Chapter 1

In public, he was the composed and polished leader; in private, he blushed while inviting me to see his kitten at home.

…

Our HR team announced that our new project leader would be joining us today. Everyone appeared diligent and focused on their tasks, but behind the scenes, private group chats were buzzing.

"Did you hear? The new project director is supposedly super handsome!"

"I know, right? Word is, he studied in Frankston, just returned, and he's six foot one tall!"

Someone attached a photo.

"Just snapped this sneakily. What do you think? Handsome or not?"

I opened the photo. It was a candid side profile shot taken through blinds. His nose was tall and straight, and his skin was remarkably fair. That overly refined face seemed to make everything else in the photo blur into the background, leaving him in sharp focus.

I couldn’t hold back and commented, “He’s definitely good-looking. Just seeing that face could lift your mood. But what about his temper?”

"Exactly! If he has a bad temper, no amount of good looks will help. Let’s hope he’s a decent leader!"

Just as we were chatting, the office door swung open. The HR lady walked in with a grin that practically split her face as she announced, "Everyone, come meet our new project director."

Behind her, a tall man in impeccably tailored suit pants that suggested a lean, athletic build, stepped in. His handsome face, adorned with rimless glasses, carried an air of refined elegance.

The man smiled politely as he spoke, “Hello, everyone. I’m Edward Scott.”

Edward Scott?

Hearing that familiar yet distant name, I froze mid-motion, unable to stand up.

I looked up and saw a face that had matured significantly yet still bore a striking resemblance to the boy I remembered.

For a moment, I stood frozen.

It was him?

Over by his side, our manager, Liam Murray, quickly stood and extended a hand.

“Mr. Scott, I’m Liam Murray, head of the Cost Control and Procurement Department,” he greeted, his tone brimming with flattery. “You’re so young and accomplished!”

As the deputy in the department, I hurriedly followed suit, stepping forward to introduce myself.

“Mr. Scott, I’m Yuna White, the deputy in Cost Control and Procurement.”

I wasn’t sure if it was just my imagination, but it felt like his gaze lingered on me for a moment longer than necessary before he quickly looked away.

Our department, being part of a real estate company, was dominated by women. The few men we had were usually contractors and most of them were on the heavier side. So, when someone like him—tall, lean, and devastatingly handsome—suddenly appeared, it stunned everyone into an awkward silence.

Once he left, Liam’s face darkened instantly.

“What are you all staring at? Don’t you have work to do?”

Everyone froze momentarily but quickly lowered their heads and pretended to busy themselves with their tasks. Still, the furious clatter of keyboards made it clear they were all typing away in group chats.

However, I no longer had the mind to pay attention to those messages.

When was the last time I had seen Edward?

It must have been ten years ago.

I couldn’t believe it had been so long. And now, he wasn’t just back in my life—he was my boss’ boss.

Thinking about everything that had happened between us in the past, my cheeks grew warm with embarrassment. I could only hope he wouldn’t hold a grudge over my foolish behavior back then.

With the arrival of our new leader, it was only natural for all the department heads to gather for a welcome lunch.

Nick Chambers from the General Administration Department booked the restaurant. Even though the leaders often clashed in private, they were all on their best behavior now, sitting together with amicable smiles.

I had to admit, Edward had grown a lot over the years. The once reserved boy who rarely interacted with others was now a smooth talker, dazzling everyone at the table. By the end of the meal, the atmosphere was cheerful, at least on the surface.

He didn’t seem to recognize me, treating me the same as everyone else.

While I felt relieved, there was a faint trace of disappointment I couldn’t shake. Maybe it was because we had once been best friends, or perhaps it was the unresolved feelings that had once consumed me.

By the time dinner wrapped up, it was already 2 a.m. Projects like ours were usually in remote areas, and at this hour, getting a cab was almost impossible.

A light drizzle began to fall, and the air carried a crisp, cool breeze.

Unfortunately, I hadn’t driven today. While raising the fare on the ride-hailing app in the hopes of finding a car, Liam suddenly leaned in close.

He was far too close for comfort, smiling suggestively, his eyes clouded with desire—the kind that comes from too much alcohol.

“Yuna, I remember you live near Gerald Road, right? How about I give you a ride home?”

As a mature adult, I understood exactly what he was after.

What I hadn’t expected was for him to have the audacity to target me.

Keeping my expression calm, I smiled and declined, “There’s no need to trouble you, Mr. Murray. My boyfriend will pick me up.”

He must have been drunk, or maybe just in a foul mood, because his face darkened instantly.

Instead of backing off, he started to curse at me.

“Yuna White, what’s your problem? Acting all high and mighty? Do you think you’re better than me?”