When Hadley Marshall recognized Coleson Reynolds's face, her heart seemed to skip a beat.

"Oh my God!" she exclaimed, feeling as though her legs might give way. She never imagined she'd see him here.

Coleson removed his sunglasses, and hearing her voice, turned to look at her. Her presence was vivid and palpable to him. With effortless confidence, he walked toward her, his long strides swiftly closing the gap between them.

A palpable tension hung in the air, pressing down on Hadley, making the coincidence feel almost overwhelming.

Coleson towered over her, his gaze penetrating and intense. He spoke with deliberate ease, "Am I really so stunning that you had to shout?"

Before Hadley could gather her thoughts, Coleson donned his sunglasses again, flashing a mischievous grin. Accompanied by Yosef Harrison, he headed into the office, leaving Hadley stranded in a state of flustered confusion.

Settling back in her chair, Hadley felt Eloise Cunningham's disapproving stare. Leaning toward a colleague, Eloise whispered pointedly, "Doesn't she feel embarrassed? Everyone was just standing there, and she goes and hollers like that—completely unprofessional. Well, that's our design department for you, now unforgettable to the new CEO." Eloise seemed intent on making sure Hadley heard her disdain. Dinn Dunn attempted to intervene, giving Eloise a gentle tap. "Let it go, it wasn’t intentional—besides, Emir Holmes is coming over."

Despite having more to say, Eloise quickly fell silent as Emir approached.

Hadley's desk was right outside the design department manager’s office. Emir paused before entering, gently asking, "Hadley, is everything alright?"

Caught off-guard, Hadley replied, "Oh? I'm fine."

Emir frowned slightly, "Were you standing too long? You look a bit worn out."

Hadley managed a faint smile, "Maybe."

"Why don’t you take a break and head to the coffee room?"

Taking Emir’s advice, Hadley nodded in agreement, and with him opening the office door, she stood and made her way to the coffee room, her thoughts swirling in confusion.

Dinn soon appeared with two cups of coffee, her demeanor upbeat. "Hadley, here’s some coffee for you."

Hadley murmured with a sigh, "Thanks."

Dinn sat down beside Hadley, her manner light and teasing. "You have a knack for these things, huh? Who would've thought the CEO would pop in? Still... gambling's not exactly the best habit."

Hadley was lost in thought, responding with an edge of seriousness, "Honestly, Dinn, if it meant the CEO didn’t turn up and I lost a thousand bucks, I’d be okay with it."

Dinn was reassured by Hadley's response but couldn’t resist a touch of gossip. "Hey, I’ve noticed you’ve seemed off. Do you... know the CEO?"

Hadley considered explaining but couldn’t find the right words, ultimately deciding it wasn’t worth it. She stood up, dismissively saying, "You’re reading too much into it. I have work to do."

As Hadley sat at her desk, the more she dwelled on it, the more chaotic her thoughts became. Yet a clear thought pushed through, motivating her to face the situation with courage. Her new job seemed to be reaching an impasse.

Eloise appeared, tapping a file on Hadley's desk. "Congrats on catching the CEO’s eye. I thought your scream was some sort of episode, but it’s more like a siren call."

Eloise enjoyed antagonizing Hadley, often spurred by their shared interest in Emir.

Hadley found Eloise's insincere smile irritating. She cut through the sarcasm. "If you have something to say, just say it. I'm busy."

"Well, heads up. I just bumped into the CEO. He specifically asked you to make him a coffee."

Hadley felt a ripple of panic but resigned herself to the inevitable.

Eloise leaned in closer, her tone low. "Feeling secretly proud? Who are you trying to dazzle with this act?"

Hadley closed her eyes, trying to rein in her irritation. "And what exactly are you getting at?"

Eloise dropped her smile, her tone grave. "I’m saying if you aim to cozy up to the CEO, leave Emir alone. You can't have both; it's decision time."

With that, Eloise spun around, file in hand, and walked away.

Watching Eloise’s retreat, Hadley felt a sting of frustration. If she really pursued Emir, Eloise would be the one sulking.

Hadley took the coffee, summoning her resolve as she approached the CEO’s office door. She paused, taking a deep breath to calm herself. Come on, Hadley, stay strong. Stick with your plan, and if it all falls apart, just walk away.

