"You might be the first to say that," George paused, a hint of surprise in his voice. "I've sent plenty of teachers and assistants his way before, only for them to resign in despair."

"Maybe they just didn't have the right approach," Catherine replied earnestly, inwardly calming herself. "He's well-behaved, just a little proud."

George's experience in internet industry investments had him well-versed in modern lingo, so Catherine's words came as no surprise to him.

"That's good to hear," George nodded lightly. "I wouldn't want you to feel overwhelmed."

"Not at all," Catherine waved dismissively. "I quite enjoy working with him."

Pretending to fiddle with her phone, Catherine discreetly captured a screenshot—she just had to. There was something irresistibly charming about her boss, after all. Underneath the carefully composed business attire lay an allure she found herself wanting to preserve for repeated admiration.

As she put her phone down, George smiled subtly, his voice a rich, low timbre over the line. "Cathy, you seemed rather fixated on my chest just now."

Catherine sharply inhaled, fighting to keep her expression composed. "Of course not, boss. I was admiring the entire view."

"Is that so?" George's fingers grazed his lips as if suppressing a chuckle.

Relieved that he didn't pursue the subject, Catherine tried to relax but couldn't resist staying on edge.

"Shouldn't you use a different term now?" George's eyes, warm yet penetrating even through the screen, suggested.

"I believe I heard you say... boss?" His tone lifted mildly, sending a shiver down Catherine's spine.

Completing the call, Catherine couldn't help but lean back in her chair, feeling warmth creep up her cheeks. Her mind flickered back to her early career days at "G," the company George had masterminded. After a couple of years in the financial department, she was promoted to the chairman’s office.

Office politics were brutal, yet George's emphasis on competence over promises ensured favorable conditions—a trade-off Catherine was willing to embrace as she pursued her dream of early retirement.

Early promotions and pay hikes pleased her until she realized her expenses had increased as well—an inevitable consequence of accompanying her boss on business trips, necessitating new wardrobes.

Thus, she engaged herself in work with fervor, picking up extra shifts whenever a colleague needed cover, proving her dedication over two arduous years in her new role.

Despite acknowledging George's appeal on her first day, the continuous whirlwind of assignments had diminished any potential for admiration. He gradually became something ineffable in her eyes—a force, rather than a figure worth pining over.

Yet it was a late-night invitation that rekindled her awareness. Truth be told, a grueling work schedule can warp one’s perspectives.

After the call, an irrepressible urge to seek advice prompted her to message Lisa, a close confidante.

"Distant Horizons: How should I address him?"

The reply was quick and cheeky—a mix of playful suggestions veiling a serious undercurrent.

Lisa joked about referring to George with endearments commonly found in romance fiction she’d shared, showcasing her penchant for dramatic humor.

Playful banter aside, Catherine admitted the creative escapism those tales provided, even contemplating the diverse forms of address within.

Staring at the fresh screenshot of George, she acknowledged the gravity in his poised presence—formidable yet intrinsically appealing.

Lost in her musings, a sudden voice snapped her back to reality.

"Catherine."

Sam stood there, towel wrapped loosely at his waist, hair still damp and clinging to him from a recent shower. The sunlight caught him through the window, casting an ethereal glow as if he were a youthful Apollo.

"What has you so distracted?" his voice, deep and inquisitive, demanded attention.

The tangible radiance in his eyes seemed to burn with its own fire, drawing Catherine's focus as heat bloomed in her cheeks.

Why were both father and son so undeniably attractive? Was this the power of genetics?