?Chapter 209:


    The unexpected softness in his voice surprised her. Her smile didn’t waver, but something tightened in her chest. “I know,” she replied, holding his gaze. Her tone was light, but her eyes unreadable. “But I’m really not as nice as you think.”


    Dn watched her closely, unwilling to let her dodge the truth. “You are, though.”


    If she wasn’t kind, how could she have endured the Dawson family for the past three years, taking every slight in stride and repaying cruelty with grace? She’d carried Bethel and the whole Dawson family on her back, going above and beyond, even when they trampled her underfoot. If that wasn’t kindness, what was?


    A cold shadow crossed his eyes as he recalled it all. The Dawson family were nothing but pathetic, blind morons. They had tossed aside a diamond and picked through the dirt like a pack of sniveling, small-minded rats.


    Christina met Dn’s gaze with an easy smile. “You are also kind.” People were never just one thing. Everyone carriedyers—shadows tucked behind smiles, secrets buried beneath kindness. Even the best of them harbored darkness. But as long as someone had a decent heart, they usually didn’t stray far from the right path.


    A smile flickered across Dn’s face upon hearing her praise. He fought to hide it, but the happiness bubbling inside him threatened to spill over. The corners of his lips tugged upward, then faltered, only to lift again as his mood soared.


    When the car eased to a stop, Dn turned slightly toward her. “This where you’re getting off?”


    “Yeah, right here’s good.” Christina unbuckled her seatbelt with a rxed smile. “You go handle your work.” Then, almost as an afterthought, she added, “Want toe over for dinner?”


    “Absolutely,” Dn replied without hesitation, his mood lifting even more.


    Once Christina stepped out and disappeared into the alleyway, Dn pulled out his phone and dialed Edwin.


    Edwin picked up nervously, already bracing for a scolding for something he hadn’t done well. But what Dn said caught him by surprise.


    “Sorry, Mr. Scott, but what did you just say?” Edwin doubted his ears. “You want to buy afternoon snacks for the wholepany?”


    Not only did Dn insist on treating everyone, but he also demanded it be from the city’s priciest spot.


    Edwin couldn’t process this. What the hell was happening? Was this really their CEO? Dn seemed like a brand-new man.


    After confirming Dn’s instructions, Edwin raced off to spread the word, dropping hints and stoking spection among his fellow secretaries. Chatter rippled through the secretarial department within minutes.


    After that, Edwin darted over and finalized the snack order in a sh.


    When the official announcementnded in each department group chat, everyone—from the executives to the janitors—buzzed with anticipation. Yes, even the cleaning staff would get to join in on the surprise treat.


    In every employee group chat that didn’t include Dn, the gossip was relentless.


    “Wait, is Mr. Scott really in love? My heart can’t take this—I always dreamed I’d marry him!”


    “Hah! Keep dreaming. Mr. Scott only has eyes for women who are just as rich and powerful as he is. He’d never look our way.”


    “Maybe he’ll go crazy one day and marry an ordinary girl like us. Stranger things have happened!”


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