ra strolled over slowly, keeping her cool. "Jade, I don''t start trouble unless it finds me first. When you sent Casey after me, you should''ve known this day woulde. You say you won''t let me off? Well, you''d need the energy for that. After this, whatpany would hire you? You''ve got a lot of loans, right?"


    Jade''s face went pale. In her quest to snag a wealthy guy, she''d splurged on a car worth a fortune. Now, with a monthly loan of four grand hanging over her, she couldn''t even begin to fathom life without a job.


    "ra, I''ll kill you!" she yelled, lunging at ra in a fit of rage.


    ra simply raised her hand and delivered a quick p. Jade stood there, stunned, holding her cheek, disbelief all over her face. Did ra strike her? Really?


    ra rubbed her wrist, her expression steady. "If you still don''t see your faults, I won''t waste my breath. Look after yourself."


    "ra! ra!" Jade''s eyes were red, her whole body shaking with anger. The rest of the department, having witnessed ra''s decisive action, all lowered their heads, pretending to be busy. They''d always thought ra was just a pretty face. But the aura she exuded just now was so powerful, and she had directly ousted Jade, ending her career. This girl was not to be messed with.


    Previously, they gossiped about her in private. But after today, no one would speak ill of her again. ra was quite pleased with the current atmosphere. Since these people didn''t like her, she didn''t feel the need to force herself into their circles. Peaceful coexistence was just fine.


    Jade''s departure was swift, and with the manager position vacant, the department buzzed with anticipation. ra herself had no designs on the position, having only joined thepany two weeks ago. However, Simon seemed intent on antagonizing her and appointed her as manager the very next day.


    A newbie taking on such a role with just a couple of weeks under her belt? It was


    a hot potato, bound to stir up resentment. ra had nned to confront Simon as soon as she got to the office, but he was absent that day. The rest of the department was disgruntled about her promotion, but no one dared voice theirints, as they were aware of ra''s influential connections.


    Taking a deep breath, ra removed Simon from her cklist and dialed his number. "Where are you?"


    Simon had deliberately orchestrated ra''s promotion, eager to see her face the department''s wrath. When ra reached out to him, a smirk yed on his lips. "Well, well, if it isn''t ra. I''m surprised to be off your cklist. What a rare urrence."


    ra felt a wave of frustration. "Simon, do you find this amusing?"


    "Absolutely, especially seeing you swallow your pride to contact me—it''s delightful."


    ra was already annoyed by him and now found him utterly repulsive. She hung up and went straight to the executive suite, only to find Dn in a meeting. Fortunately, Aiden didn''t seem as hostile this time, allowing her to wait in the office. She waited a full two hours before Dn appeared.


    Dn seemed to anticipate her purpose and, before she could speak, maneuvered his wheelchair past her. "You can join the executive department."


    There were roles avable she could fulfill, but she''d previously avoided them because she was intimidated by Dn. Now that he mentioned it, she went along with it. "Thank you, Mr. Dn."


    She felt her gratitudecked sincerity, so she added, "How about I treat you to dinner?"


    No sooner had she spoken than she regretted it, feeling their dynamic was somewhat awkward. Dn, now behind his desk, replied coolly. "I don''t care for dining out."


    ra instinctively offered, "Thene to my ce. My cooking''s not bad."


    Dn paused, looking up at her. His gaze was inscrutable, but ra felt heat creeping up her skin as if she harbored ulterior motives. "I just..."


    She had spoken too quickly. Her cooking was genuinely good, but would someone like Dn reallye to an employee''s home? Before she could backpedal, he asked, "Do you have a menu?"


    Was he saying yes?


    "Yes! Is there anything you don''t eat, Mr. Dn?"


    "No strong vors."


    That meant notro or onions, presumably. Relieved, ra continued, "When are you avable?"


    "Tonight."


    Tonight? That was soon! ra''s mind raced with menu ideas. Back at her desk, she was preupied, but her transfer notice lifted her spirits. Finally, she could rid herself of Simon, and that was a cause for celebration. She listed several simple dishes with mild vors and sent them to Dn.


    Dn: [Noted.]


    ra suddenly thought Dn had a hint of a prideful streak.