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?"

like it. It lacked the seriousness an office

the boss, so

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

sit on the couch. "I don't 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 appearance

was musing. He called the big boss his second brother, which indicated a close relationship. No

it doesn't happen again," I

It's just me being jumpy." Xander's response

down-to-earth and approachable, without the aloofness often found in high-ranking executives. He was completely different from

hours, whether at the office or negotiating deals, he was

about fairness and impartiality. It was

of that. I remembered why I came to see Xander. "Mr. Roulder, I'd like to request

Xander looked