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nAdrian Millicent is the well-esteemed chief executive of Millicent Inc. who possesses an air of coolness around him that feels a little too cold most of the time.

nIt was to be expected with all the stress and pressure of being the head of several multi-million companies. And it wasn't that he was not a good boss to an ordinary employee like Daniel. On the contrary, while he holds high expectations for everyone in his workplace, he always treats them with respect.

nAdrian tries his hardest to remember all of his employees by their names, politely thanks whoever manages to finish a task, gives short yet powerful peptalks if he notices someone struggling, and often has his secretary gather feedback for improvement. Daniel really admires him and looks forward to the day when he himself approaches him in person instead of sending an email like always. It can't be helped, though, considering that he's only working at one of the branch companies and not in the main headquarters.

nYet today, he happened to be in said branch company for some reason.

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"President! Good morning!

" Daniel greeted right away, springing up from his seat.

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"Good morning too, Daniel...

" Adrian greeted back with a small nod, looking like he had come to his office for some business.

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"Listen, I have a favor to ask.

"

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"Of course! Whatever you need, President!

"

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"You see, I am expecting a very special guest at about four in the afternoon. However, an issue has come up with one of our partner companies. I need to have a meeting with them, and sadly, they are only available at that same time.

"

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"Oh, alright, Sir. What is it you want me to do?

"

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"My secretary isn't around at the moment. Since you'll be free by that time, will you please go to the lobby and pick her up? She hadn't been here in our branch company before, so she asked to be toured around when I told her about the delay. Can you take her around?

"

nFor a moment, Daniel takes it all in - he still can't believe that Adrian has really approached him in personal. Once he grasps what it is he needs to do, he smiles and nods at him.

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"Of course, President. You can count on me,

" he beamed, and to his pleasant surprise, he was rewarded with a smile.

nIt was barely a smile, though. The corners of his lips curved up for only a tiny bit. But he knew it was definitely there.

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"Thank you, Daniel. I'm relying on you,

" Adrian said before taking his leave.

nIn awe, Daniel watches him walk away until he turns to a corner and disappears for good. Trying to snap out of his daze, he then slaps the sides of his face and lets his determination fill him - he is not going to let his boss down.

nBefore going back to work, Daniel grabs his phone and sets up an alarm so he will not be able to somehow forget the time.

n---

nAs soon as Daniel reaches the lobby that afternoon, he finds the security guard at the front desk talking to someone whom he guesses is the special guest he's supposed to tour around.

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"Uhhhh... Hello?

" he called and grimaced at how awkward that was.

nIt's definitely not the impression he wants to leave. He, however, didn't have much time to think about it as both the guard and the visitor turned around to look at him. Right then, he stilled. To say that he was stunned would probably be an understatement.

nTheir special guest turns out to be this drop-dead gorgeous redhead whose staggering beauty reminds Daniel of a model he once saw on a magazine.

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"Hey, Sir Daniel!

" the security guard chimed in, pulling him out of his trance.

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"O-Oh, good afternoon,

" he greeted and smiled while he walked closer to them.

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"Hi, there! Are you the one Adrian told me about?

" the visitor asked.

nDaniel was taken aback. She is quite bold in her way of addressing him as well as his boss. Not to mention, she is calling the head of Millicent Inc. by his first name.

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"Y-Yes, I am, Ma'am. Pleased to meet you...

" he stammered a little before he carried on with his introduction.

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"The name's Daniel.

"

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"Pleased to meet you too, Daniel. My name is Cassidy,

" she replied with a smile that almost made him fall for her charms.

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"R-Right! If you would please come with me, Ma'am Cassidy?

"

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"Okay.

"

nCassidy bid goodbye to the security guard before following Daniel to the elevator. He thought that it was nice of her to do that. Despite being the special guest of their boss, she seems kind and friendly.

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"So, what are the plans before I see Adrian?

" Cassidy started once more, initiating a conversation.

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"Oh, I was thinking I'd take you to our indoor cafe first. The coffee there is way better than any of those from the convenience stores since it gets freshly brewed,

" Daniel said, not sure if that would be a good place for their first destination.

nYet to his relief, she only nodded in agreement.

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"Here we are! Believe me, this place has the best drinks and food! It's even got the most delicious cakes. They're awesome!

" Daniel enthused as soon as he and Cassidy reached the indoor cafe where they found a crowd that seemed to be mostly made up of employees who're on break.

nIt was more similar to a restaurant than a cafe, especially with its wide-ranging menu of beverages, light snacks, lunches and even dinners for those that worked late. He was pleased to see that she appeared to be impressed by that as well as the overall setting of the place.

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"Is there anything you like? It'll be my treat!

" Daniel offered.

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"Oh, you really don't have to do that!

" Cassidy tried to turn it down but he insisted.

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"It's no problem! Just tell me what you like.

"

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"Well, if you're sure... Does this place have some strawberry milkshake or strawberry ice cream?

"

nDaniel couldn't help but blush a little, finding Cassidy endearingly cute when she said that with an embarrassed look.

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