Lia stood in front of the towering glass building, the bold letters spelling out Starlight Entertainment gleaming under the sunlight. She tightened her grip on the lunchbox she was holding, letting out a sigh. Being a boss doesn’t mean he gets special food delivery, she mused, feeling the weight of the task given to her.

Swiping the access card that belonged to Georgia, the woman who held the second most powerful position in the company—second only to Lucian—Lia stepped inside. The sleek and modern interior of the building only added to her growing anxiety. Why the hell do I feel so nervous? she questioned, adjusting the mask she wore as she took a deep breath.

She walked towards the elevator, her eyes scanning the pristine decor, catching the occasional glance from curious onlookers. Some stared at her mask with confusion, while others seemed too preoccupied to care. She ignored them, focusing on her mission. The elevator doors slid open, revealing a familiar face—Kai, one of the most popular artists at the moment.

Lia froze for a second, momentarily caught off guard, but quickly composed herself and stepped inside. Kai’s eyes flickered with curiosity as he studied her. She kept her gaze forward, hoping to avoid any interaction, but he had other plans.

“Excuse me,” Kai spoke, his voice smooth yet casual.

Lia turned to him cautiously. “Huh? Are you talking to me?”

Kai nodded. “Are you a new trainee?” He eyed the lunchbox she was holding.

Lia instinctively moved it behind her. “No, I’m not a trainee.”

Kai tilted his head, his lips curling into a knowing smile. “Then… are you the CEO’s secret girlfriend?”

Lia nearly choked on air. “Sorry? What?” she blurted out, eyes wide in disbelief.

Kai chuckled, his eyebrow raising mischievously. “Well, the way you’re all dressed up, hiding behind that mask, made me curious.”

Lia exhaled, realizing he wasn’t going to drop it. “Oh, I see,” she muttered before glancing at her watch and the floor number.

Kai noticed. “Which floor?”

“Seventeenth,” she answered.

Kai’s smirk deepened. “That’s the CEO’s floor. You’re definitely meeting Lucian.”

Lia let out a small laugh before deciding to have some fun with him. “You have it all wrong,” she said playfully. “I’m actually his hidden daughter.”

Kai’s mouth fell open. “His what?!” he nearly shrieked, his mind scrambling for logic. She looks way too old to be his daughter. Before he could ask any more questions, the elevator chimed, signaling her floor. Lia quickly stepped out, leaving Kai behind in utter confusion.

As she strolled towards the reception desk, she fought back laughter. That should keep him entertained for a while.

The secretary was on a call, so Lia quietly waited, shifting the lunchbox between her hands. When the woman hung up, she finally acknowledged her.

“Are you the manager that was sent here?” the secretary asked, looking her up and down.

“Oh no,” Lia replied. “Actually, I’m here to deliver this.” She lifted the lunchbox slightly.

The secretary narrowed her eyes. “Are you sure you have the right floor?”

“This is the CEO’s office, correct?” Lia asked, suddenly second-guessing herself.

“Yes,” the woman said, her tone laced with skepticism. “So you’re delivering that… to the CEO?”

Lia sighed and pulled out a small black card from her pocket. The secretary’s demeanor immediately shifted, her face turning pale. “Oh! I’m so sorry, miss! Please, go right ahead. His office is at the end of the hallway.”

Without a word, Lia nodded and walked past her.

She reached the door to Lucian’s office and, without knocking, pushed it open. But as soon as her eyes landed on the scene inside, she immediately spun around, slamming the door shut behind her.

Her heart pounded, her face heating up beneath her mask. Did I really just see that?!

From inside the office, a deep, exasperated sigh followed. Then, Lucian’s voice, laced with amusement, called out, “Lia, if you’re going to barge into my office, at least knock next time.”

Lia groaned, squeezing her eyes shut. Just great.

And this was only the beginning of her day.