Chapter 14
Adrian Sinclair's voice was cold as ice.
The manager's heart dropped.
He cursed internally, wondering which fool had chosen today of all days to cross him.
Being late was one thing.
But being late when the Taskmaster was present?
That was sheer idiocy.
Then he saw who it was.
Cold sweat instantly soaked through his dress shirt.
Anna Ross.
The daughter of the company's head.
How was he supposed to discipline her?
He couldn't afford to offend Adrian.
But Howard Lowell?
That was an even greater risk.
Adrian's frown deepened when no one responded.
He turned his head slightly toward the manager.
His fingertips tapped the desk lightly.
"Is this how lax discipline is at your company?"
"A late employee doesn't even warrant a reprimand?"
The managers' legs trembled.
They stumbled over their words.
"S-Sir Adrian, it's not like that..."
One man bowed his head, not daring to meet his eyes.
Adrian remained standing.
His gaze drifted casually toward Anna.
Anna happened to look up at that moment.
Her eyes met his bottomless ones.
She quickly lowered her head, her fingers twisting her clothes.
The manager forced himself to intervene.
"Go report to HR," he said sternly, though internally panicking.
He needed to get her out of there, fast.
Anna felt a wave of relief.
She nodded quickly.
"Alright. I'll go right now."
She turned to escape.
"Stop."
Adrian's voice cut through the air again.
Anna pretended not to hear and quickened her pace.
Adrian's expression darkened.
He strode after her and blocked her path.
They nearly collided.
The managers gasped collectively.
Adrian looked down at her, a cold smirk playing on his lips.
"Did I say you could leave?"
"Didn't you want to punish me?"
Anna frowned, her tone urgent.
"What's wrong with me going to HR?"
Adrian chuckled lowly.
He leaned in close, bending toward her.
"I said I would punish you," he murmured, his breath brushing her ear.
"I didn't say you could leave."
Anna bit her lower lip.
She had thought he was letting her go.
He was just waiting for this moment.
"What do you want?"
Adrian straightened up, pretending to consider.
The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
After a moment, he raised an eyebrow playfully.
"I want you to be my Executive Assistant."
His Executive Assistant?
He just wanted to keep her close to torment her.
"I refuse!" Anna said firmly.
Adrian's eyes darkened.
"The pay is much better than your current job," he said.
He emphasized the word "current" deliberately.
Anna froze instantly.
He was threatening her about her mall job.
Adrian turned away, satisfied.
"From today onward, she's my Executive Assistant."
"Remove her from her previous position."
The managers exchanged uneasy glances.
Their faces were pale with sweat.
"Sir Adrian, we need Mr. Lowell's approval for that..."
Adrian's expression turned icy.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop.
"Are you saying my word carries less weight than a branch manager's?"
He stood tall, his presence overwhelming.
No one dared to look up.
They could only swallow hard.
"What's going on here?"
Howard Lowell's voice suddenly rang out.
Everyone breathed a silent sigh of relief.
Howard shot Anna a glare before smiling at Adrian.
"Adrian, you should have told me you were coming."
"Join me for dinner tonight?"
Adrian's face remained expressionless.
"No need. I was just looking around."
Howard's fist tightened, but he kept smiling.
"Uncle," Adrian said, pointing at Anna.
"I want her as my Executive Assistant."
"They say I need your approval."
Anna's heart stopped.
He actually dared to say it.
Howard's smile stiffened.
He glanced at Anna, his eyes shifting.
What game was Adrian playing now?
"Adrian, Anna isn't capable enough. She might hinder your work."
Anna relaxed slightly.
Thankfully, Howard hadn't agreed.
Adrian's eyes darkened.
"Uncle, you should reconsider."
"Although I'm only here to inspect, taking over this branch wouldn't be difficult."
Howard's head snapped up.
He met Adrian's cold gaze.
He was right.
If Adrian wanted, he could take everything away at any time.
Howard narrowed his eyes at Anna.
Maybe this was a good thing.
She could keep an eye on Adrian for him.
"If you want her, take her," Howard said, forcing a smile.
He walked over to Anna.
"Anna, be perceptive and work hard," he said, patting her shoulder heavily.
He emphasized the word "perceptive" distinctly.