Chapter 4

The CEO’s office was dimly lit, the heavy curtains drawn.

Julian was sprawled in his executive chair, a pair of gigantic, Mickey Mouse-shaped noise-canceling headphones on his head, sleeping soundly.

On his desk, a game controller and empty snack bags lay scattered.

This sight was like a resounding slap across my face.

For three entire months, I had been tirelessly seeking funding and sponsorships, sleeping less than four hours a day.

And him? Was *this* what he was busy with?

Anger surged.

I walked to his side and unceremoniously yanked off his headphones.

Julian startled awake, his eyes bleary, an annoyed grunt escaping him. “Who…”

When he saw it was me, his annoyance instantly morphed into surprise.

“Anya?!” He shot upright, his eyes even brightening. “When did you get back?! Why didn’t you tell me? I would have picked you up at the airport!”

His voice was genuinely happy, even carrying a hint of reproach.

In the past, I would have thought he loved me deeply.

But now, I only found him utterly fake.

“Pick me up?” I forced a smile, the curve of my lips icy. “I wouldn’t dare trouble Mr. Hayes.”

Perhaps he caught the sarcasm in my words, as Julian’s smile stiffened.

I didn’t give him a chance to explain. I picked up the delayed contract and slapped it down in front of him:

“Sign it.”

“Mr. Davis is at his wit’s end outside. Are millions worth of contracts less important than the CEO’s gaming and beauty sleep?”

My words stung him, his face turning an ugly shade of red and white, but he signed it immediately.

I handed the contract to Mr. Davis, who looked at me with gratitude. “Go quickly.”

Mr. Davis rushed out as if he’d been granted a great pardon.

The office door closed again, shutting out countless probing gazes.

Inside, only Julian and I remained, and… the uninvited one.