“CEO Kawin!” Gunny scrambled to her feet, the sudden, loud scrape of her chair echoing across the entire department. She quickly scanned the area, acutely aware that every single pair of eyes was glued to her and the CEO. She closed her eyes briefly, desperately trying to calm her racing heart. She prayed this would end quickly without anyone jumping to the wrong conclusion.

“Are you free?” he asked, his expression impassive, completely ignoring the intense scrutiny.

Gunny rolled her eyes in irritation, glancing behind her to see her colleagues already buzzing with excited whispers. “I am not available!”

“But this is an order,” Kawin said, raising one finger in emphasis. He then turned and swiftly walked away, not waiting for any input, his broad, elegant back disappearing from sight.

Gunny bared her teeth in frustration, letting out a slow, controlled breath. She was fighting hard to manage the rage boiling inside, because he had just dropped a huge bomb that ensured everyone would misunderstand her situation.

Gunny opened the door to Kawin’s office quickly. She was immediately met with the sight of a luxurious high-level executive workspace—large, floor-to-ceiling windows offered panoramic views of the surrounding skyscrapers. The room was designed for comfort with light wood tones and warm colors, subtly scented with relaxing aroma oils. A few files were neatly stacked on the desk, and a suit jacket hung on a wooden valet stand, creating a relaxed, non-ceremonial atmosphere.

Kawin, who had stepped aside behind the door, swiftly pushed it shut and locked the knob, preventing unauthorized entry. The accountant gasped, looking up to meet his gaze as his hand settled firmly on the lock.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Kawin looked down at the small woman, who quickly shuffled away from him.

“What are you going to do to me?!” Gunny cried out, hugging her arms protectively across her chest.

Kawin surveyed her from head to toe, then quickly shook his head. He hadn't even entertained the idea of touching her.

“I wouldn’t violate you in the way your overactive imagination suggests,” he said, quickly moving to his seat. “Please, have a seat.” He gestured to the chair in front of his desk.

Gunny looked at him, still highly suspicious, before finally sinking into the chair and glaring at his handsome face. The CEO settled into his executive chair, gazing at the porcelain doll-faced woman who looked strikingly naturally beautiful without makeup.

“You shouldn’t come to my department like that,” she asserted firmly.

Kawin raised an eyebrow slightly, looking at her with an air of mild curiosity. “Why not?” His expression was blank, his eyes devoid of emotion, as if Gunny’s words were mere breath that held no importance for him.

“I don’t want people to get the wrong idea,” she stressed every single word, her face dead serious—the exact opposite of his unconcerned demeanor.

“Wrong idea? What idea is that?”

Gunny felt instantly that Kawin’s question was deliberately provoking her. He played dumb, though he knew perfectly well everyone in the department was now convinced she and he had a relationship that was more than just boss and subordinate.

“Do you realize what people will think when you call me into your office like this?” Gunny emphasized with a heavy tone, staring at him resentfully, feeling like she might explode with frustration anytime she was near him.

“People think I like you, is that it?” Kawin repeated in a flat voice, glancing over Gunny from head to toe as if mentally assessing her value.

Gunny huffed in irritation. She felt severely insulted. She knew she was just an ordinary employee, but his words and gaze made her feel even worse.

“Listen! The story about you taking a girl home for a night of passion is huge right now!” Gunny retorted quickly.

Kawin tilted his head slightly and moved his chair closer to the edge of the desk to facilitate a better conversation with the young woman.