Chapter 175

“Do you have any information about the big boss?” I asked. Knowing his name, if I couldn't meet him, would at least alleviate some of the mystery.

Ron glanced up. “Getting curious about the boss now?”

“Yeah, he’s awfully mysterious. It naturally piques people’s curiosity,” I admitted.

Ron finished grinding the coffee beans and inhaled deeply. “Smells good.” He then offered, “How about I brew you a cup?”

“No, thanks.” I didn't have time for coffee; my curiosity about the company's elusive CEO had consumed my thoughts.

Undeterred, Ron lifted the jar of freshly ground beans. “These are from the boss himself. You sure you don’t want to try some?”

“I’d rather meet him in person than drink his coffee,” I said bluntly. Ron laughed.

His laughter startled me. “What’s so funny? Did I say something ridiculous?”

He shook his head. “No, it’s just funny how our big boss works his magic. He’s got you hooked, and he hasn’t even shown his face yet. Smooth, right?”

I stared, speechless. I knew Ron was teasing me, but I wouldn't be deterred.

When he set a cup of coffee before me, I cut to the chase. “If you’re worried I’ll develop a crush, just show me his résumé. Then I can get to know him without all the mystery.”

“Yeah, that’s not happening,” Ron said, as I expected.

I smirked. “And why’s that?”

He adopted a faux-apologetic expression. “Boss’s orders.”

“Seriously?” I asked, feeling manipulated.

“He’s worried people might get a crush on him,” Ron said gravely, the aroma of coffee filling the air. The quality was exceptional; this was high-end stuff. Clearly, the CEO wasn't average.

“You have no idea,” Ron added. “Our boss? Total heartthrob. Honestly, every time I see him, I can barely… contain myself.”

I chuckled. Ron was being evasive, but the message was clear: I wasn't meeting the boss. My curiosity was piqued, but pushing further would only be awkward. And I certainly didn't want Ron to think I was trying to climb the social ladder.

“Try the coffee,” he offered. “One sip, and you’ll never go back.”

I smiled faintly. “If it’s that good, I should probably pass. I can’t afford a new addiction.”

I left his office, letting out a long sigh. Half my stress stemmed from Jace; the other half, from Ron. For all his laid-back demeanor, he could be incredibly irritating.

Back in my office, I casually inquired about the elusive boss. Everyone said the same thing: since starting, they'd only seen Ron. No one had even heard of the CEO, let alone met him.

Could the OceanixCorp CEO be an urban legend? Was this all Ron's doing?

Lost in thought, my phone rang. Demi’s frantic, shaky voice filled the line.

“Keira, something’s happened!”

Chapter 176