Diego caught up with Iris easily, matching her brisk pace, though she didn't slow down.
"Where are you rushing off to?" he asked, amusement lacing his voice.
Iris didn't even glance at him.
"To my workplace, Deputy Director. Isn't that where all employees should be during work hours?"
Diego chuckled.
"Touché. Though I have to say... if every employee reacted as passionately as you do, my job would be a lot more entertaining."
Iris turned sharply, giving him a pointed look.
"What exactly are you implying?"
He tilted his head, pretending to think.
"Oh, I don't know... maybe that you were a bit too emotional defending Auren. Or..." — he paused deliberately, watching her expression — "that you blush when you're angry?"
She instantly felt the heat rise to her cheeks and turned away.
"If you have no business here, Deputy Director, I suggest you get back to work."
He grinned wider.
"Oh, but I'm working. Observing is part of the job, you know."
She shot him an irritated look, but Diego only smirked, clearly entertained.
"You're giving me such a stern look, Iris-ssi, I'm starting to feel a little intimidated," he said with exaggerated drama, pressing a hand to his heart.
Iris rolled her eyes and quickened her pace.
"You're wasting your time with pointless conversation, Deputy Director."
"Pointless?" He caught up easily again. "I was simply trying to get to know you better. It's not every day I meet someone this intriguing."
Iris stopped abruptly and turned to face him.
"If you truly wish to know me better, Deputy Director, I can tell you about my work. For instance, the pile of tasks waiting for me right now."
Diego hummed, folding his arms.
"And what if I'm more interested in you than in your work?"
Her eyes widened slightly before she steadied herself.
"Then I'm afraid you'll be disappointed."
She stepped aside, but Diego leaned closer, his smile mischievous.
"Why's that? Afraid I'll like what I find?"
She froze for a brief second before replying evenly, "I'm only afraid you'll waste your precious time on a lost cause."
He laughed.
"Well then, let's see how persistent I can be."
Iris sped up again, but he kept pace with her.
"You're walking like you're afraid to be alone with me," he teased, his tone light.
"I just want to get back to work," she replied coolly, eyes forward.
She'd heard plenty about him—talented, ambitious, charming. And yet, a notorious flirt. The kind of man who never took things seriously. Today, he seemed determined to prove her right.
"Work, work, work," he said with mock exasperation. "You could at least smile once in a while. I'm only trying to make your day a little more interesting."
She gave him a sidelong glance.
"You think persistent flirting makes a day interesting?"
"Depends whose day," he said, flashing a grin.
Iris exhaled sharply. When the doors to the Design Department finally appeared ahead, she silently thanked fate. But Diego didn't fall behind.
"I knew you were a creative type," he said, glancing at the entrance. "This place suits you."
She stopped and turned to him.
"Deputy Director, do you actually have work to do, or are you just inspecting our department for fun?"
He smiled slyly.
"What if I said I just wanted to get to know you better?"
"Then I'd regret ever talking to you," she replied evenly.
"So strict," he sighed theatrically, pressing his hand to his heart again. "You're only making me more curious."
She rolled her eyes but, before entering the department, let her gaze linger on him for a heartbeat longer than necessary. Diego caught it and smirked to himself.
"Well, since I'm already here," he said, pretending to think, "I might as well take a look around. The design department is vital to the company, after all."
Iris closed her eyes and counted to three. This man was a walking headache — and now he was marching straight into her workspace. The head of the department was not going to like this.
"Deputy Director, maybe you should—" she started, but he'd already pushed the door open with an easy smile.
"Relax. I'm just doing my job," he said lightly. "Wouldn't want to miss anything important, would I?"
But as soon as he crossed the threshold, the teasing faded from his face. The shift was instant — playfulness replaced by calm authority.
Iris blinked, startled by the sudden transformation. Just moments ago, he'd been flirting shamelessly, but now... now he looked every inch the Deputy Director.
His gaze swept the room, sharp and analytical.
"Design is one of the company's core pillars," he said, his tone smooth and measured. "Even the best ideas need strong visual execution to truly succeed."
The air in the department seemed to change. People straightened in their chairs. The department head emerged from his office, surprise flickering in his eyes before he hurried over.
"Deputy Director Reyes! What an unexpected visit."
Diego nodded. "Just thought I'd drop by. A fresh perspective never hurts. May I?"
He didn't need to clarify what he meant. Iris could tell — he'd already decided to assess everything.
