Avery thought that after the day at the construction site, Lucien would leave her alone.
But she underestimated just how unreasonable this man could be.
—
The project team meeting started promptly at 9 a.m. on Monday. Avery sat in the corner, diligently taking notes, forcing herself to stay focused on the discussion.
"Avery, Mr. Lucien wants to see you."
A colleague tapped her on the shoulder, whispering the reminder.
Avery froze for a moment, and as she lifted her head, she found herself staring directly at the tall, cold figure standing outside the glass wall of the meeting room.
In his dark suit, Lucien's posture was straight and unyielding, his long fingers casually tucked into his pocket, his deep-set eyes sharp and precise, locking onto her as if nothing else existed.
The chatter in the room fell silent, tension instantly filling the air.
Avery closed her notebook, took a quiet breath, and stood up to follow him.
"Mr. Lucien, you wanted to see me?"
She stopped in front of him, back straight, her voice calm but taut.
"Come with me."
Those were the only three words he spoke before turning to leave, not pausing even for a second.
Avery was forced to quicken her steps to keep up, her fingers unconsciously tightening around the strap of her bag.
The corridor lights were cold and bright as Lucien walked ahead, his pace steady, the sharp lines of his suit emphasizing his broad shoulders and tall frame, making the tension in the air almost suffocating.
Avery knew well that Lucien never acted without a reason. If he wanted to see her, there had to be a purpose.
—
The elevator took them straight to the top floor of Lucien's headquarters.
"Come in." Lucien pushed open the door to his office, his voice cold and commanding.
The moment the door closed, the noisy world outside was shut out.
On his desk lay the design proposal Avery had submitted last week for the Jinyuan Residence project. The cover was flipped open, the edges of the papers slightly curled from being read repeatedly.
Avery's heart skipped a beat.
Lucien stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city skyline glaring in the bright sunlight behind him. He turned, his gaze sharp and penetrating.
"I've looked over your proposal."
"Is there a problem with it?" Avery tried to keep her voice steady.
Lucien's long fingers tapped lightly against the desk, the jade ring on his finger making a low, clear sound.
"No problem." He paused briefly. "Which is why I've decided you will take over the follow-up work for the Jinyuan project."
Avery froze, her eyes widening, almost thinking she had misheard him.
"Me? Handling it alone?"
"Is there a problem?"
"No… it's just… why me?"
Lucien's gaze darkened as he slowly walked toward her, the crisp sound of his shoes on the floor echoing in the room, the pressure around him growing heavier with each step.
"That day at the site, I saw your attitude." His voice was calm, but it carried a cold intensity that burned. "You're focused, careful, and willing to work hard—not someone who only knows how to look busy behind a desk."
Avery pressed her lips together, her heart thumping rapidly.
"And one more thing." Lucien stopped in front of her, looking down, a hint of a dangerous smile flickering in his cold features. "I want to see exactly how capable you really are."
Avery lifted her chin, her stubborn gaze meeting his, sparks seeming to fly in the charged air between them.
"Thank you for the trust, Mr. Lucien. I won't let the project down."
Her voice was firm, her eyes bright like a small flame.
"Don't disappoint me." His low voice brushed past her ear, cool and deliberate, sending an involuntary shiver through her.
—
When Avery stepped out of his office, her fingertips were still cold.
Meanwhile, Lucien stood by the window, watching her figure grow smaller as she walked away, a hint of softness flickering in his eyes—something even he didn't notice himself.
He thought he only wanted to test her, but that day on the construction site, when she looked up at the blazing sun, her bright, unyielding eyes had somehow become a light that had settled into his heart, refusing to leave.
—
After work that day, as Avery finished packing up her files to leave, she received a message from Ethan:
[Ethan: I'm waiting downstairs at the café. Free for dinner?]
She hesitated for a moment before replying:
[Okay, I'll come down.]
—
At the street-side café, Ethan sat by the floor-to-ceiling windows, the collar of his white shirt slightly open, his gentle smile warm as spring when he saw her.
"Avery, it's rare for you to get off this early." He stood to pull out a chair for her, his movements graceful.
"Thank you." Avery set down her bag, returning a polite smile.
"Just call me Ethan. No need to be so formal." Ethan smiled easily, his tone light. "I wanted to thank you for your cooperation on the project and also treat you for your hard work."
Avery paused, warmth spreading quietly through her chest.
Dinner was relaxed and easy, with Ethan occasionally bringing up project details, asking for her thoughts on the Jinyuan Residence design, making her feel at ease.
When they left the café, the night breeze brushing against her face, Avery took a deep breath.
Not far away, a black Range Rover was parked at the corner. A man leaned against the vehicle, fingers idly turning a jade ring, his cold gaze quietly fixed on her.
Under the streetlights, faint light played across the deep shadows of his brows and eyes.
Lucien's lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile.