Page 38 of King of Ruin

His voice dropped almost to a whisper.

"Please... just go inside."

He gestured helplessly toward the office.

"If you don't, someone from accounting is going to cry before lunch, the legal department is already revising the same contract for the fifth time, and I'm fairly certain the marketing director is halfway through writing his resignation letter."

He exhaled heavily, his shoulders sagging with exhaustion.

"I've worked beside Mr. Chen for seven years." He gave a small, defeated shake of his head. "Believe me when I say I know what I'm talking about."

Elise studied his face quietly.

The dark circles beneath his eyes, the fatigue in his expression, and the genuine worry in his voice didn't seem exaggerated in the slightest.

After a moment, she sighed softly.

"...Alright."

She shifted the files into one arm and adjusted her grip on them.

"I'll take these to him."

Benjamin's entire posture relaxed as though a tremendous weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He actually let out the breath he'd been holding and nodded repeatedly.

"Thank you, Miss Foster."

"Really... thank you."

Elise offered him a small nod before turning toward the president's office. Her heels clicked softly against the marble floor as she walked down the hallway, stopping briefly in front of the large walnut doors before lifting a hand to knock.

A few seconds later, she disappeared inside.

The heavy doors closed behind her with a quiet click.

The bustling executive floor instantly became quieter.

Several assistants subtly lifted their heads from their desks. One manager cautiously peeked over his computer monitor before pretending to work again. Even the receptionists seemed to unconsciously slow their movements, as though everyone was waiting to see what would happen next.

Benjamin remained standing exactly where he was, his eyes fixed on the closed office doors.

Only after several long moments did he slowly release the breath he'd been holding and rub his forehead again.

"Um... Secretary Carter?"

A hesitant voice came from behind him.

Benjamin turned around.

Standing a few steps away was a young woman who looked no older than twenty-two. Her bright blue hair was tied into a high ponytail, making her youthful features look even younger. She held a notebook tightly against her chest with both arms, her employee badge identifying her as an intern swinging slightly as she shifted nervously from one foot to the other.

It was Hailey.

She had watched the entire exchange from the reception desk without missing a single word.

When Benjamin looked at her, she hesitated for a moment before walking over.

"Can... can I ask you something?"