Monday morning began with a gloomy sky. Gunny stepped into the building with a face that couldn’t hide her boredom. Although her sprained ankle from Friday had begun to heal, the dull ache reminded her of that rude runner every time she took a step.

Today, she looked exceptionally professional. She wore a crisp, white long-sleeved shirt tucked into a flowing light brown velvet skirt. Dark low-booties provided good support for her ankle. Her neat employee ID hung prominently on her chest—a sign that today was the day of Wonder Package’s big annual meeting.

Thousands of employees were packed into the large sloped auditorium. The Accounting Department, a large and vital unit, was seated in the very front row, right at the edge of the stage. Gunny sat among her colleagues, who were positioned as stiffly as robots. The atmosphere was so tense and silent that one could almost hear their neighbors’ breathing. On the towering stage, dozens of board members sat in large padded chairs that looked like thrones of power.

“Good morning, executives and all staff members.”

The deep voice of the Executive Secretary in a pitch-black suit echoed through the microphone, causing many to turn their attention toward the important announcement. “Today is the annual general meeting, and there is an urgent and vital matter... the announcement of the new management team that will operate in place of CEO Pichet Phatthanakulthat.”

Whispers erupted like a disturbed beehive. Everyone knew Pichet was the great CEO who had held the reins of this company for a long time. Such a sudden change meant a major storm was about to pass through Wonder Package.

“Due to CEO Pichet’s sudden illness and the need for continuous treatment...” the Secretary announced loudly. “The person who will take over as the rightful heir is Mr. Kawin Phatthanakulthat, the only son, who will assume the position of CEO and manage all operations starting this very second!”

A tall, slim young man in a bespoke grey suit, impeccable in every detail, stepped onto the stage. The spotlight bathed his sharp face—the face of a handsome man with a defined structure. His narrow eyes sparkled with confidence, and his polished appearance and elegant aura made him the sole focus of the stage.

“Our new CEO, Mr. Kawin.”

The applause was thunderous. Gunny, who was clapping politely out of habit, froze instantly when she looked up and met the gaze of the man on stage... her world seemed to stop spinning. The man who had knocked her down and run away without an apology on Friday—the same man Ton-Or had dealt with at the restaurant—was now standing tall as the master of her professional life.

“Hello, I am Kawin.” His voice was powerful and calm, contrasting with a brief flicker of concern in his eyes. “From now on, we will work together as one to reach the company’s goals. I will do my father’s job to the best of my ability... I promise!”

He spoke confidently with a dimpled smile at the corner of his mouth, followed by a roar of applause. Meanwhile, Gunny remained frozen in mid-air, picking up the signals of a disaster creeping closer.

After the meeting concluded, Gunny hurried out of the auditorium as if fleeing a demon. She tried to blend into the crowd to return to the safety of her department. However, fate seemed intent on thickening the plot.

The sound of expensive leather shoes striking the marble floor echoed down the hallway. Kawin, as the new CEO, was visiting various departments with a trail of executives following him. Naturally, the Accounting Department was a strategic point he had to visit.

“This is the Accounting Department, CEO Kawin,” Chulee, the veteran head of accounting, acted as an enthusiastic guide, presenting information with a flattering smile.

Kawin scanned the department, trying to grasp the complex workflow. His eyes looked empty and tired until he stopped in front of a large wooden board decorated with photos of the department staff.

Gunny, who had just returned to her desk, froze as she saw the procession of executives stop just a few meters away. She pretended to look down at her documents, but her ears were pinned to their conversation.

Kawin let his eyes drift over each photograph... until his long, slender finger stopped and touched one specific picture. It was a photo of a woman with long hair and a bright, clear face that looked far more vibrant than the other employees on the board.

“Who is this?” he asked in a level voice, though it carried a hint of curiosity.

Chuleeporn leaned in to look where the young CEO was pointing, then smiled broadly with pride. “Oh... that’s Kannaranee. She’s an Accounts Payable officer and a rising star in our department. She graduated with a First-Class Honours and her work is absolutely flawless, CEO Kawin.”

Gunny, standing not far away, felt as if she had been turned to ice. She glanced up and found that Kawin was staring at her photo with an expression that suggested he was starting to remember something.