Page 39 of King of Ruin

Benjamin gave a tired nod, though his gaze instinctively drifted back toward Xavier's office.

"What is it?"

Hailey lowered her voice until it was barely above a whisper, instinctively glancing around the executive floor before leaning a little closer to Benjamin.

"Secretary Carter... why do you think Miss Foster is the only one who can calm Mr. Chen down?"

She looked toward the closed office doors, then back at him, her brows knitting together in confusion. "I've only been here for three weeks, but... isn't Mr. Chen always cold to her?"

Benjamin looked at her for a long moment before letting out a quiet, helpless laugh. He tipped his head back for a second, closed his eyes briefly, then rubbed both hands over his face as though trying to chase away an oncoming headache.

"That's exactly how I know you're new."

Hailey blinked, waiting patiently.

Benjamin exhaled through his nose before turning to face the president's office again. Folding his arms across his chest, he stared at the heavy walnut doors for a moment before speaking.

"Tell me something," he said. "Have you ever noticed what kind of mood Mr. Chen is in whenever Miss Foster arrives late to the office?"

Hailey thought for a few seconds before giving a hesitant nod.

"I... I think so." She shifted her notebook to her other arm. "Now that you mention it, those mornings do seem a little scarier."

"A little?" Benjamin muttered under his breath before giving a humorless smile.

Hailey looked at him, puzzled.

Benjamin uncrossed his arms and gestured toward Xavier's office with an open palm.

"Whenever Miss Foster doesn't arrive here in the same car as Mr. Chen, his mood becomes unbelievably foul."

Hailey frowned harder.

"But..." She tilted her head. "Doesn't Miss Foster usually come to work with Mr. Chen?"

"She does."

"Then today..." She looked genuinely confused. "Mr. Chen was the one who left without waiting for her, wasn't he?"

Benjamin let out another long sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Exactly."

Hailey waited.

Benjamin lowered his hand and spread both palms helplessly.

"That's the part none of us can understand."

He began counting on his fingers as if reciting something he'd witnessed far too many times.

"Mr. Chen decides to leave first."

"He tells the driver not to wait."

"He gets into the car."

"He comes to the office."