A flicker of confusion crossed my mind, and I was about to speak when Grant beat me to it.,

"Ahem, ahem...

" He cleared his throat with a playful smirk.

"Director Hudson, snooping around doorways now? You gave me quite the scare.

", Even though I could tell he was joking, I felt compelled to clarify with all the dignity I could muster,

"Mr. Smith, don't get me wrong. I wasn't eavesdropping. I was just about to knock.

",

"Ha, ha,

" Grant's laughter brightened, completely harmless.

"Just pulling your leg. What brings you here?

", With that, he gestured for me to enter his office, and I followed., Though I had been working for several days, this was my first time entering his office. My initial impression was that it was rather... eclectic., Now, as the company's Vice President, and with the President seldom handling day-to-day affairs, Grant was effectively the king of the castle. Even if he wasn't, as a leader, one would expect his office to exude a sense of sophistication and understatement. But his was different., The sofa boasted vivid, multi-colored patchwork, its shape curved like a crescent moon. The office was adorned with several pots of real flowers, blooming in vibrant colors, a feast for the eyes. His desk was covered in all sorts of quirky little knick-knacks., All these details had a distinctly feminine touch. Had I not known it was his office, I might have assumed I was in the wrong place.,

"Like it?

" Grant noticed my appraisal., My lips twitched involuntarily; honestly, it wasn't to my taste, lacking the seriousness an office should embody., But to each their own, especially when you're the boss., I managed a polite smile, complimenting,

"Mr. Smith, your office has a very unique style.

", Grant laughed, motioning for me to sit on the sofa,

"I'm not a fan of dreary settings. My brother always teases me about it. By the way, my brother's the big boss. I was just on the phone with him when you popped up at the door. You really startled me.

", I chuckled, though internally I was a bit skeptical. He referred to the big boss as his brother, indicating a close relationship. No wonder he seemed to have free rein.,

"I'll make sure it doesn't happen again,

" I assured him.,

"No worries, I'm just jumpy,

" Grant's response genuinely made me laugh., This side of him was so approachable and down-to-earth, a stark contrast to Conrad., At Wagner Group, Conrad, the company president, maintained a strict professional boundary during work hours. To him, I was merely his assistant, another employee., Reflecting on it, his distant demeanor wasn't about being impartial; perhaps it was simply indifference., The thought soured my mood, reminding me of my reason for visiting Grant,

"Mr. Smith, I'd like to take the afternoon off.

",

"Taking time off?

" Grant looked at me curiously.,

"Yes, I have some personal matters to attend to,

" I offered a vague explanation., Grant nodded,

"Sure, go ahead. Don't worry about client issues. I've already spoken with the big boss. He said he'd handle it personally and wanted you to focus on your work without any distractions.

"

"Really?

" I was taken aback. I've never even met the big boss. How could he be so thoughtful?, Grant chuckled,

"The boss is a charmer with a heart of gold. You'd fall for him the moment you meet.

", Fall for him?!, My cheeks involuntarily warmed at the thought, but considering Grant's words suggested the big boss was also quite approachable, I played along,

"Such a wonderful boss must be quite beloved.

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