Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

I felt a flicker of suspicion but before I could speak, Xander interrupted.

He cleared his throat and smiled. "Ms. Crown, were you eavesdropping? You startled me."

Although I could tell he was joking, I felt compelled to clarify, "Please don't misunderstand, Mr. Roulder. I wasn't eavesdropping. I was just about to knock."

Xander laughed even more brightly. "Just kidding. What can I do for you?"

He gestured for me to come into his office. Although I had been with the company for several days, it was my first time in his office. My first impression was that it was quite flashy.

He was the company's vice president, but since the president wasn't involved in company affairs, Xander was effectively in charge. Even so, a leader's office should be elegant and understated, but his was different.

The couch was brightly colored with a patchwork design, and even its shape was curved like a crescent moon. The flowers in the room were real and vibrantly colored. There were more than just green plants. There were also several quirky little ornaments on his desk.

The overall style was quite feminine. If I didn't know this was his office, I might have thought I was in the wrong place.

it?" Xander noticed my

a smile. To be honest, I didn't like

he was the boss, so what he liked was

and complimented, "Mr. Roulder, your office has a

like dull decor. My second brother always says the same. By the way, the second brother is our big boss. I was talking to him on the phone earlier, and your sudden

the big boss his second brother, which indicated a close relationship. No wonder he could make decisions

doesn't

just me being jumpy." Xander's response

without the aloofness often found in high-ranking executives.

the company and nothing more. During work hours, whether at the office or negotiating deals,

behavior wasn't about fairness and impartiality.

ached as soon as I thought of that. I remembered why I came to see Xander. "Mr. Roulder, I'd like to

off?" Xander looked