He was an exceptionally handsome man, but his aura was always so grim or icily aloof that while many women were drawn to him, few dared to get close.


    But if Finnian was usually merely grim, tonight he was a storm cloud ready to burst.


    His already powerful presence was now so oppressive that it felt hard to breathe in the room. Will held his breath.


    He had no idea what was wrong, but as a savvy executive assistant, he couldn''t just leave while his boss was still working.


    However, Finnian had explicitly told him to go, so he couldn''t just stand there and insist on staying. He retreated discreetly to the assistant''s office.


    He was the only one left. Will worked on some tasks for the next day, then nced at the clock. It was past midnight, and Mr. Everly showed no signs of stopping.


    He went back to the chairman''s office. "Mr. Everly, would you like me to order you somete-night food?"


    Finnian nced up at him, didn''t ask why he was still there, and shook his head before returning to his work.


    Will sighed inwardly and quietly closed the door.


    Another two hours passed. Mr. Everly still showed no intention of leaving. Will was yawning uncontrobly, having already downed three cups of coffee to stay awake.


    He ordered takeout and brought it to the chairman''s office. "Mr. Everly, it''s past three in the morning. Please have something to eat and go home. Or you could use the break room. I can make up the bed for you."


    Finnian nced at the steaming food on his desk, then looked away. "No need," he said coldly. "You go home. Don''t worry about me."


    Mr. Everly had pulled all-nighters before, but only when absolutely necessary.


    There were no urgent projects right now. Thepany was running smoothly. There was no reason for this kind of marathon work session. What was wrong with him?


    Watching his boss tear through work that wasn''t due until the day after tomorrow, Will grew increasingly anxious.


    He returned to his office, trying to figure out what was going on and who he could possibly call for insight A few minutester, exhaustion won, and he fell asleep at his desk.


    The next morning, Will woke with a jolt, realizing he had slept for hours slumped over his desk. He quickly stood up, checked his reflection to make sure he looked presentable, and went to the chairman''s office.


    He was shocked to find Mr. Everly still sitting in the exact same


    position as the night before


    clothes were unchanged, and the takeout on his desk was untouched.


    Mr. Everly''s eyes were bloodshot, clear evidence that he hadn''t slept a wink.


    Will waspletely stunned. What on earth was happening to him? Finnian looked up from his mountain of paperwork, shot Will a cold re, and without a word, stood up and went home to sleep.


    He drew the curtains and copsed onto his bed, sleeping for hours. He was finally woken up around three in the afternoon by his ringing phone.


    He answered it, mumbled a few words, then got up and sshed his face with water. He went to the living room and opened the door to let Emma in.


    "Why are you sleeping at home in the middle of the day instead of working at the office?"


    Emma clicked into the room on her high heels, scowling at Finnian''s messy hair before taking off her shoes and settling onto the sofa.


    "What did youe here for, Mother?" Finnian ignored her, pouring himself a ss of cold water and sipping it slowly.


    He didn''t know when it had started, but he found himself increasingly reluctant to see his mother.