There was just no reasoning with people like him. She’d never know what was really going on in his mind.

“Alright, alright, I get it–you’re calm. Then can’t we talk about something else?”

But Brian wouldn’t let it go. He stood just a few steps away from Judy’s desk, never moving closer, yet not stepping back either. That distance made Judy nervous. She wasn’t sure what she’d done to provoke Brian, or whether she had somehow given him the wrong idea. Brian ignored her fear and kept talking to himself.

“Judy, I’ve seen you working so hard in this office, coordinating with suppliers, carefully choosing fabrics, sketching designs so seriously."

“Every bit of that draws me to you. We’ve been through so much together, and yet you’re still thinking about that pretty boy. How do you think that makes me feel?”

In Brian’s mind, he was still dreaming that the two of them could end up together. Maybe even spend their lives in Ravenshore, running a little fashion design studio. That wouldn’t be so bad. But clearly, Judy’s ambitions were far greater. She knew exactly what she wanted, and she wasn’t going to let herself get stuck here. As for Brian, she had already made up her mind. If she could make it out of the office safely today, she wouldn’t keep him around any longer.

Judy smiled gently, mustering all the patience she had to deal with Brian. “Brian, I know you’ve been with me a long time. We’ve worked hard together. No one else could compare to the bond and rhythm we’ve built.” There was a nostalgic smile on her face. “Those days… I still remember them so clearly.”

Seeing that, Brian also drifted into those memories. That time had been the happiest for him too. Even though it was exhausting and tough, he had felt genuinely happy, because he got to grow alongside Judy. Unlike now, where she seemed to be straying off the proper path, no longer putting her heart into the studio the way she used to. Brian kept reminiscing, following her lead.

But Judy had stopped listening. She knew all of this was just a tactic to buy herself some time. Her eyes stayed fixed on Brian’s every move, while she casually threw out half–hearted replies. All she wanted was to find the right moment to hit the intercom button and call her secretary.

Just as Judy was about to succeed, Brian moved fast and yanked out the phone cord. His expression twisted into something more sinister. He tilted his head at her, eyes filled with disapproval. “Judy, you’re being naughty. Even now, you’re still trying to fight me."

“Why can’t you just be with me? Wouldn’t it be nice if we were together?”

Judy completely lost her composure. She was no longer calm like before because she knew the man in front of her had snapped. He wasn’t the obedient assistant he used to be. Now, he was like a bull provoked by red. Any sign of resistance would set him off.

Judy took several deep breaths, still refusing to give in. “Brian, can we talk for a moment? You know I’ve always treated you well. We can still sit down and talk this through.”

At that, Brian let out a cold laugh. “But I already gave you a chance, didn’t I?”