Chapter 2

Adam stood with his hands in his pockets, gazing out of the window in a daze. His thoughts had seemed to drift back to six months ago.

He raised his right hand, clenched it into a fist, and stared at the old card hanging on the wall. He recalled the distinct fragrance again. He closed his eyes slowly, imagining that she had been right beside him.

If she hadn’t left this item behind that night, he would have thought it was all a dream, like an ethereal night illusion in the rain.

A series of knocks on the door interrupted his thoughts. He opened his eyes, and his face contorted in annoyance.

“Come in!”

Hearing his irritated tone, the HR manager entered, immediately bowing and reporting about the candidates for the position of his secretary.

“Good morning, sir. After our negotiations, these are the three candidates. Please take a look.”

“Put them aside for now.” Adam didn’t intend to go through them at the moment. He focused on his work, implying that the manager could leave.

“Of course, sir. I will leave them here for now. Please let us know when you would like to schedule the interviews.”

The HR manager, nearing 50, faced the young and icy CEO with a mix of fear and respect. Adam’s work demeanor was unbending, and any slight misstep could be disastrous. Especially on a rainy day like today — everyone had to be cautious.

“Wait for me to go through them before proceeding.”

“Alright. I’ll let them know.” Then, the HR manager quickly left.

Sighing, Adam moved to his desk and focused on the documents. However, a graceful figure suddenly appeared in his mind. He looked at the name on the paper: Kaytly Blanche.

Kaytly?

The card hanging above also had the name “Kaytly” on it. Could it be her? A strange feeling rose within him, but he quickly dismissed the thought.

That night, she had vanished without a trace, leaving no evidence behind. How could she suddenly appear right in front of him now? Moreover, even if she stood before him, how could he be sure that it was her?

He pushed the thought away with a slight shake of his head and focused on his work.

***

Kaytly looked over the other two candidates in the waiting room before sneaking out.

As she stepped out of the restroom, she muttered in frustration. “What kind of company is this? It’s like a maze, and it’s a huge corporation, but the work pace is slower than a tortoise. I’ve been waiting for half an hour, and there’s still no news. I’m out of here!”

The moment she was ready to leave, a male voice startled her from behind. “Excuse me, miss. Can I help you with something?”

Adam stepped out of the restroom and spotted the unfamiliar woman wandering around, muttering to herself.

“Ah…” Kaytly turned around to see the man behind her, but she was stunned, realizing it was him! How could such a coincidence happen? Why did she always encounter such bad luck?

With shock in her eyes, Kaytly stared at Adam. In her mind, a single thought emerged: Run!

She had just turned to escape, but Adam suddenly called her name. “Kaytly Blanche!”

Kaytly instinctively leaned back from him. Oh no, oh no, she had been recognized! That night, she was too drunk and was emotionally unstable that she could behave like that with him…

Kaytly was reluctant to turn around and face him, her face showing unwillingness as she spoke, “Yes, it’s me. What do you want?”

Adam looked at Kaytly’s reaction, puzzled. “Let me introduce myself. I’m Adam Kenneth, the CEO of this company. I’ve reviewed your file, and I think you’re well-suited for this position. When can you start?”

As he uttered these words, Adam was taken aback. He only intended to ask why she was here, yet somehow, it turned into a job offer.

Kaytly stared in shock at the man before her. In her mind, she realized she hadn’t been recognized. “Thank God, that CEO from the other night didn’t seem to recognize me!” she thought.

True, that night was pitch dark, and the lights were out. If it weren’t for the headlights of the car shining on her, she wouldn’t have been able to see his face clearly, let alone recognize him!

However, facing a CEO who couldn’t recognize her, she wondered how this was even possible. They had shared such an intimate encounter… It seemed that men could only think with their lower halves!

What was his name? Adam Kenneth? The name wasn’t bad, and he had a good build. Moreover, his body…

Kaytly discreetly licked her lips, an involuntary blush creeping onto her face as she remembered his imposing presence and commanding aura that night.

“Miss Blanche? Are you alright?” Adam gazed at her with a curious look, his lips curling into a gentle smile.

Hearing Adam’s question, Kaytly was snapped out of her thoughts and realized she had been staring blankly at him a moment ago.

“Huh? What did you say?” Her face was confused.

“I said, when can you start working? Also, could you tell me what you were thinking right now?” Adam’s gaze remained fixed on her.

Kaytly’s face turned even redder, unable to explain her thoughts about that night when she left without a word. After hearing Adam’s words, she lifted her head, her eyes sparkling with a hint of joy as the realization hit her.

“Oh? Is it true? I got the job?” Kaytly could hardly believe it.

“That’s right. When can you start?” Adam still couldn’t understand why he was so intrigued by this girl’s hazy appearance. According to logic, she wasn’t quite suitable for the position. However, he was incredibly hopeful that she would become his secretary for some reason.

“Anytime! I can start working right away!” Kaytly exclaimed ecstatically. This opportunity was indeed a godsend. She had to seize it immediately!

Adam looked at Kaytly with surprise, his face suddenly turning serious. “You don’t have to rush like that. Rest assured, tomorrow, I’ll make an official announcement. You can come here tomorrow morning, okay?”

“Yes, yes, of course! Thank you, Mr. Kenneth! I’ll be here tomorrow!” Kaytly tried to hold back her excitement, giving him a shy smile.