Episode 6

Zhia swiftly strode toward the man who had stirred her ire, seemingly throwing down an unspoken challenge with her demeanor.

"Excuse me, Miss! You aren't allowed to approach," said Will as he blocked Zhia's path with his sturdy frame.

"Move aside, or you'll get hurt!"

Zhia issued a stern warning, never expecting her first day at work to descend into such chaos over a mere five minutes.

"Who is he?" Rayden furrowed his brow, taken aback that a woman had ever confronted him like a market thug.

"I apologize, Sir! This lady is the one I told you about over the phone," the Receptionist quickly clarified Zhia's identity.

"Hey, since you know who I am. Let's talk now," Zhia said, her voice strained with barely-contained annoyance.

"Hey, you! Didn't you tell him what I said?"

Instead of acknowledging Zhia, Rayden turned to speak with his Receptionist, completely ignoring her.

"Argh, damn it!" Zhia muttered, but her words rang out loud and clear to everyone around.

"Miss, it would be best if you scheduled another appointment for tomorrow. Mr. Xavier has to leave for an important meeting now," Will suggested politely, hoping Zhia would understand and give up for the time being.

"Argh, quiet! Get out of my way right now."

Thud!

A wild punch flew, landing squarely on Will's face and sending him tumbling backward.

With wide strides, Zhia approached Rayden and grabbed the lapels of his suit, much to the astonishment of everyone present, even stopping Rayden's heart from shock.

"Hey, is your time really more valuable than the trouble someone took to come here? I was only five minutes late; is that really such a waste of your time, huh!" Zhia couldn't contain her rage any longer.

"Hmm, losing five minutes of my time is like losing five billion dollars. So, make sure you're on time next time, Miss," Rayden confidently retorted, brushing Zhia's hands from his suit.

He then adjusted his tie, which had been mussed by Zhia's actions.

"Tch, arrogant!" Zhia muttered, feeling flustered but trying to hide it.

"Sir, are you alright?" Will immediately checked on his boss, rather than himself.

"I'm fine," Rayden replied with his usual aloofness.

Rayden scrutinized Zhia intensely, feeling a sense of familiarity with her but unable to recall when and how they could have met before.

Zipping her jacket up reflexively under Rayden's gaze, Zhia glared back at him.

Rayden couldn't help but smile at Zhia's reflex, charming all the onlookers—except for the confused Zhia.

"Hey, keep your eyes to yourself, or do you want me to poke them out, huh." Zhia warned him, pointing her fingers toward his eyes.

Instead of ceasing, Rayden's smile grew into laughter, making him momentarily forget his usual cold demeanor towards women.

This only fueled Zhia's irritation, prompting her to shout, "Hey, stop laughing at me!"

"Okay, fine! I'll stop laughing at you now," Rayden said, ending his laughter abruptly.

Initially doubtful, Rayden's curiosity led him to ask, "Miss, have we met before?"

"Met? With me?" Zhia verified, surprised she was the one Rayden meant.

"Yes, you seem familiar," he added.

"If we had met before, this encounter would never have happened!" Zhia emphasized, her whisper so soft only she could hear.

"Miss?" Rayden awaited her response.

"No, I think we're meeting for the first time here," Zhia swiftly lied.

"Really? Then I must have mistaken you for someone else."

Rayden felt a twinge of disappointment at her reply.

"Hmm, it does seem so," Zhia murmured again.

Checking his watch, Rayden realized Zhia had consumed much of his time. He recalled the urgent meeting awaiting him.

"Will, let's go now!" he instructed his secretary.

"Certainly, Sir! Please, this way!" Will quickly guided his boss towards a safe exit path.

"Wait! What about me?" Zhia called out, trying to stop Rayden once more.

Again, Will intervened, suggesting, "Miss, you should return home now, we will reschedule your meeting with Mr. Xavier."

"Really? Are you sure?" Zhia sought confirmation.

"Yes, Miss! I'll update you today," Will promised the woman who had landed a punch on his handsome face.

"Alright, I'll wait for your news," Zhia conceded at last.

With that, Will rejoined his boss in the car to continue their work. Inside the vehicle, Rayden observed the mark left by Zhia's punch on Will's face.