As she made the coffee, her mind raced through countless scenarios. Her choice to stay or leave would hinge on Coleson's reaction. If he nursed a grudge, leaving might be her only option.

Prepared for whatever lay ahead, Hadley felt a surprising sense of calm. She lifted her hand and knocked on the CEO’s office door.

"Come in," a relaxed voice called out.

Hadley pushed open the door, coffee in hand, carefully offering it. "Mr. Reynolds, here's your coffee."

Coleson lowered his foot from the marble desk and sat upright with poised composure. "Hadley, back again. Tell me, how does this moment feel to you?"

For a fleeting moment, Hadley wished Coleson had selective amnesia, but she knew better.

Hadley lowered her gaze, accepting there was no escape. The numerous apologies she had rehearsed vanished from her mind, and she simply took a breath and said, "Mr. Reynolds, I’m ready for anything. If you want me gone, I’ll head to HR and resign."

Coleson observed Hadley’s determined demeanor and couldn’t help but chuckle softly, covering his mouth. "What's troubling you about the company? Feel free to share."

Hadley met Coleson’s teasing demeanor with a flicker of irritation. "I realize I’ve wronged you, but I’m not going to grovel. If you plan to retaliate, go ahead."

Coleson listened, resting his chin on his hand. "Let me ask: Have you made mistakes in your work?"

Hadley felt perplexed. Why did he keep changing the subject? It was baffling.

Coleson cut to the chase, "Did you mess up at work? Are you lacking skills? Or did you embezzle funds?"

Upon hearing the accusation of embezzlement, Hadley’s gut reaction was: "No way! I didn’t do anything like that!"

Coleson spread his hands in a conciliatory manner. "There you go. This is a company, and I'm the CEO. I don’t let personal feelings interfere with business. Since there’s no misconduct, why would I fire you?"

Hadley was momentarily stunned, looking at the coffee on the table. Was it really just about making him coffee?

"Did you summon me to your office just for a cup of coffee?"

Coleson grinned wider. "Not at all. Here's your ID badge." He opened a drawer and placed Hadley's work badge, which she had left behind the other day, on the marble tabletop.

"Oh, I thought I'd left it at home," Hadley awkwardly took back her badge and thanked him, "Thank you, is there anything else, Boss?"

Coleson chuckled with a twinkle in his eye, "Keep up the good work, and Heritage Corp will treat you right." With that, he dismissed her with a wave of his hand. "Get back to it."

Hadley nodded, put her badge away, and turned to leave the office. She had an unsettling feeling that something wasn’t quite right. This CEO wasn’t at all as she had imagined. Maybe she’d misjudged him, and he really didn’t care about what happened at the pub.

As Hadley left, the door quietly closed behind her. Coleson clenched his jaw, slammed the table, and stood with a malicious grin, muttering under his breath, "Hadley, you started this, and you don’t get to walk away unscathed. Actions have consequences."

In the conference room, the new CEO made his entrance. The phrase "new broom sweeps clean" loomed over everyone, keeping them on edge. They feared their work might not meet his standards. It felt like a ticking bomb.

In a surprising move, Coleson waited till the reports were finished before speaking: "To mark my new position, I’ve booked a place. Everyone is welcome to join me for Happy Hour after work, on me. I look forward to seeing all of you there."

His announcement brought a collective sigh of relief followed by enthusiastic applause.

The venue Coleson reserved was a short drive from the office, located conveniently nearby.

The space was expansive and buzzing with energy. Some danced, others sang, and everyone was in high spirits. Hadley sat on the sofa sipping a soda, while Emir was roped into singing by Keianna.

Coleson quietly drank on the other side, his gaze occasionally drifting to the composed Hadley on the sofa. A cunning smile formed on his lips as he moved to join her. He shifted the ring on his thumb to his middle finger, picked up an empty beer bottle, and approached her.

"Let's play a game, everyone. Spin the bottle, and whoever it lands on drinks. Who wants in?"

Coleson’s suggestion drew a gathering of colleagues. Even if the game was a bit old-fashioned, nobody dared refuse the boss’s invitation. Hadley wanted to leave but found herself enveloped, so she reluctantly stayed.

