Chapter 154
"Good morning, Mr. Miller."
As always, the security guard greeted the man who stepped out of the van with a cheerful tone. The man, with his striking platinum-blond hair, stood tall with an imposing physique that made his mere presence feel intimidating. Even though he saw him almost every day, the guard tensed up reflexively and forced a strained smile—yet the man only gave a curt nod in response, expressionless.
His face was unrealistically well-defined, with delicate, striking features, but he showed no emotion. The lack of expression gave him an unsettling air. After handing his car keys to the valet, the man walked off without a word toward the elevator.
Once he boarded the private elevator and began his ascent to the office floor, the guard quickly picked up the phone at the reception desk and called the secretary’s office.
"Yes, understood."
Having received word of her superior’s arrival, the secretary promptly checked over the office, then returned to her desk and straightened her posture as she faced the door.
"Good morning, Mr. Miller."
Just like always, the punctual appearance of her superior prompted her formal greeting. At that very moment, a dry lightning bolt cracked across the overcast sky. As light briefly streaked across the gray sky beyond the full-length window, a chill ran down her spine.
The man passed her without a word and entered his office. Once the door shut behind him, the secretary hurried to the break room. The coffee she’d set to brew by schedule should be ready by now. She busily gathered documents and prepared the tray—but then, suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
Who could that be at this hour?
Frowning slightly, she looked up—and then her expression turned even more uneasy upon seeing who had entered.
*