Unexpected Encounter with my Boss

Chapter 10

It seemed like Vincent had just woken up. His voice carried a hint of laziness. The way he said Tiffany's name at the end had an upward lilt, carrying an indistinct tenderness. Tiffany felt her cheeks warm as she explained, "I'm just here to return what you gave me."

Vincent glanced at the bag on the table. "You don't like it?"

"No, it's not that." Tiffany shook her head. "It's too expensive. I can't accept such a valuable gift without reason."

"It's not that valuable. It's just a small gesture from me." Vincent continued, "Maybe you could tell me what you'd prefer? I can have Alex buy it for you, or you can choose something yourself." He seemed sincere in wanting to make amends.

"Mr. Lewis, I didn't think much about that incident. It's in the past, and I won't dwell on it. But if you give me a gift, it will only serve as a reminder of what happened," Tiffany said truthfully.

The past was past. If Vincent didn't bring it up, neither would she, and it would be forgotten. But if he gave her a gift, it would seem like an unresolved issue they hadn't moved past.

It seemed like Vincent understood what she meant. He nodded and said, "Alright. I won't insist."

"Thank you, Mr. Lewis."

Tiffany turned to leave, but Vincent stopped her again. "Could you make me a cup of coffee?"

Since she was an intern in the executive department, this was a simple task for Tiffany. "Of course. Give me one moment."

When she returned with the coffee, Vincent had his eyes closed, seemingly asleep.

"Mr. Lewis?" Tiffany called softly, but he didn't react.

Not wanting to disturb him, Tiffany bent down to place the cup on the table. But as she withdrew her hand, Vincent suddenly grabbed her wrist. "Ah!" Tiffany gasped in surprise. The sudden movement made the cup wobble, and coffee spilled out.

Vincent released her and rubbed his forehead in confusion. "I'm sorry."

He had been dreaming of that night. Tiffany's faint fragrance had stirred restless thoughts within him, so he had instinctively grabbed her. "Are you okay?" Seeing her reddened wrist, Vincent felt even more guilty. He knew she was timid, yet he kept unintentionally startling her.

Tiffany hid her hand behind her

"Yes."

finally let

out and happened to

bulged in surprise. "Why

equally puzzled. Tiffany didn't want to explain, so she turned to

know that interns can't enter the CEO's office, don't you? Especially this early when no one else is here. Seeing how you rushed out like that, did you steal company secrets?"

colleagues reached that floor in

and shouted, "Mr. Zander, I saw Tiffany coming out of the

fell on

didn't steal anything!" Tiffany defended

hand?" Ivy looked disgusted. In truth,

no choice, Tiffany revealed her empty, but burned,

long. You must have stashed it somewhere else!" Ivy sneered. "Let

face turned red. "I didn't steal anything. Why should

you're suspicious. You broke the rules by sneaking into the CEO's office! If you

The others, who usually got along well with Ivy, also stood

before speaking. "Tiffany, interns aren't allowed in the CEO's office, didn't

"I know." Tiffany nodded.

had only

that she couldn't have returned it in front of everyone because they would misunderstand

Vincent.

that? She knowingly broke the rules! In my

good judge of character

everyone, he had to remain impartial.

shaking her head. She

office then?" Once more,

steal anything?" Alex tried to help