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    Ignoring a Beauty


    Poppy withdrew her hand stiffly, her face turning slightly pale.


    I offered an apologetic smile. "He''s always been reserved. My apologies!"


    Poppy regained herposure. "No problem."


    Her smile was dazzling, but I sensed it was only surface-level.


    Poppy was undeniably beautiful and wless in every way. Her makeup was impable, fitting for a professional actress who effortlessly mastered the art.


    Desperately maintaining herposed demeanor, she seemed to overlook the recent encounter.


    ''I''ve always wanted to visit your ce, but I''ve been quite busy. You know how it is in our line of work. I have limited freedom, especially for me. It''s quite inconvenient for me to step out with those crazy fans," she shared.


    I chuckled. "I understand. Excessive adoration can be burdensome, even irrational."


    As I spoke, my gaze remained fixed on her face.


    With a subtle tone, she added, "I envy your life, having your own career, and getting to enjoy your freedom."


    Iughed heartily. "Well, it''s not as simple as it seems, Harassment and criticisme our way, too. You''ve seen it yourself. People are unpredictable.


    *Indeed, Ms. Chloe, your life is quite legendary!" Her words didn''t sound entirelyplimentary. It was more like an observation.


    Frankly, I found thepliment a bit off-putting. I picked up my coffee cup and took a sip, maintaining a yful smile. "Why do you say that?"


    She reached for her cup, but her eyes subtly nced toward the lounge door.


    I inwardly scoffed. Indeed, her interesty not in our conversation but in someone behind that lounge door.


    "It''s the life people are intrigued and envious about,'' she casually responded, seemingly carefree.


    I figured her heart wasn''t fully engaged in our conversation, so I didn''t continue. She, too, appeared to have nothing to say. Evidently, she was biding her time, waiting for someone to expose everything.


    Just then, Carol knocked on the door and entered. ''Ms. Chloe, it''s time for the meeting."


    I responded with a simple ''Okay."Update first atN?velDráma. Org.


    Turning to Poppy, I apologized. "Sorry, my schedule is tight, and I can''t keep youpany any longer. Let''s chat another day."


    She stood up with a hint of disappointment. "No problem, another day, then. Invite Mr. As to join us for dinner sometime."


    She seemed to have grown more persistent after the little incident.


    "He would pass. He''s not fond of such socializing, and it might be awkward. We''ll catch up some other time," I declined, leaving no room for negotiation.


    *Ms. Chloe, you must be joking. We''ll arrange another day then," she said sweetly, but her eyes still sought the lounge door. Unfortunately for her, it remained closed until she exited.


    Yet, when I returned to my office, those inside eagerly approached me while smirking.


    Teasingly, Imented, "A beauty was waiting for you, yet you hid in here. Isn''t that a little impolite? She''s beautiful, and you didn''t even shake her hand. Rude much?"


    He leaned in, kissing my ear. "I''m not interested in those generic faces. I''ve never been into the mainstream. Why go for it when you can have someone with a unique beauty?"


    "What interests you then? Ugly ducklings?" I retorted, yfully shoving him away.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    He shamelessly whispered in my ear, "Are you ugly?"


    "I never said that," I said with mock seriousness, rolling my eyes.


    ''I''m only interested in you," he dered boldly, chewing on my ears. "I tried out the bed. It''s quitefortable. Do you want to try it?"


    I shoved him away, my face red. "What are you thinking about?! We''re working!"


    He grinned. "Why are you so worked up? I just wanted you to lie there for a while."


    I rolled my eyes. How dare he throw the ball back at me?


    "You! I will bite you if you say it again," I threatened him.


    "Well, I''m very interested in you biting me. I find it quite fascinating," he confessed with a mischievous grin.


    "Enough of your nonsense!" I huffed, pushing him away, unable to hide a smile.