Coleson signaled for drinks and set the bottle spinning.

The first spin targeted Luke, who accepted his fate and drank a beer.

The next spin landed on Coleson. Following his orders, the waiter brought vodka, and Coleson downed a glass.

Everyone was caught off guard when the penalty was vodka rather than beer.

"This makes it more thrilling. Beer is like water. And there’s a rule: first time, one glass; second time, two; third time, three, and so forth. Adds a bit of challenge."

Some began to regret joining. As Coleson spun the bottle again, their eyes watched anxiously.

The bottle slowed to a halt.

Coleson’s grin widened as it pointed at Hadley.

Hadley hadn’t expected it to target her and looked startled.

Playing the gentleman, Coleson handed her a glass of vodka with a teasing expression.

Hadley took a deep breath. It was just vodka; she’d handled her drinks before. She accepted the glass and drank it down amid cheers from her male colleagues.

She coughed slightly as the vodka burned her throat. Coleson’s grin became more satisfied. Hadley, the evening was just beginning.

He twisted the ring on his finger and spun the bottle again. It stopped on Hadley once more, causing relief among the other players.

Coleson poured two glasses of vodka with a bright smile. "I’ve heard bottles have favorites, Hadley. This bottle must be fond of you."

Hadley reluctantly picked up the glasses and drank them.

Guided by Coleson’s manipulations, the third spin also landed on her. Watching Coleson refill the vodka glasses, she was bewildered, her gaze questioning his smug grin.

Seeing Hadley hesitate, Coleson goaded, "Bottoms up."

Hadley exhaled and reached for her glass.

Suddenly, the glass was taken from her. She turned to see Emir standing there.

"I’ll drink for her," he said calmly.

Everyone was surprised, then burst into cheers as coworkers gathered around.

"Woo~!"

"Way to steal the spotlight!"

"You're the man, Emir!"

Coleson shrugged, feigning indifference. "Hadley, your drinking is telling. But if Manager Emir wants to drink for you, that’s fine since you’re a woman."

The remark was taunting. Hadley calmly glanced at Coleson, then picked up a bottle of vodka and poured herself a drink. With defiance, she downed the three glasses one after another.

"Woo~!" Applause erupted in response.

Coleson had anticipated she’d let Emir step in, but with some light provocation, she showed surprising resolve. He clapped, acknowledging her, "Nice job. Want to keep playing?"

Hadley’s cheeks flushed as she slightly turned her head, shooting him a sidelong glance, "Strange, aren't we already playing?"

Emir Holmes could sense that the new manager had a vendetta against Hadley Marshall. He reached out discreetly to give her a subtle nudge of caution, but Hadley ignored him.

Coleson Reynolds noted her defiant posture and smirked to himself, determined to show Hadley what defeat looked like. He adjusted the ring on his middle finger and prepared to spin the bottle again.

With confidence shining in her eyes, Hadley took off her hoop earring and slipped it onto her ring finger. To everyone's astonishment, the bottle landed in front of her once more. This was the fourth time in a row, and whispers of disbelief spread through the room. Could it be that the bottle had indeed marked her, as the manager hinted?

Without hesitation, Hadley accepted her fate and began downing drinks, ignoring Emir’s attempts to intervene. Her cheeks flushed, and beads of sweat formed on her forehead. Seeing her determination, Coleson hesitated and stopped pouring the fourth drink. But Hadley grabbed the glass herself, raised it high, and emptied it with a fearless tilt of her head. Watching her, Coleson felt a twinge of guilt and decided to ease off this time.

He was about to spin the bottle again when Hadley abruptly placed her hand over it. "What's the matter? Giving up already?" she taunted, which suited Coleson just fine.

Swaying slightly, Hadley stood up. "Why should I back down? It's my turn to spin the bottle anyway," she declared. Before Coleson could respond, she snatched the bottle with a disdainful glance in his direction, challenging, "Afraid to play, Mr. Manager?"

Coleson chuckled, "You've been losing. Bring it on!" Hadley, her face a charming red, looked particularly captivating as she gripped the neck of the bottle and spun it.

