Qin Hualin spared Amelia a brief glance from the corner of his eye before stepping ahead.

As he crossed paths with Ethan, he subtly tilted his head.

Their eyes met, and almost as if an unspoken understanding passed between them, they both nodded slightly.

It was curious they didn't know each other, yet there was an air of familiarity.

Madison, who was not privy to their acquaintance, mistook the exchange as a sign of familiarity on Ethan's part.

Qin Hualin was the first to exit the elevator, followed by his Air China colleagues who refrained from conversation; perhaps the proximity of Mukino Airlines' personnel made it inconvenient to talk openly.

Ethan, holding Madison's hand, made his way out next, uninhibited by the crowd, "He must be the new General Manager of Air China."

At this, Madison experienced a slight jolt.

It was him?

Much younger than she had pictured. During her stint at Air China, the General Manager had been a man on the cusp of sixty, whom she'd rarely seen.

As that thought came to a close, Ethan suddenly posed, "Is he handsome?"

The question halted not only Madison but the whole entourage in their tracks, including Michael who trailed behind, all rendered speechless by the unusual query. What an odd thing for Ethan to ask? Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ Find ɴøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Madison was genuinely puzzled, "What does his looks have to do with me?"

Ethan's blunt response took her off guard, "Just in case you have a change of heart."

Madison was momentarily speechless.

How did one conversation lead to here?

It was only after each group had gotten into their separate vehicles that the strangely oppressive atmosphere began to dissipate.

Meanwhile, inside a high-end business car...

"President Qin, that was Mukino International's Chairman we just saw. Who would've thought we'd run into him here?"

Qin Hualin had seen news about Ethan before. Though the articles with full-face pictures had been taken down, he could recognize Ethan from the side shots.

A fleeting encounter was all it took for Qin Hualin to identify this man-a formidable force not easily reckoned with, especially with such a genial and affable demeanor, which made him all the more challenging to handle.

His mind drifted, suddenly focused on a woman's image.

Amelia's downcast look surfaced unbidden in his mind.

Had she been deliberately avoiding him just then? "Ding-dong-"

A W******p notification distracted him.

Qin Hualin didn't even realize he was checking the message faster than usual.

But it wasn't from whom he had anticipated.

He scoffed at himself.

He was too old to be distracted by a member of the opposite sex.

"Ethan, are you okay?"

Back in their car, with the driver focused on the road and William in the passenger seat, Ethan, unmindful of the presence of others, wrapped his arms around Madison with a heavy gaze, "Well, speak up.' "I told you, didn't I?"

"Say it again. With feeling."

Madison let out an exasperated sigh, "I don't know him. I'm not going to have a change of heart."

She had repeated the same thing twice now, yet Ethan insisted on hearing it again.

Madison frowned, "What have I done to make you think I'm fickle?"

Ethan's perspective was bleak, "Fickleness is human nature, completely unrelated to loyalty."

"A ridiculous argument."

"It's a truth earned through practice."

"Be quiet."

"Fine."

William struggled to keep his composure.

After being with President Grant for so long, when had he failed to notice this side of him?

So clingy, so lovesick!

Where had that swift, decisive, formidable leader vanished?

In his silent musings, William started to reminisce-

Someone bring back my awe-inspiring boss, please!

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With the selection trials set to continue the next day, Madison opted to head to her new residence. Ethan didn't object, watching as the three women vanished from sight.

His expression returned to its usual severity, "Back to the office."

William breathed a sigh of relief.

That's more like it!

Seriousness was expected in his persona.

But then...

"President Grant, why head back to the office this late?"

Ethan closed his eyes, "Why the questions?"

Without another word, William signaled the driver to head off.

The trio of women, now at their place, journeyed in unusual silence.

Typically, Amelia would be bantering non-stop with Jessica, swapping digs and barbs.

But today was exceptionally quiet-an unsettling change for Madison.

Both Madison and Jessica soon realized something was up with Amelia.

Just before entering the building, Amelia glanced over her shoulder involuntarily. Coincidentally, her gaze met Qin Hualin's, who was on a call on the first floor. Quickly retracting her eyes, Amelia followed the others inside.

After freshening up, they gathered in the living room for some snacks.

Madison inquired, "Amelia, has something happened?"

"Why would you think something happened?" Amelia's tone was different from her usual playful pitch; it was her natural voice, flat and unemotional.

Madison found it odd.

Amelia wasn't one for quiet moods.

Jessica nudged, "Could it be... you failed to catch your crush?"

"Bang!"

The refrigerator door slammed shut, startling Jessica.

Amelia smiled, albeit a bit forcefully, "Sorry, I got carried away. What crush? My heart belongs to my noble boss forever and always!"

Madison chimed in silently, "Better change your affections. Ethan's mine."

"Cough... Ahem!"

Amelia choked on her drink, fighting back tears, "Right, right, I know!"

"What's really troubling you?" Jessica couldn't hide her concern.

Despite their constant bickering, she couldn't deny their bond of sorts. It was as if their arguments were a twisted display of fondness.

Settling with a bottle of water, Amelia sighed, "Well..."

"I think I've met that kind of a person."

Madison and Jessica were all ears.

"But..."

Amelia hesitated, "For certain reasons, can't pursue him anymore. Going after him would

cost me too much, and it doesn't seen worth it. Yet, I regret it so I am slightly down."

Jessica mentally gave her points for expressiveness.

"Can you share the reason?" prodded Madison.

Amelia shook her head like crazy, "I'd rather not."

How could she possibly explain?

Not long ago, Madison seemed to hold a grudge against everyone from Air China, especially the new General Manager.

"If you don't tell us, we can't help you," Jessica sighed.

"I don't need help. I can make my own choices."

Amelia affirmed, "It's a relief I didn't get too involved. Had things

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Cand then ended, I

would be heartbroken. It's not too late now." Content belongs

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Madison wasn't sure how to comfort her. Everyone has their life decisions to make.

"Want a drink?"

"You have the trials tomorrow," cautioned Jessica.

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