Chapter 4

I thought that after someone died, everyone would be terrified and want to leave the office.

To my surprise, their panic didn’t last more than three minutes.

They were all eager to gossip, their eyes practically glued to the print room.

Just then, the window on the south side of the office space suddenly blew open with a bang!

The frigid winter wind rushed in like a blade.

"Quick, close the window! I'm freezing to death!"

Looking at the eerie green glow of the 'Emergency Exit' sign above the door, my heart tightened.

Chloe slid her chair closer, leaning over. There were tear streaks on her face, and her nose was red.

"Alex, can I go home? I'm too scared…"

It was cold, and Chloe’s lean exposed a glimpse of her thermal shirt underneath her cute schoolgirl-style uniform collar, but even so, my eyes couldn’t help but wander.

Still, my resolve was firm.

"Chloe, I understand you're scared, but if you really leave now, whether you get your full-time offer might not be my call anymore…"

I subtly gestured towards Derek, our team lead.

Chloe froze, then lowered her head and sat back down.

Faintly, I heard Chloe's sniffles.

My heart softened. I looked up and asked Derek, who was three workstations away: "Derek, it's getting too late. Chloe's just a young girl, it's not safe for her to go home alone. Besides, I don't really have anything for her to do, so maybe…"

Derek pushed up his glasses, the light casting a cold, stark white on his face.

His voice was just as cold: "Either work overtime, or resign."

I could only give Chloe a helpless look.