Chapter 65
Winter froze.
The moment she saw the “Office of the CEO” sign, she had felt something was off.
Steve might be the Xander Corporation’s vice president, but his status was nowhere near Chris’s. There was no way he would be working on this floor.
So her suspicion had been right.
Her colleague was just as startled by the sudden change. “Wasn’t the interview scheduled with Mr. Steve Xander? We prepared all our questions in advance. If you were going to switch interviewees, we should have been informed p>
The secretary showed no trace of embarrassment. She remained perfectly composed. “Mr. Steve had an urgent matter come up this morning. In order to avoid wasting your trip, the interview will be conducted by our CEO instead p>
She turned to Winter. “Ms. Scott, with your experience, simply adjusting the name in your script shouldn’t be a problem, correct p>
“It’s fine,” Winter said, forcing down the urge to walk out.
The more she reacted, the more ridiculous she would look. The more she avoided Chris, the more it would seem like she still cared.
This was her job. The job she loved most. Why should a man affect her professionalism?
She would treat him like any other interview subject. Nothing more than another assignment. Thinking of it that way made it easier to breathe.
Her two colleagues exchanged a glance and nodded.
The secretary inclined her head slightly. “Please have a seat. Mr. Xander’s meeting will conclude in
about ten minutes p>
Tea and pastries were brought in one after another.
About ten minutes later, the conference room door opened.
Gavin stepped in first. His gaze landed on Winter without a ripple of emotion, as calm as if it were any other day.
Footsteps followed behind him.
Chris walked in wearing a sharp, navy–blue tailored suit, his stride unhurried and composed.
This was the first time Winter had seen him fully in work mode. His expression was serious, his presence commanding. Every movement carried the natural authority of someone used to being in
control.
Chapter 35
+25 Bonus
Her two colleagues instinctively rose to their feet.
Chris’s gaze swept calmly across the room. Winter was already standing, closest to the door.
“Ms. Scott.” His voice was low as he extended his hand toward her.
Winter stared at the well–defined fingers inches from her. A faint crease formed between her brows, almost imperceptible.
With her colleagues watching, she reminded herself again that he was just an interview subject. Nothing
more.
She smiled politely and reached out, letting her fingers brush lightly against his. “Mr. Xander p>
The contact lasted barely a second before she withdrew her hand. Her gaze slid past him without lingering.
She remembered Zac and Skyla both saying he was injured. If they were talking about it, it had to be serious. Yet he looked perfectly fine.
“ Mr. Xander,” her colleagues said eagerly.
It was her two colleagues‘ first time meeting Chris in person.
He was the man at the helm of the Xander empire, known for his decisive and ruthless tactics in the business world, yet strikingly handsome in a way that drew attention the moment he entered a room.
An opportunity like this was rare. They had no intention of wasting it. The fact that he had taken the initiative to shake hands with a reporter was already more approachable than they had expected.
After he finished shaking hands with Winter, they quickly stepped forward and extended their hands as
well.
However, Chris simply said, “Let’s begin p>
He turned and took his seat, his expression calm but distant, making it clear he preferred to keep everyone at a professional distance.
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Florence
A passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.