Chapter 4

Every single head in the department snapped up.

Before I could even react, a group of people marched in from the elevator lobby.

Leading the pack was Luke, impeccably suited, carrying several bags stamped with the logo of a world-renowned three-star Michelin restaurant.

Behind him were three more men in sharp black suits, each holding towering stacks of luxury boxes, moving with military precision.

And walking behind them all was my dad.

Arthur Hayes, fifty-six, Chairman and CEO of Hayes Enterprise.

He wore a tailored charcoal cashmere overcoat, his hair neatly styled, the watch on his wrist catching the office fluorescent lights with quiet authority.

That watch was a Patek Philippe Grand Complications. I didn't know the exact model number, but I knew it cost more than Harvey's entire projected lifetime earnings.

My dad stepped into the center of the office, glanced around, and smiled.

I knew that smile all too well. It was the exact smile he wore in the boardroom when he backed his competitors into a corner.

"Pardon the interruption, everyone. I'm Serena Hayes's father."

He stood tall, his voice smooth and measured, yet carrying across the entire floor.

"I heard some people here have been taking 'special care' of my daughter lately, so I came personally to express my gratitude."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the stunned faces, locking with pinpoint accuracy onto Harvey.

Harvey was standing frozen by his cubicle, holding an insulated tumbler, looking like he'd been turned to stone.

"It's just a modest afternoon tea. One for everyone. Please, enjoy."

My dad stepped aside, and Luke immediately signaled the three men in suits to begin distributing the packages.

At every single cubicle, they placed an artisan coffee, a box of delicate French macarons, a jar of rare honey, and a handwritten card.

The card was embossed with the golden crest of Hayes Enterprise.

I glanced at the box opened by the coworker next to me. The honey was a limited-edition French artisanal brand, retailing for four figures a jar.

The entire floor was dead silent.

Everyone stared at the logo on the card, then darted covert, wide-eyed glances at me.

My dad walked over to my desk and gave my shoulder an affectionate pat. "Serena, Dad's here."

"Dad, you're being ridiculous," I muttered under my breath, though warmth blossomed in my chest.

"What's ridiculous about it?" My dad said casually, projecting his voice just enough. "My daughter works hard here. What kind of father would I be if I didn't treat her team to snacks?"

Faye hurried out of her office.

Having clearly caught wind of what was happening, her face was a mix of shock and caution. She quickly extended her hand. "Hello, Mr. Hayes. I'm Faye Reynolds, the Marketing Director. Serena is an exceptional performer on our team."

My dad shook her hand firmly. "Director Reynolds, thank you for guiding her. Serena has been spoiled by me since she was little. If she ever falls short, please bear with her."

"Not at all, she's wonderful."

Faye's smile was stiff, her eyes darting repeatedly between my dad and the men in suits behind him.

Her brain was undoubtedly racing: *Hayes Enterprise? That Hayes Enterprise?!*

My dad didn't linger.

Once the boxes were handed out, he stepped closer to me and whispered, "Stand tall when you need to, sweetie. Dad's got your back."

With that, he turned and walked out.

Luke trailed behind him, pausing at the threshold to cast a single, chilling glance back at Harvey.

Just one glance.

*Clang!*

Harvey's tumbler slipped from his grip, hitting the edge of the desk, drenching his trousers in hot tea.

The second the elevator doors slid shut, the entire marketing floor exploded into absolute chaos.

"Hayes Enterprise? The real estate and tech giant Hayes Enterprise?!"

"Oh my god, Serena is Arthur Hayes's daughter?!"

"Look at this honey... I saw it in Vogue! It's four hundred dollars a jar!"

"One for every person in the department... How much did this even cost?!"

"No wonder she drives that car..."

"Wait, so that whole sugar daddy thing..."

Dozens of accusing eyes turned simultaneously toward Harvey.

Harvey's face alternated between bright red and pale white. His lips trembled, but not a single sound came out.

He looked like he was desperately trying to speak, but his throat was completely choked up.

I turned toward him with a cool, effortless smile.

"Harvey, didn't you ask me to prove it?"

"Is this proof enough for you?"

His jaw worked uselessly before he forced a smile that looked more painful than weeping. "Serena... I... I was really just joking around before. Please don't take it to heart."