Chapter 4: Coffee, Close Quarters, and Car Rides

Fine, I’ve decided to take this company down with me. Got up early, did my makeup to perfection. When I arrived, HR led me to my own office—right next to the CEO’s.

The CEO’s door was slightly open; who knows if he was inside. Yawning, I spotted someone with a cup of coffee. Didn’t see his face clearly, so I blurted out, “Make me one too, I’m dying of sleep.”

As soon as I said it, I regretted it. This isn’t home—why am I acting like a spoiled princess! HR was stunned too, awkwardly greeted: “Morning, Mr. Foster.”

I looked up sharply—Caleb’s cold features stared back at me. HR quickly made her exit.

Caleb raised an eyebrow. “I just made this. Want it?”

I don’t know if I was imagining it, but he suddenly didn’t seem so intimidating. While I was still dazed, Caleb handed me the coffee and went back to his office.

I sat at my desk, staring at the coffee, took a sip. It was better than what my old housekeeper made. Snapped a photo: “Daddy, the coffee here is amazing.”

Camellia copied me, sending a little cat dancing sticker. An old man trying to keep up with the young crowd.

Now that things with my dad had thawed, I decided I’d go home after San Francisco next week. Five-star hotel breakfasts are honestly terrible.

These days, the CEO was acting strange—personally driving me to and from work every day. Like he was my assistant. I almost wanted to ask him if he liked me. But I refuse to be the third wheel.

I left my office window cracked, letting in the sounds of honking and the smell of fresh bagels wafting up from the food truck below. Caleb’s footsteps echoed in the hallway sometimes—quick, purposeful. The tension between us felt like an unsolved crossword clue. Still, I let him drive me home. If my dad could see me now, he’d say I was getting too comfortable.