I woke up at some point, desperately needing to use the bathroom.

After returning, I noticed a glass of water and a plate of peeled grapefruit waiting at the door, but Julian was nowhere in sight.

Looking around, I saw the room had been cleaned up – clothes, shoes, and bags that were carelessly tossed about were all neatly arranged.

I stood at the door, staring at the plate of grapefruit, perfectly peeled without a single blemish.

It was clearly his work. He could do everything so well and was attentive to me. He remembered I loved grapefruit but couldn’t stand it when it had any blemishes.

Every time we ate together, he’d peel it for me, handing it over with a smile. I used to think it was a sign he liked me too. But maybe the grapefruit wasn’t just for me.

A dull ache settled in my heart. After a moment’s hesitation, I sighed. He was gone, and I couldn’t let food go to waste. I picked up the grapefruit just as the door swung open.

Julian came in carrying two large grocery bags, looking at me with a mischievous smile.

“Oh, you’re awake? How are you feeling? Still running a fever?

“You really don’t know how to take care of yourself. I leave for one day, and you make yourself sick. See? You can’t function without me…”

I stared at the chattering Julian, feeling a sense of disconnection wash over me.

If only I hadn’t discovered his dream girl, I could’ve deceived myself into believing we were both interested in each other – just one confession away from being together.

The injustice bubbled up inside me, and my eyes stung with tears that spilled over.

He set down the grocery bags and quickly pulled out a tissue, hurrying over to wipe my tears.

“Stop crying, are you really that miserable? You’re such a crybaby.”

I turned my head, stepping back to avoid his hand. “Julian, don’t be so nice to me. I’ll get the wrong idea.”

He paused, looking at me in shock for a couple of seconds. Then, without warning, he grabbed my hand and pushed me against the door.

His scent enveloped me, and his icy fingers sent a shiver down my spine.

I jumped, instinctively kicking at him, but he quickly caught my ankle.

The coldness made me shudder even more, and as I struggled, he leaned in closer, his voice tinged with an odd vulnerability. “Hold on, let’s talk this out, okay?”

Hearing his tone softened my heart, melting away some of my defenses, but I forced myself to maintain a glare, tilting my chin up defiantly. “Is this really how you want to talk?”

He lifted his head, his eyes glistening. “If I let you go, you can’t run away. Let’s go to the sofa.”

His words felt strangely off, like a kidnapper dealing with a hostage.

I rolled my eyes but reluctantly agreed. “Fine, let go.”

We moved to the sofa, sitting opposite each other. The plate of grapefruit was right there, serving as a barrier. If it weren’t for that, I’d have trouble holding my own against this man!

Julian glanced at the grapefruit. “You can eat while we talk.”

I put on a stern face, grabbing a piece of the fruit. If it was there, I might as well eat it. He watched me, a gentle smile on his lips, his eyes glimmering with affection.

What a pair of flirtatious eyes he had! I could almost imagine them filled with love even for stray dogs on the street.

How could I have been so blind? Even with 20/20 vision, I couldn’t see through his tangled web of charm.

“Julian, I’ll be handing in my resignation tomorrow. I’ll also make sure to pass on all related matters to the new secretary. As for the deposit on this apartment, just transfer it to my account. You don’t have to return the remaining rent for the next few months since I’m breaking the contract. I’ll move out within a week.”

He truly was a good person, especially when it came to being kind to others. All these years of falling for him hadn’t been a waste; I worked hard to get closer to him, pushing myself to improve.

Thinking back to the past, I remembered my first days at the company…

As an ordinary university graduate, I sent my resume to countless companies and faced rejection after rejection. With a glimmer of hope, I submitted my application to The Ward Group, the largest publicly listed company in the city.

To my surprise, I got an interview opportunity.

The candidates alongside me were impressive – graduates from prestigious universities, both domestic and abroad.

One girl sneered when she saw my resume. “You, from a common university, think you can interview at The Ward Group? Must be a mistake by HR. You’re brave to come here, though. If you actually get the job, I’ll drink water upside down.”

I stood there, clutching my resume, feeling utterly out of place among this crowd of elites.

My cheeks burned as whispers circulated around me.

“Are you questioning the competency of The Ward Group’s HR?” I shot back, surprising even myself.

