In the towering skyscraper, Aldrich’s footsteps echoed in the empty hallway as he walked purposefully toward the conference room.
Although he was known for his punctuality, occasional lapses were inevitable. His late arrival had set the entire team on edge, wondering what had caused their usually punctual boss to hesitate.
Inside the conference room, the air was heavy with tension as team members anxiously awaited Aldrich’s entrance. When the door finally swung open, the hushed whispers abruptly ceased, and all eyes fixed on the stern-faced Aldrich. The room fell into a tense silence as everyone anticipated an explanation that was yet to be given.
Aldrich’s gaze swept across the room, his sharp eyes seemingly scrutinizing each individual. He took his seat at the head of the table, his expression revealing his displeasure. The employees could sense a brewing storm within him, ready to face the inevitable critique that awaited.
“I apologize for the delay and will accept the appropriate consequences as per company regulations. Now, let’s proceed with the meeting,” Aldrich’s voice, cold and authoritative, resonated through the conference room, evoking a professional respect that was unquestionable.
Employees nervously began their reports, their voices tinged with anticipation and anxiety. Aldrich listened attentively, his brows furrowing deeply.
“Please provide a more detailed data analysis,” Aldrich instructed the reporting employee.
“The data analysis we provided earlier includes all relevant information.”
“Why wasn’t a thorough investigation conducted? Historical data analysis is crucial for assessing project risks.”
“The project’s collaborators are trustworthy, and we’re nearing completion. I believe there are no potential risks…”
“You use this as an excuse for complacency, and your lack of proactiveness? Regardless of the project’s progress, evaluations must be thorough, with no steps skipped.”
His critiques were sharp and direct, leaving no room for self-satisfaction. Each critique weighed heavily on their shoulders, causing their confidence to waver.
“Rewrite this report.”
“I want to see a more comprehensive version.”
“Any potential risks must be nipped in the bud.”
Throughout the meeting, Aldrich’s commands were demanding, leaving the employees troubled and vexed.
Finally, the meeting concluded, and Aldrich was the first to exit the conference room, allowing the participants to collectively breathe a sigh of relief.
To alleviate their inner turmoil, team members turned to Charlie for help, hoping to understand their boss’s peculiar behavior.
One employee finally sighed in relief, saying, “Oh my goodness, the boss’s presence in the meeting was so intense! His questions felt like ruthless strikes, rendering me speechless. It’s as if he’s under some kind of spell!”
Another employee furrowed their brow and asked, “Why was the boss acting so strangely today? I even suspect that someone had a showdown with the CEO, and they even spilled hot coffee on the CEO!”
“Yeah, I noticed that too! The CEO always dresses impeccably, but today it was clear he rushed to change clothes. I’m curious about who dared to provoke our ruthless CEO!”
Charlie found himself surrounded by curious colleagues and couldn’t help but laugh. “All I can say is that the CEO’s encounter is even more… interesting than you might guess.”
“Oh my goodness, what on earth happened?”
“I’m dying to know how the CEO dealt with that person!”
Charlie snorted. How could anyone dare to do anything to Aldrich? Most likely, he handled the situation with his characteristic gentleness. It was hard to believe that Maggie could push Aldrich to such an awkward position, yet he couldn’t bring himself to say anything stern to her.
“Come on, tell us!” one of the employees urged.
Charlie leaned in closer, mischief glinting in his eyes. He whispered mysteriously, “Ah, my friends, what you witnessed today is nothing less than the rite of passage that every married man must go through.”
Employees widened their eyes in surprise, processing Charlie’s words. From confusion to amazement, they finally realized it might be true, and curiosity and excitement shone in their eyes. Suddenly, Aldrich’s behavior made more sense, leaving them with a more complex view of their formidable boss. Their curiosity and amusement mingled, wanting to know what he hadn’t revealed yet.
At this point, Charlie left as it was time to report on his work.
Aldrich sat alone in his spacious office, grappling with feelings of concern and frustration. The thought of Maggie being confined to their home for her safety weighed heavily on him. He despised those who dared to disrupt their peaceful life, those who encroached upon their sanctuary. The challenge to his authority by the assailants awakened his possessiveness, something he hadn’t anticipated.