All eyes followed as the bottle twirled, eventually stopping and pointing straight at Coleson. He was incredulous, "Impossible!"

With a satisfied grin, Hadley picked up a bottle of vodka, filled a glass, and commanded, "Drink up, kiddo."

Caught up in the game's twists, the crowd gasped. Emir, noticing Hadley's excitement and slurred words, whispered in her ear, "He's the manager. You're drunk. Let's talk tomorrow; I'll take you home."

Hadley frowned and brushed off Emir's hand, muttering, "There is no tomorrow; you won't see me then." She was aware Coleson was intentionally making life difficult for her, but her focus was on standing up to him. "Mr. Manager, let's finish this game."

She leaned forward and spun the bottle again, and to Coleson's disbelief, it pointed at him once more. "No way, even rookies don't get this lucky," he thought.

Hadley laughed triumphantly, "Looks like the bottle has picked you this time." Coleson, frustrated, lifted his glass. A brave colleague nearby suddenly offered, "Mr. Manager, let me drink for you."

Hadley raised an eyebrow, shaking her finger lightly. "Drinking and integrity are best friends, right? But if some young lady wants to drink for you, who am I to object? I’m generous like that."

Coleson, clearly irked, filled a glass of vodka and downed it in one go, while Hadley, fueled by drink, no longer feared anyone or anything.

In the following rounds, as Coleson kept muttering "Impossible, impossible..." the bottle unfailingly landed on him. "Damn it," he swore, but a loss was a loss, and drink he must.

Coleson paused midway through his third drink, unable to continue. Hadley leaned in, her words slightly slurred, "Trying to mess with me, kid? Who am I? I’m unbeatable! Can't drink anymore? I'll drink for you." Before Coleson could react, Hadley grabbed the two remaining glasses from the table and downed them boldly, "Two at once, hooray!"

"That's amazing!"

"Capture it and post it on Twitter!"

Having finished, Hadley leaned forward again to speak but accidentally let out a belch, causing Coleson to recoil. Her eyes were heavy and unfocused as she swayed, "Admit it, kid. You've lost."

Drunkenly, she removed the earring from her finger, "Thinking that spinning the bottle with your ring is clever—it’s not even as good as my earring," she slurred, placing it in Coleson's palm. "Kid, practice at home more," she advised, punctuated by another hiccup, her body giving in, nearly collapsing backward. Emir, ever the gentleman, caught her just in time.

Hadley was thoroughly intoxicated as Emir helped her out of the bar.

Outside, Eloise Cunningham, not pleased with Emir’s decision, followed after them. "Why are you taking her? Can’t someone else do it?"

"I have a car, and Hadley’s hammered. I need to make sure she gets home safely."

Ignoring Eloise's protests, Emir helped Hadley into the car as Eloise stomped her foot in frustration. In the car, Emir struggled to recall Hadley's address, vaguely remembering it was in the East End, but unsure of the exact location.

As Emir drove toward the East End, he hoped Hadley might regain some awareness. "Hadley, Hadley, where in the East End do you live?" he asked.

She frowned, annoyed by the interruption, and replied weakly, "East End... Lakeview Gardens..."

"Can you be more specific? Which building and apartment number? Hadley? Hadley?"

"Stop bothering me... I want to sleep... No shower for me..." In her drunken haze, Hadley began to pull at her coat.

"Hey, Hadley, don’t take that off." Emir said, alarmed, tapping the brakes sharply.

Hadley, caught off guard, lurched forward into the dashboard. A soft groan escaped her.

Emir drew a sharp breath, concerned, and gently nudged her, "Are you alright?"

"Leave me alone..." she muttered, eyes remaining shut, drifting back into sleep.

His hand resting on her shoulder, Emir tried to steady his errant thoughts—her warm, soft form close enough to stir unwelcome fantasies. But seeing her peacefully asleep, he shook off his musings with a determined shake of his head.

He sighed, realizing his only option was to get her to Lakeview Gardens and then use her phone to contact a friend or family member for the exact address.

The drive to Lakeview Gardens wasn't far, and soon Emir parked within the complex. He tried to gently rouse Hadley, supporting her as he did. Yet, she slumped against him, lacking any balance.