Last night, a cold front had swept in, bringing with it a sudden drop in temperature, accompanied by a piercing cold wind.
Maggie, dressed in her warmest coat, stood outside the Barrett Group building. As she gazed at the towering skyscraper before her, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe.
The Barrett Group had indeed become one of the world’s leading conglomerates. This building exuded grandeur. It stood adjacent to Central Square, serving as a city landmark. The meticulously designed facade, with its intricate high-end textures, added an air of elegance to the structure.
As the winter sunlight cast its frigid radiance on the enormous glass windows, Maggie couldn’t help but recall Aldrich’s expression. She took a deep breath and stepped inside.
Crossing the threshold felt like entering a different world. The luxurious lobby was spacious and inviting, radiating a warm ambiance. Maggie felt a wave of comfort that alleviated her slight shivering from nervousness.
Anxious, Maggie stood at the reception desk, gently adjusting her wrinkled coat. “Good morning. Is there something I can help you with?” the receptionist inquired, her flawless makeup, professional attire, and polite yet reserved demeanor impeccable.
“Hello, I’m here to see Mr. Barrett,” Maggie revealed the purpose of her visit.
“Do you have an appointment?” The receptionist’s smile froze momentarily, apparently caught off guard by Maggie’s unexpected intentions.
Maggie shook her head and replied, “No, but I have an urgent matter to discuss with Mr. Barrett.”
The receptionist’s smile froze, and her tone became apologetic. “I’m sorry, ma’am, Mr. Barrett cannot be contacted without an appointment. Is there anything else I can assist you with?”
Disappointment tinged Maggie’s voice, “No, thank you. I’ll wait here; maybe there will be an opportunity.”
She hadn’t expected that even meeting Aldrich would be so challenging. She steeled herself and decided to wait in the grand lobby.
Maggie walked to a corner of the lobby, surveying her surroundings. The polished marble floor gleamed, and a towering Christmas tree was adorned with sparkling lights and ornaments.
Maggie timidly stepped out of the building. Outside, the cold wind howled, plunging her from heaven into hell. She found a sheltered corner at the street corner and crouched down.
Alternating her legs to support her body, she couldn’t estimate how much time had passed. All she knew was that her body had grown numb.
Suddenly, a blurry figure appeared in Maggie’s eyes. Rubbing her eyes, she saw a group of people exiting the building, led by a man in a black coat-Aldrich.
Her heart raced, and unease and anticipation coursed through her veins. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Summoning all her courage, Maggie rushed forward. “Mr. Barrett! Please give me a moment to talk,” she called out, her voice trembling from the cold.
Her abrupt voice drew the attention of onlookers, but Aldrich paid no heed and continued to walk without pausing.
Unyielding, Maggie took a few quick steps forward, raising her voice, which now carried a note of desperation. “Mr. Barrett, an innocent girl, Alisa, is on the brink of being fired because of you. I implore you to help her.”
The air around Aldrich became solemn, and although he didn’t cast a glance at Maggie, she sensed the change in his body language.
He was furious!
He furrowed his brow and spoke to Maggie, his voice laced with irritation. “From what I understand, your friend has committed an unforgivable mistake, and she must bear the responsibility for it. How can you have the audacity to come here and plead for her?”
Maggie shook her head. “No, my friend made an honest mistake. Please, let me explain… If possible, I hope you can speak up for her.”
“Mr. Barrett, you helped me, do you remember? I know you’re a charitable person. Please, help my friend!” Maggie cautiously approached Aldrich but was blocked by the imposing bodyguards.
“I believe I’ve been quite clear on this matter,” Aldrich coldly retorted.
With that, Aldrich left, for Maggie wasn’t a werewolf, and he didn’t need to be overly concerned.
The bodyguards forcefully pulled Maggie away. When they let go, she stumbled and fell. Her legs remained numb, giving way under her body’s weight, and she landed on the unforgiving floor.
She remembered being tripped while chasing the thief, and how Aldrich had rushed in to save her. But this time, there was only the cold floor and the pain coursing through her entire body.
Through her blurred vision, Maggie watched that handsome, icy face gradually fade from sight. In that moment, she felt the weight of the world pressing down on her, and feather-light snowflakes fell from the sky. The world turned cold, mirroring her internal sense of failure.
She had failed.