex emotion. Her voice softened."You know, I don't look down on you. I just wish you'd show a little ambition and stop resigning yourself to despair."