She hadn’t expected me to retaliate and quickly looked at the staff nearby, backpedaling. “I didn’t mean that.”

“Your words are laced with discrimination against common universities. While my school might not be the best, it has a reputable program. There are graduates from excellent universities here. And just because you studied there, it doesn’t mean The Ward Group would discriminate against us common graduates.

“Even if I don’t succeed today, it’s not a reflection of my school but of my personal abilities. I received an invitation from The Ward Group’s HR to interview, and I came prepared. No matter the outcome, I’m treating this interview with the seriousness it deserves.”

My words made the crowd look at her with disdain. She turned pale and opened her mouth to protest…

“Well said. The Ward Group never judges employees by their educational background; we value capability and personal qualities.”

A clear, pleasant voice came from down the hallway as a handsome man in a sharp suit approached, exuding an icy aura. Several well-dressed people followed him, indicating his high status.

“Good morning, Mr. Ward…” the staff greeted him hurriedly.

Julian Ward walked up to me, fixing his gaze on the girl. “Miss, I believe you don’t align with our company’s values. You’re not suitable for us; please seek opportunities elsewhere.”

“Who are you to send me away? My uncle is Manager Hank Walter from Marketing. You think I’ll just leave? You’ll need to consult him first.”

She was clearly furious, threatening to leverage connections as if it would intimidate him. If only she realized how high above her he was.

Julian frowned slightly. “Call Mr. Walter and have him pick up his niece. Inform HR to process her termination.”

“Understood, Mr. Ward.”

With that, the group left without a backward glance, leaving the girl pale and bewildered. A staff member gently led her away, explaining, “He’s our president and the chairman’s son. Please wait here for your uncle and don’t disrupt others’ interviews…”

Later, the interview went surprisingly smoothly for me.

To my surprise, I received a call from HR after getting home. I had successfully joined The Ward Group as a new member of the secretarial office.

Later, I asked Assistant Bryce why I got hired. He said it was probably because Mr. Ward appreciated my communication skills.

I thought to myself, Julian truly was both gentle and formidable.

However, I soon realized that he hired me purely because his sharp tongue left no one else standing. Was the legendary loneliness of the unbeatable true?

Initially, I was overly respectful towards Julian at work, but as time passed and he continued to be difficult, I pushed back. Instead of getting angry, he seemed pleased. Perhaps this was the peculiar trait of a CEO?

Thus began our verbal sparring and physical tussles… but don’t get the wrong idea – it was just him getting drunk while I tried to manage him, with him bumping into things.

On my first day in the secretarial office, my colleagues informed me that helping the CEO block alcohol was part of my duties.

I never expected my first outing with him would end up being a disaster.

During a collaboration dinner with an overseas company, their president kept toasting Julian. After he had a few drinks, Julian’s face was getting a bit strained. So, when the opposing president raised another glass, I stepped in to block it.

“We’ve had such a pleasant discussion today and truly appreciate the opportunity to work together. In the spirit of sincerity, I’ll toast you three times.”

I raised my glass and downed my wine. Just as I was pouring another glass, Julian covered mine with his hand. Confused, I looked up at him, but he stood and pushed me gently back into my seat.

“Miss Campbell is right; we’re thrilled about this collaboration and hope for more opportunities ahead. I’ll toast you, Mr. Philips.”

After the toast, Julian maintained his composure, but I sensed a hint of displeasure. I couldn’t understand why.

Once in the car, his expression darkened.

I was seeing him angry for the first time after working together for so long.

I didn’t dare speak, but he kept staring at me until I finally broke the silence.

“Mr. Ward, are you feeling unwell? Do you need me to get some hangover medicine from the pharmacy?”

“Eliza, who told you to block alcohol for me?”

“Huh? Isn’t that expected? As your secretary, it’s my duty.”

He frowned, rubbing his temples. “Forget who told you; just know I don’t need you to block drinks. I don’t want to see that happen again, understood?”

“But other secretaries have done it for you! Are you worried about my tolerance? Don’t worry; I can handle my liquor.”

“Other secretaries are men. Are you a man?”

He interrupted me, and I was left staring blankly.

“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to disrespect women. But you should know that women are more vulnerable when drinking, and if something happens, the consequences are dire. So, when you’re with me, no drinking. I do not allow women to block drinks for me.”