Chapter 25
The secretary hung up the phone, looking a bit dazed like she hadn't fully processed what just happened.
"Who was that on the line?" someone nearby asked.
"It was the boss," she replied, still trying to regain her composure.
Connor was notoriously private, never giving interviews or making public appearances. The outside world knew very little about him. However, the receptionist was the company's most inquisitive and talkative employee, and she naturally had all the inside scoop on the CEO. So, she instantly recognized his voice.
The envious and curious glances in Chloe's direction intensified. What kind of relationship did this woman have with the CEO to warrant a personal call from him? Had she really called the CEO just now?
"The CEO's office is on the 32nd floor," the envious employee said reluctantly.
"Thanks," Chloe said, heading straight to the elevator.
The elevator whisked her up to the 32nd floor in no time. Chloe walked through a corridor and stopped in front of the CEO's office door. Without hesitation, she knocked.
A man with gold-rimmed glasses, looking quite sophisticated, opened the door.
"I'm Teddy, the CEO's secretary. Ms. Chloe, the CEO is still in a meeting. You can wait here for a bit," he said.
"I think I'll wait in the lounge," Chloe responded politely.
"Given your relationship with the CEO, please make yourself at home," Teddy replied.
Chloe paused, her ears turning a bit red. She managed a gracious smile. "Alright, thanks."
It seemed Teddy was well aware of her and Connor's situation. There was no need to play coy, then. After pouring Chloe a glass of water, Teddy left the office.
Chloe looked around the spacious office, which felt more like a suite with various rooms branching off. The doors were closed, so she couldn’t see inside. What caught her eye was the floor-to-ceiling window behind the desk.
Chloe slowly got up and walked over to it. The panoramic window offered a stunning view of the city below. The traffic on the elevated roads looked like the city's lifeblood, flowing endlessly.
After taking in the view for a while, Chloe turned her attention to the large desk. It was piled high with neatly arranged documents. Amidst the stacks, a crystal photo frame stood out.
She picked it up and saw a photo of a little girl in a pink tutu with adorable pigtails, holding a stuffed bunny and smiling radiantly. The photo was old and a bit blurry, but the girl's bright smile was like a ray of sunshine that could brighten a gloomy day.
Although Chloe didn’t recognize the girl, there was something familiar about the photo. Just as she was about to take a closer look, the door opened.
A tall figure stood in the doorway. Their eyes met. He saw Chloe holding the photo, his brow furrowing. But he didn't come in, waiting for her to say something.
Chloe, holding the photo, smiled and casually asked, "Your daughter?"
The man's brow furrowed even more. With an exasperated look, he walked over, snatched the photo, and put it back in its place. "Daughter? Not even close."
"Such language from the King of Eldridge, very classy," Chloe teased.