As I stepped out of the elevator, many employees greeted me respectfully as they passed.
By now, everyone in the company already knew about my engagement to Alexander, and it was precisely because of that reason that I hadn’t wanted to come here.
Yet here I was.
“Good morning, Miss Johnson,” a secretary I often met around the company greeted with a smile.
“Good morning.” “Are you here to see the Chairman?
He is…..” “I’m not here to see the Chairman,” I interrupted politely.
“I’m here on company business.” “I see.” She smiled, clearly misunderstanding my reason for being here.
“Well, there’s an executive meeting going on right now.” “It’s alright.
I can wait.” “Are you sure, ma’am?
Meetings like this usually take quite a while.” I returned her smile.
“Don’t worry.
I’ll just sit somewhere.” She politely led me to one of the seats in the executive lounge before excusing herself.
A few minutes later, another employee brought me a cup of tea before quietly returning to work.
I sat there alone, sipping the warm tea as I waited.
The meeting didn’t end anytime soon.
What started as a few minutes slowly stretched into hours.
Just as I was beginning to wonder if I should leave and return another day, I heard approaching footsteps accompanied by low voices discussing work.
I looked up.
Alexander was walking toward his office with his assistant beside him and two senior executives in corporate attire following closely behind.
I quickly stood to my feet.
Perhaps I could finally speak with him directly instead of waiting to meet the Director of Events.
After all, he was the one who had approved the changes.
But the closer he came, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, the more nervous I became.
His sharp features remained as unreadable as ever, and the calm authority surrounding him made it difficult to breathe.
For a brief moment, our eyes met.
Then he looked away as though I wasn’t there and continued walking without the slightest acknowledgment.
Even his assistant noticed me but, seeing that Alexander hadn’t stopped, simply continued following behind him.
I remained standing there, watching his retreating figure while a few nearby employees exchanged quiet whispers after witnessing the scene.
I had already waited for hours.
I couldn’t leave now.
“CEO Livingston,” I called, hurrying after them.
The assistant immediately turned around.
By then, they had already reached the door to the CEO’s office.
Alexander pushed the door open and walked inside.
“Sir, Miss Johnson is here,” the assistant informed him before stepping into the office.
I instinctively stopped outside together with the other two executives.
I waited…
Expecting him to ask why I was there.
Or at least invite me inside.
Instead, his cold voice came from within the office.
“Did she make an appointment?” My fingers tightened around my handbag.
“No, sir…
but Miss—” “If she doesn’t have an appointment, then have someone escort her out.” His voice remained calm and emotionless.
“The rules apply to everyone.” The two executives exchanged brief glances before quietly entering the office themselves.
I didn’t move.
The door was still slightly open.
Taking a slow breath, I spoke calmly, knowing he could hear me.
“CEO Livingston, I’m sorry for coming without an appointment, but there’s an important matter that needs to be clarified today.” No response.
I gathered my courage and continued.
“I’m here regarding the revised gala menu.” My voice came out firmer this time.
“Is this how Livingston Corporation treats its business partners?” Silence.
For a moment, I wondered if he intended to ignore me completely.
Then the office door slowly opened wider.
The assistant stepped out, wearing the same polite smile.
“Please come in, Miss Johnson.” “Thank you,” I murmured before stepping inside.
It was my first time entering the CEO’s office at Livingston Corporation.
The spacious office was elegant without being overly extravagant.
Every detail was neat, organized, and understated, from the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city to the carefully arranged shelves and minimalist furnishings.
For some reason…
It suited Alexander perfectly.
The two executives stood, preparing to leave, but Alexander stopped them with a slight raise of his hand.
“You may stay.” Only then did he look at me.
“What do you want?” There wasn’t the slightest trace of familiarity in his voice.
He walked behind his desk, took his seat, and casually flipped through the documents in front of him as though I wasn’t worth his full attention.
I stepped forward.
“CEO Livingston, Johnson Culinary Group received the revised gala menu this morning.” My voice came out steadier than I had expected.
Alexander finally lifted his eyes.
“The arrangements changed,” he said calmly.
“Isn’t it natural that your company would be informed?” I drew a quiet breath.
“The issue isn’t that the menu was revised.” I met his gaze.
“The gala is less than two weeks away.
The new menu introduces several international cuisines.
Even though our chefs are professionally trained, sourcing authentic ingredients, testing recipes, adjusting production schedules, and assigning specialized teams all require time.” He listened without interrupting.
For a brief moment, I thought he understood.
Then he spoke.
“Miss Johnson, are you using your staff as an excuse for your own inability to handle this project?”