Aldrich let out a heavy sigh and his gaze drifted to the framed photograph of Maggie on his desk. Her radiant smile seemed to mock him, reminding him of the vibrant woman who had captured his heart. But now, her radiance had dimmed, her spirit bruised by recent events. It only solidified Aldrich’s determination to protect her, igniting an unquenchable fire within him.
Just as his frustration reached its peak, Charlie’s voice broke the silence, and his presence was a welcome distraction. “Boss, may I come in?”
Aldrich looked up to see Charlie standing at the doorway, his expression a mix of sympathy and curiosity. Aldrich nodded and invited Charlie in. “Please, come in.”
Charlie cautiously approached, his eyes showing concern. “Alpha, I’ve just received the latest update on the search for the attackers. It seems they’ve vanished in the eastern part of the city, and we can’t determine their exact whereabouts at the moment.”
Aldrich clenched his jaw, absorbing this information. The attackers’ elusiveness only solidified his determination to bring them to justice. “We need to expedite our actions. The longer they remain at large, the greater the threat to Maggie’s safety,” he responded urgently.
Charlie nodded, half understanding, “I get it, Miss Nelson’s safety is our top priority.”
However, Aldrich still wore a puzzled expression. “I’m enchanted by Maggie, and I have a feeling that all this unease stems from the incident at the flower shop. But no matter how hard I try to express my feelings, Maggie refuses to communicate with me.”
Charlie came up with a reason, “Perhaps Miss Nelson needs some time to calm her emotions.”
“I really wish I could open Maggie’s heart and understand her true thoughts.”
Seeing the usually shrewd Aldrich in such a predicament was indeed a rare sight. Charlie felt both surprised and sympathetic toward him.
After leaving the office, Charlie called his wife, Jolie. “Jolie, I’d like to ask for a favor, just to give it a try…”
Meanwhile, Aldrich was lost in thought, and his inner wolfish nature became more apparent.
The Silver Wolf sensed Aldrich’s low spirits and encouraged him, “Aldrich, don’t forget, you’re the most charismatic top Alpha in the North continent. You can handle even an ordinary girl, right?”
Aldrich shook his head, “No, Maggie is anything but ordinary. She has a special secret, she’s kind, resilient, and takes excellent care of our cubs. She’s a great mother. And when I have special feelings for her, I become cautious.”
“I understand. Love can make people hesitant, Aldrich. I didn’t expect to see the day when you’d hesitate too,” the Silver Wolf lightly teased.
“If you can help me, feel free to laugh.”
The Silver Wolf finally became serious, “Love can also make people brave, Aldrich. Perhaps you should try pursuing Maggie, make an effort to please her, and make her feel the sweetness of love again.”
Aldrich’s eyes lit up, “Tell me more.”
“Let me think… Why not groom yourself carefully, like a gift presented to Maggie? Yes, it’s best to wear pink, fluffy clothes. Girls like that!”
“A joke!” Aldrich rejected the idea without a second thought. He was a top-notch Alpha; how could he dress like that?
Aldrich urged the Silver Wolf, “Think of another one.”
“You’re really hard to please! Well, I know! Arrange a romantic date with Maggie.”
“That’s simple, but how should I express my feelings to her?”
“In a crowded street, in front of the biggest screen, declare your deep love for Maggie! It’s also every girl’s favorite scenario!”
“That’s too awkward. I suspect you just want to see me embarrassed! No way!”
The Silver Wolf frowned, “You, the ruthless boss, maybe you should understand a girl’s mind better. Look it up online; you’ll see how sincere my suggestion is!”
As Aldrich contemplated his next steps, a deep frown marred his face. “All right, I’ll consider it.”
He needed a plan that would both comfort Maggie and align with his principles and values. After all, he considered himself a modern man well-versed in the complexities of maintaining intimate relationships. He was determined to pick up his laptop and find inspiration to bridge the gap between him and Maggie.