She watched as he moved through the department, confident and focused. The flirtatious charm was gone, replaced by quiet authority. He examined layouts, asked precise questions, listened carefully, and gave concise, practical feedback.
"The font here feels too heavy for the concept — try something lighter."
"Good color palette, but the composition loses balance. Adjust the accents."
"This layout — who designed it?"
A designer raised a hand, and Diego nodded.
"Nice work. Needs refinement, but the idea is strong. Keep developing it."
The team, tense at first, gradually relaxed. They began to see what Iris had just realized — he wasn't just charming; he was good. He knew the craft, cared about details, and treated people with genuine respect.
When he finally finished, the department head gave a small bow.
"Thank you for your time, Deputy Director. Your input is invaluable."
Diego nodded, glancing briefly at Iris — and though she tried to look away, she couldn't quite ignore the flicker of admiration she felt.
He was scanning the desks when one project caught his eye.
He paused, stepping closer. The layout, the composition — it was impressive. Alive, even.
"Whose work is this?" he asked.
The department head followed his gaze and smiled.
"That would be Calderon, Iris. She's one of our graphic designers."
Iris froze at the mention of her name.
Diego raised his brows, turning toward her.
"Really?"
She straightened. "Yes, it's mine."
He studied the design once more, then gave a faint smile.
"I have to admit, I didn't expect that. But now... it makes sense."
"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked cautiously.
"That behind this design is not just talent, but character," he said, meeting her gaze.
Her heart gave a traitorous flutter. She folded her arms, masking it with calm.
"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"
He tilted his head, smirking.
"What do you think?"
The department head cleared his throat.
"Iris, mind your tone. The Deputy Director deserves more respect."
She kept her expression neutral. "Apologies," she said evenly, eyes still on Diego.
He chuckled. "No harm done. I appreciate honesty."
He glanced once more at her work.
"Excellent job. Keep it up," he said, before turning toward the door.
But as he reached it, he looked back over his shoulder.
"Next time," he said with a teasing glint in his eyes, "I hope your questions are just as interesting."
And with that, he left.
Iris stood motionless, watching the door close behind him, her mind still spinning. She'd expected arrogance, a few jokes, and a quick exit — not this. He'd been confident, intelligent, professional. And for the first time, she wasn't sure which version of him was real.
***
Diego walked down the hallway with a faint smirk, hands in his pockets.
Iris.
She wasn't like the others — she challenged him, pushed back, and didn't crumble under pressure. Her design had impressed him, but her defiance? That intrigued him even more.
"Interesting," he muttered under his breath, smiling as he kept walking.
***
The clock ticked past noon, though Auren hardly noticed.
The reception area was silent except for the soft rustle of papers and the tap of a pen against the desk. She was deeply focused, brows slightly furrowed.
Kael stepped out of his office, adjusting his jacket. His eyes found her immediately — the same picture as always: lost in work, unaware of time. He sighed, leaning casually on the edge of her desk.
"Do you ever remember to eat?" he asked, arms folded.
"Later," she murmured, not looking up.
He chuckled. "Right. Which means never. Guess that makes me responsible for feeding you now."
Auren finally looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Very funny."
"I'm serious," he said. "Someone's got to make sure you don't starve."
She rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips.
When she didn't move, Kael narrowed his eyes. "Fine. If you won't go to lunch, I'll bring lunch to you."
He pulled out his phone, scrolling through a list of restaurants.
"Are you seriously ordering delivery?" she asked in disbelief.
"Why not?" he said with a lazy grin. "Although there is one problem..."
"What problem?"
He leaned closer, bracing his hands on her desk.
"I hate eating alone. Guess you'll have to share."
She shook her head, returning to her monitor. Kael didn't budge, watching her with faint amusement.
"If you keep skipping meals, I will feed you," he warned lightly.
"I just got caught up in work," she replied absently.
"Uh-huh. Then maybe I'll just have to make sure you stay focused," he said.
It took her a second to catch the double meaning. When she did, she froze — then turned to him with a glare.
"Something wrong?" he asked innocently.
"Just... work, Kael."
"I am working," he said smoothly. "Keeping an eye on one of our most important employees."
"You're impossible."
"But effective," he shot back with a grin. "So, do I have to feed you or not?"
She felt her cheeks warm and grabbed the nearest document to hide it.
"Just wait for the delivery," she muttered, pretending to read.
Kael chuckled, straightening up and walking back to his desk — satisfied.