Chapter 46 Chapter 46
Chapter 46
Tuesday morning.
Celine walked into the office holding her bag close to her chest. She was still a little sleepy, but the moment she stepped in, she froze.
Ethan wasn’t on his seat… but the scarf she had tied on his hand yesterday was neatly kept on her desk.
Not thrown.
Not dropped carelessly.
Neatly folded, like someone took their time.
A soft scent lingered around it.
Ethan’s cologne.
“Mmm…” she whispered under her breath, unable to stop the small smile that formed on her lips. She picked the scarf gently, almost like it was fragile....
He washed it?
That thought alone warmed her chest in a way she didn’t understand. She placed it inside her drawer, sat down, and opened her laptop to begin her day.
Before she even clicked anything, the office AI announcement echoed through the building...
“Attention. Staff member Celine Hart, you are requested in Block D Hall. Meeting with the CEO begins in five minutes.”
Her head shot up.
“Five minutes?” she gasped.
She grabbed her notepad, pushed back her chair, and rushed out. Her heels tapped fast on the tiles as she made her way through the hallway.
By the time she reached Block D Hall, most of the staff were already seated. Her heart beat fast as she stepped inside. This was her first board meeting since joining the company.
She scanned the room quietly, then her gaze met Ethan’s.
He was seated at the front, dressed in a dark suit, his expression unreadable as always. But his eyes… his eyes followed her as she walked.
It made her nervous. She swallowed and quickly found an empty seat.
He didn’t look away.
Not even when she finally sat.
Then the meeting started.
The discussion was about the upcoming Castellan Dinner Night, one of the most important events of the year.
Everyone was tense because the dinner wasn’t a small gathering — it was where investors, political figures, and top business partners showed up. Any mistake could damage the company’s image.
Ethan sat still, back straight, fingers interlocked on the table. His presence alone filled the room.
He didn’t speak much, only gave short instructions. His voice was calm but sharp enough to make anyone sit straight.
Halfway into the meeting, the HR raised her hand.
“Sir, I’m sorry to say this now, but I won’t be attending the dinner night. I’ll be traveling that day for my daughter’s graduation.”
There were murmurs in the room.
The HR was always by Ethan’s side during major events. Losing her at such a moment was a big deal..
One of the staff leaned forward and whispered into the mic, “Ma’am, you know you’re needed by Mr. Castellan’s side that day to make sure everything goes perfect.”
The HR frowned. “I can’t miss my daughter’s graduation. I’ve worked for this company for years. I hardly take personal days off.”
“Who will take over then?” another staff asked.
The room grew quiet.
Everyone knew the role was too heavy to give to just anyone. Whoever took it would handle the decorations, guest list, organization, timing, staff coordination… everything.
Ethan said nothing. His eyes scanned the table.
No one volunteered.
Then a soft voice spoke from the middle row.
“I’ll represent her.”
Everyone turned.
Celine froze. Did I just say that out loud?
She had meant to think it, not say it.
“Oops…” she whispered quietly to herself.
Ethan’s head lifted slightly. His eyes locked on hers.
This was the second time she had volunteered herself in a meeting like this.
The first time was when the marketing head was absent, and she delivered a presentation she practiced for only one night — and Ethan, even though he didn’t show it, had been impressed.
Now she had volunteered again.
The HR blinked at her, shocked at first, then relieved.
“That would be very nice of you, Celine,” the HR said, leaning closer to her mic. “It’s not easy because you’ll be in charge of everything. The decorations, the planning, the coordination… everything.”
Celine swallowed.
She felt dozens of eyes on her.
“That’s not a problem, ma’am,” she replied, giving a shy smile. “I can do it.”
Someone whispered from the back, “She’s brave…”
Another murmured, “I hope she knows what she’s doing.”
Ethan didn’t say a word.
He just stared at her, long and steady...
Then, slowly, he leaned back in his chair.
The HR continued discussing the details with Celine, explaining what she would need to prepare.
Celine wrote quickly, feeling her hand shake a little. She didn’t want to embarrass herself. She didn’t want to disappoint Ethan.
And most of all… she didn’t want him to think she was trying too hard.
After the meeting ended, everyone started packing their files
. Celine stood up slowly, still processing the responsibility she had just taken.