Chapter 599

“How so?”

Joseph stopped in his tracks, looking at the speaker with genuine curiosity.

“Well, your smile today is a lot brighter than usual.”

Seeing that he didn’t take offense, everyone relaxed a little.

“Is that so?”

He even reached up to touch his face, as if checking the smile!

The moment he did, everyone was completely at a loss.

It was clear that he wasn’t mad. In fact, he seemed pleased by the comment.

“Exactly. Just goes to show, good news really lifts the spirits!”

The one who had teased him earlier followed up with a cheerful wish.

“Either way, Mr. Hunt, we hope you stay this happy. It’s great to see you like this.”

Hearing that, his mood lifted even more.

“What’s your name?”

The room went still.

Why was he suddenly asking that?

Was something wrong?

Was this about to turn into a reprimand?

The employee in question began to panic, clearly unsure of what to say.

“D–Did I do something wrong? Mr. Hunt, if I messed up somewhere, just let me know. I’ll fix it, I swear!”

He was genuinely terrified, worried he might lose his job.

He’d only just started settling in here.

His career was just beginning–was he really about to throw it all away over a single offhand comment?

Seeing how rattled he was, Joseph couldn’t help but chuckle.

How had he never noticed before–his employees were all such drama queens?

Seriously, even if he were going to fire someone, it definitely wouldn’t be in front of the entire office.

What kind of leader would humiliate someone like that?

Besides, the guy had just made a harmless joke.

Firing him over that would’ve been way over the top.

Joseph patted the employee on the shoulder. “Relax. You’re overthinking it. I didn’t mean anything by it.

“I just wanted to ask your name so you can go find someone in our group who’s good with bid proposals.”

He smiled. “Knowing your name makes it easier for me to call on you. Feels more personal, right?”

At the word "personal," everyone froze for a second.

They hadn’t expected this usually distant executive to be actually kind?

Especially the employee who had spoken up–he’d thought he was about to lose his job.

Instead, not only was Joseph letting it slide, he might even be giving him a chance to stand out.

“I–I’m Jack Mitchell, head of the publicity team. It’s an honor to assist you, sir.”

He lowered his head quickly and held out his hand with visible reverence.

Seeing that, Joseph’s smile deepened.

Who would’ve thought there was someone who genuinely respected him?

Why hadn’t he noticed this guy before?

The others looked at Jack with barely concealed disdain, but they couldn’t say a word.

What could they do? The man knew how to flatter when it counted.

And judging by Joseph’s reaction, he’d hit the mark perfectly.

Jack really had struck gold this time.

Quiet frustration simmered among the rest of the staff as they watched.

Joseph, however, saw every expression in the room.

And in that moment, he had an idea.

Wasn’t this the perfect setup for a little competition?