Chapter 123: Superior-Subordinate Relationship

"Oooh," Darryl cooed. "Do you know something, boss?"

Ambryan thought for a moment. He tucked his hands inside his pant pockets and glanced at the ceiling. "I think Richard had spoken something about it. He's speculating that his secretary has an interest in Eve."

"Oh, that guy. What was his name again?"

"I actually don't know."

"..." Eve knew his name but she figured that it wasn't a good idea to share her knowledge. She let out a tired sigh and sipped her coffee. This train needed to end before they came up with more theories. "Apologies, gentlemen, but I don't have a boyfriend. Most of my free time is spent with my close family and friends."

"Doesn't a boyfriend count as a close friend?" Darryl pointed out.

"Still doesn't change the fact that I don't have one."

He still wasn't convinced. "So what made you so tired over the weekend?"

Eve thought of another tiring weekend. She had shared plenty in the past. A familiar one would be more convincing since it was a recurring event… and she knew the perfect one to tell.

"What else, Darryl?" She scoffed with humor. Then, her face flinched as the memories came flooding in. "I was with my sisters. They're ten years old and have a lot of energy. We went to different places that offer different outdoor activities. Then, they wanted to visit an amusement park and didn't want to leave."

Andie had to bribe them with promised food. Thankfully, it worked and they all went home. Both adults and children were of equal number that day. But, the latter still managed to be a handful. Darryl was right on that one.

``Youngsters really do have a lot of energy.``

"Ah, the twins," he remarked, nodding his head. "They just might be the only people I'd love to meet more than your bo—future boyfriend."

Eve rolled her eyes at his obvious 'mistake'. At least, the bomb had been diffused. She better end it before someone lit it up again. She took out her phone and checked the time. Her entire demeanor changed.

She was in business mode. Her tone became firm as she said, "Anyway, we should go up soon, Sir Hathaway. Your first appointment will arrive in half an hour." 

Ambryan looked at his watch. "You're right." 

While Eve pushed the button on the elevator, he shifted his gaze towards the security guard. A rare smile spread across his face. Something his parents hardly witnessed. "Nice to speak to you again, Darryl. Hope you have been well."

Darryl returned it with a salute. "You too, boss."

"Please step this way, Sir Hathaway." He entered the elevator without another word. Eve nodded her head at Darryl before she followed after him. She chose to stay in front of the buttons.

The lift started its ascent. The same soft jazz music flowed out of the speakers, filling in the silence. Eve went through her mental list of tasks. She hoped to finish them fast while she still had some energy. If she felt depleted now, it would be more profound later on.

"You have twin sisters?" Ambryan suddenly asked. He leaned his back on the wall, wearing a scowl on his eyebrows. He watched as his secretary's shoulders stiffened.

"Ah, yes. I do." Eve replied. She looked towards the side, peeking at him through her peripheral vision. She couldn't see his face but she did notice his posture was relaxed.

Her head turned back to the front and observed as the floor number went up.

"I see."

She pressed her lips together and bowed her head. Was she supposed to say more? These were unchartered waters between them. Not to mention how she just told him and his family about her parents last night. 

She wasn't ready to reveal another piece of her life.

"Any particular reason why you asked?" Eve questioned, deciding to be upfront.

Ambryan analyzed his actions. The thought had lingered in his mind when Darryl mentioned the twins. The security guard knew that detail even when his secretary hadn't said anything. "I realized that I don't know much about you. Well, I was aware of that but even Darryl knows you better than I do and you spend more time with me."

'And you care why?' Eve rebutted mentally. They had been like this for the past five years. What happened for him to suddenly change? She just saw him yesterday and nothing seemed out of place. 

So what was the trigger?

"It's simply part of Darryl's personality," she explained. "I understand that you value your privacy and your work. I figured that things are the way they are because it might weaken our Superior-Subordinate relationship. It's to make sure that due respect is always upheld."

Ambryan chose to stay silent. 

She had valid points. He kept a distance for most people and his employees were included in that mix. It had always been that way. He only spoke to them for business-related reasons. Darryl was one of the exceptions because, like Eve pointed out, it was part of the old man's personality.

Some of his business partners were also the same.

So why did he suddenly notice that his secretary was different?

Because he was indebted to her?

"Thank you, by the way," He said after a while.

Eve finally glanced in his direction. Her eyebrow was raised. "For what?"

"Your insights and suggestions when I was choosing a gift. Evangeline loved the skates. I wouldn't have thought about it if you haven't mentioned that she might prefer something small."

Her jaw dropped at his statements. She opened and closed her mouth like a goldfish. "O-Oh. Not a problem. You can come to me for advice anytime."

'… okay, what am I doing?' Eve scolded herself. 'You can come to me for advice anytime?' That was cheating! It was also a breach against The Five Rules! This had been a test. He was only saying these things to see if she still remembered them.

It was his way of lecturing her! She was sure about it!

Ambryan pushed himself off the wall and chuckled. "I will."

Eve stayed inside the elevator while Ambryan walked out of the lift. She examined his retreating figure. Not once did he look back. Her mind had gone into overdrive. It scrutinized the recent events and did a quick evaluation.

He walked the same. He talked the same. His clothes were also in pristine condition. There was no sign for this sudden change. She never felt so lost.

When the doors were about to close, Eve pressed her thumb on the open button. 

"What just happened?" She thought out loud, blinking out of her daze. "Am I supposed to believe that one conversation impressed him more than my other contributions? And somehow… he wasn't mad that I offered to talk about his personal life?"

Was the world spinning in reverse? Should she ask Avery? Maybe his mother knew something—like what happened after he dropped her off. 

Eve slapped herself and finally exited the lift. She took a deep breath, cleansing her mind. There were far more important things to do. She shouldn't get distracted.

Her mutters came out of her lips as her legs led her to her work desk. "I am thinking way too much. It's probably just a one time thing. There's no need to worry. I just have to do better."

For the next 15 minutes, Eve gave her 110% effort on her job. She went through her inbox and handled prioritized matters. At the same time, she checked in on the documents and food needed for the Ambryan's first meeting for the day. The day had been packed in line with their surprise audit at the studios.

The CEO planned to make a personal visit without informing the staff.

They didn't know how long they'd be gone so work had been squeezed.

The food consisted of a simple breakfast meal. She cut up the toasts into bite-size pieces. Using different jams and butter, she spread them over the grilled bread. Deviled eggs occupied half of the plate in case they wanted a softer bite. 

Brewed coffee and tea were also done, ready to be served according to their liking. 

Eve stood in the pantry and did one last sweep over everything. Then, the intercom sounded from her desk. "They're on their way, Ms. Hart."

"Right. These will have to do." She picked up the tray and headed for the CEO's office. There was a sitting area near the bookshelves. The couch and armchairs were made of leather while the glass coffee table had an oval shape. 

The food was set at the center. Eve skipped over the drinks and prepared to greet the guests. She paused just before she left the office. Ambryan sat on his desk, his eyes never left the monitor. His hands neither typed nor moved. 

A deep scowl framed his expression.

Eve frowned at the sight. "Sir Hathaway, your first appointment is in 10 minutes. I already printed out the documents you required. Is there anything else you might need?"

"No, you've done enough already," he responded. "Let the guests in after 10 minutes."

"Understood."

Opening the door, Eve met another surprise. 

The visitors had already reached the top floor. 

"Ms. Hart!" Luna called out from the other side. She giggled as Eve shut the door. "Long time, no see! Is the CEO in a good mood today? Give me some hints so I know which jokes to tell."