Francisco's smirk widened, contemplating the unpredictable nature of the small bird he had chosen to play with. In his eyes, Hazel was like a bird.
"I don't like it if someone touches my belongings; whoever touches my belongings needs to compensate for it."
Hazel, though expressionless, couldn't fully grasp the meaning behind Francisco's words.
"So..."
She looked down, her gaze averting as she tried to comprehend his statement.
"Should I need to compensate for it?"
Francisco's blue, stern eyes locked onto her.
"Of course."
Hazel met his gaze again, her hazel-green eyes searching the depths of his oceanic gaze for answers.
"What should I do, sir?"
Hazel asked, her voice gentle.
A moment of silence lingered between them. Finally, he spoke with a hint of intrigue in his voice.
"As you would like to learn more, so my books are yours too. The compensation is to read aloud whatever you read from now on."
Hazel took a moment to comprehend Francisco's offer, and after a brief pause, a warm smile graced her lips.
Francisco's intense blue eyes were fixed on her, captivated by her smile, and watched in awe. He observed the genuine beauty in her expression, a sight that seemed to surprise and intrigue him. A small smirk played on his lips, and he chose not to interrupt the delightful.
Hazel lightly touched her lips before turning her gaze back to him.
"Sir, this is a sweet compensation that I will accept for the rest of my life."
Francisco tilted his head.
"I will remember what you said. The rest of your life," he replied in a calm tone.
Hazel moved her gaze with a shy smile.
"Your collection is quite intriguing, sir. It's all about political and crime books."
Francisco, maintaining his subtle smirk, nodded affirmatively.
"Those are the realms I find most captivating. They reveal the complexities of human nature and power dynamics. Why? Don't you like it?"
Leaning against the sofa, Hazel responded, "Yes, I like those as well."
Francisco straightened up. Nonchalantly placing his hands in his pants pockets, he said, "Let's go."
Hazel quickly stood up. Finally, she was going to get some work from her boss.
"Where to, sir?"
"Home."
Francisco said while walking toward the elevator.
"Home?"
Hazel became a bit confused when she heard him.
"Yes…"
"Do you have any problem?"
Francisco asked as he pressed the button on the elevator.
"Do I then need to accompany you, sir?" Hazel asked nervously.
Turning back to her, Francisco faced her with a decisive expression just as the elevator door opened.
"As my PA, you must accompany me wherever I go," he asserted, stepping into the elevator.
Hazel nodded slowly, accepting her role as an obedient assistant, and followed suit.
**
Diana and her colleague departed the hospital center.
"Thank you very much for your help, Ben. I'm not sure how I would have handled the matter without your assistance."
Diana smiled slightly to express her gratitude.
"I'll take care of everything for you, Diana. I requested the top authorities for a team. I'm hoping Dr. Kenzo will agree to my suggestion."
Ben spoke in a lively manner. He always wanted to be with Diana at the workplace and, if possible, in her life.
Diana took her phone with a smile to call her driver, but Ben interrupted her. He felt the urge to spend some time with her after the hospital.
"Hey, Diana, let's go out to lunch."
Diana became surprised. She hesitated to say yes, so she made an effort to reject him differently.
"I want to go home, Ben. I am so worn out. Let's do it another day."
Ben did not give up hope.
"Then would you mind if I dropped you off at home?"
Ben's proposal was sweet. But Diana's lips were tightly sealed. She knew Ben was her colleague, but every time she could not just reject him.
"Then let's leave."
As they were about to depart, Max's voice unexpectedly echoed.
"Diana!"
They quickly made a U-turn. Diana was caught off guard by Max's sudden appearance.
Diana raised an eyebrow at Max's audacious claim.
"Why are you here?"
A smirk played on Max's lips as he confidently moved closer to Diana. He replied in a playful manner, "Of course, I am here to pick up my girlfriend."
Ben narrowed his eyes at Max's statement. His gaze shifted to Diana.
Max's demeanor shifted to a more serious tone, and he pleaded, "Okay, my love. I know you are angry with me, but now please forgive me."
Calling Diana 'my love' didn't sit well with Ben.
"Diana!"
Max turned to Ben, and with a stern expression, he stated, "Mr., can't you see we are talking?"
Max shot a sharp gaze at Ben, but Ben seemed unfazed by Max's attempts to intimidate him. Ignoring Max, Ben said, "Diana can talk."
Max's eyebrows shot up in disbelief as he observed Ben's audacious behavior. He was about to say something, but Diana swiftly intervened; she was well aware of Max's temper and wanted to avoid any conflict.
"I'll talk to you later, Ben. I have to leave now."
"But, Diana!"
"Ben, I promise I'll explain everything later."
Max, overhearing their conversation, felt a surge of anger building up inside him. He clenched his jaw.
Diana's promise to talk to Ben later, right in front of him, struck a nerve.
Unable to restrain himself, Max abruptly grabbed Diana's hand and pulled her away from Ben.
"Max! Are you crazy?"
Diana exclaimed, her anger evident in her tone.
Max remained silent, his grip firm as he hauled her away from there.
"Max!"
"Hey, why are you dragging her like that?"
Ben's voice echoed as he hurriedly approached to assist Diana.
Max, without any hesitation, grabbed Ben's collar. In a frigid tone, he retorted, "Listen, she's my responsibility, not yours. Don't you dare teach me what I should do or not."
The force of Max's words struck Ben, freezing him in his tracks. With a push, he shoved Ben aside, continuing to drag Diana with a rough grip.
"Max!"