Chapter 221 - 7: Flower-scented alpha
Killian blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the statement. What does he mean? However, he made sure to answer his questions firmly, "That’s what it feels like."
Nathaniel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You think I’m slaving you with extra work because I have some personal vendetta against you?"
Killian didn’t know how to respond. It had seemed like the most logical explanation, but now, standing in front of the man, his confidence faltered.
Nathaniel leaned back again, his eyes narrowing slightly as if weighing his next words carefully. "What if I told you this had nothing to do with punishment?"
Killian frowned, confusion flooding his thoughts. "Then what is it about? Why keep calling me for every little thing? Why make me do things that aren’t even part of my job description?"
Nathaniel remained quiet for a long moment, his gaze dropping to his hands. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and hesitant—a rare display of vulnerability that threw Killian completely off balance.
"It’s not... what you think." He paused as if searching for the right words. "I didn’t intend to... target you. Not in the way you’re imagining."
Killian’s frustration began to waver, replaced by a growing sense of bewilderment. He didn’t know what to make of the director’s response—of the strange tone in his voice or the sudden shift in his demeanor.
Before Killian could press further, Nathaniel stood abruptly, walking toward the large window behind his desk. He stared out at the city skyline, his hands tucked into his pockets, as if collecting his thoughts.
Killian watched him, the tension in the room growing thicker with each passing second.
Nathaniel finally spoke, his back still turned. "The work I’ve given you isn’t a punishment, Mr. Arden. It’s... you can say I trust you."