The situation was spiraling out of control. Gunny instinctively turned toward the wall, trying to blend into the background as inconspicuously as possible. Her heart, once steady, was now drumming against her ribs with such violence she feared it might burst. A wave of heat surged from her throat to her ears, and she closed her eyes, silently cursing the fickle hand of fate. The world was terrifyingly small—small enough to toss the very man she had clashed with only days ago right back into her life, now as her superior.

Gawin nodded slowly, his sharp, piercing gaze never wavering from her photograph for even a second. “Ah... an accountant, is she?” he repeated. His voice was a low, melodic baritone, yet to Gunny’s ears, it sounded like the predatory growl of a beast that had just cornered its favorite prey.

The CEO turned back to the department head, a faint, calculating smirk playing at the corners of his lips. A glint of mischief danced in his eyes as he spoke. “Actually, I have a few matters to discuss with Miss Kanranee privately. Would it be possible to see her right now?”

Chulee froze for a moment, her brows knitting together in confusion. “Is there a problem, Mr. Gawin? If it concerns the accounting system or a general overview of the department, I can provide you with a full report immediately.”

Gawin’s smile widened, though his eyes remained sharp and filled with intent. “Thank you, Mrs. Chulee, but for this particular matter... I wish to speak with Miss Kanranee alone.”

The weight he placed on the word ‘alone’ sent a sudden chill through the air. Chulee could do nothing but nod, albeit with visible unease. It was then that her eyes landed on the employee standing stiff as a board, still facing the wall.

“Oh! Guuny, there you are!”

At the sound of her name, Gunny had no choice but to turn around. The moment she did, her wide, trembling eyes collided with Gawin’s. He stood there with his arms folded, waiting. A slow, triumphant smile spread across his face, like a lion savoring the sight of his trapped quarry. Gunny felt her face flush with a mix of dread and apprehension.

She stared at his handsome face, which seemed far more menacing today than it had yesterday. Her mind was a whirlwind of anxiety. What was his game? Was he seeking revenge for the embarrassment she caused him, or would he use his new authority to force her out?

The frantic clatter of keyboards that usually filled the room had fallen into a heavy silence. Colleagues stole curious glances at the scene unfolding, and even the department head looked increasingly concerned, sensing the volatile energy crackling between the new boss and her subordinate.

Gawin looked deep into Gunny’s eyes. After a moment, he gave a small, decisive nod as if reaching a silent conclusion. “I trust you heard what I just said,” he stated, his voice firm—a command veiled in a threat that needed no further explanation.

Without waiting for a response, he turned and swept out of the department. He left behind a thick cloud of tension that seemed to suffocate the room. The other executives exchanged bewildered looks before hurrying after their CEO.

Chulee rushed over, placing a gentle, worried hand on Gunny’s arm. “Gunny... you can tell me if something’s wrong. I’ll help you. Did you do something to upset Mr. Gawin? Why was he so intent on seeing only you?”

Gunny watched Gawin’s broad shoulders disappear into the distance. Her expression crumpled into one of dejection as she let out a heavy, weary sigh. “I only hope it’s nothing, Ma’am... I really do.”

She tried to compose herself, praying fervently that he wouldn’t hold a grudge over yesterday’s encounter. But the look in that man’s eyes just now... it told her clearly that he had no intention of letting this end easily.