Page 49 of King of Ruin

"I think I'd be too nervous to type."

Elise couldn't help smiling at the two of them.

"I'll be alright."

She adjusted the heavy stack of folders in her arms before thanking them softly.

"Thank you for worrying about me."

With that, she turned and continued toward the president's office, leaving Benjamin and Hailey watching her retreating figure with matching expressions of sympathy.

Benjamin remained standing in the middle of the hallway with his tablet tucked beneath one arm while Hailey absentmindedly hugged the folder against her chest. Neither of them said a word as they watched Elise walk toward the president's office, her slender figure growing smaller with every step. She shifted the heavy stack of files in her arms, carefully balancing them before stopping outside the familiar door. Taking a small breath, she lifted her hand and knocked twice.

A moment later, the door opened from the inside.

Elise quietly stepped into the office, and the heavy wooden door closed behind her with a soft click.

The executive floor suddenly felt much quieter.

Benjamin stared at the closed door for a few seconds before slowly pushing his glasses higher on the bridge of his nose. Beside him, Hailey continued looking in the same direction, worry written plainly across her face. Finally, she let out a quiet sigh.

"...Secretary Carter."

"Hm?"

"Don't you think Miss Foster looked... a little pitiful?"

Benjamin's gaze remained fixed on the president's office.

"I was thinking the same thing."

He folded his arms across his chest, unconsciously tapping his index finger against his sleeve as he replayed the scene in his mind.

"Did you notice how red her face was?"

Hailey nodded immediately.

"I did." Her brows knitted together with concern. "It was so red that I thought she'd been crying."

She paused before lowering her voice even further.

"And her eyes looked a little watery too."

Benjamin frowned thoughtfully.

"...Do you think Mr. Chen scolded her?"

Hailey looked back toward the office door as though she could somehow see through it.

"They were in there for nearly two hours."

Her shoulders drooped.

"Two whole hours..."

She couldn't even imagine being alone with Mr. Chen for that long while he was in such a frightening mood.

Benjamin let out a slow breath. He gave a helpless shake of his head.