Although she tried her best to remain calm, Tina couldn't suppress the sudden shock that coursed through her. "Ah..."
Ching Fang immediately noticed Tina's strange behavior, her trembling hands giving her away. "What's wrong, Tina?" she asked, confusion evident in her tone.
Tina barely registered her friend's concern. Her eyes remained fixed on the image, her mind racing. 'This guy has a photo of me!'
A horrifying realization hit her like a thunderbolt. 'That means he took the photo while I was asleep... Is he a pervert?'
Her thoughts spiraled as she analyzed every possibility. Then, her gaze landed on a chilling line within the announcement: Face the consequences.
Her heartbeat quickened. 'What does he mean by that?'
While most people were fixated on the picture, Tina knew this message was directed specifically at her. A terrifying scenario unfolded in her mind: 'If I don't go to him, will he release a photo of my full face?'
Her stomach churned at the thought. If that happened, her life would be over, her career, her reputation, everything she had worked for.
'How could someone be stoop this low?' she fumed.
Ching Fang shook her gently. "Tina?" she called again, her concern deepening.
Snapping back to reality, Tina forced a steady breath and grabbed her bag. "Ching Fang, something urgent has come up. I have to go."
She didn't wait for a response. With lightning speed, she packed her belongings and strode toward the exit of the lecture hall.
"But we have class soon!" Ching Fang called after her.
"Ask for menstrual leave for me, like we used to!" Tina shouted without looking back.
Ching Fang's face flushed crimson. "Not so loud, you idiot..." she muttered, sinking into her seat as all eyes in the hall turned toward her.
[At Chin Group Headquarters]
A taxi pulled up in front of a towering skyscraper, its golden "Chin Group" emblem gleaming under the sunlight. Without hesitation, Tina stepped out and took in the magnificent structure. The sheer scale of the building exuded wealth and power.
She squared her shoulders and pushed through the glass doors. Inside, the opulence was even more overwhelming, marble floors, sleek leather seating, and a hum of corporate efficiency filled the grand lobby. Executives in tailored suits moved purposefully, while others sat in the waiting area, engaged in hushed conversations.
Tina quickly scanned the room and spotted the reception desk. Marching over, she was met by a well-dressed receptionist who greeted her with a professional smile. "How may I help you, Miss?"
Tina wasted no time. "I need to see Jim Chin."
The receptionist's smile wavered slightly. "Do you have an appointment with our executive director?"
Realization struck, of course, someone like Jim Chin wouldn't be available to just anyone. But did she really need an appointment to confront a man who had secretly taken photos of her?
"No, I don't. But—"
"I'm sorry, miss. Without an appointment, I'm afraid I can't let you in," the receptionist interjected politely but firmly. "Our CEO dislikes unannounced meetings. Please schedule an appointment and return at a later time."
Tina clenched her fists, anger bubbling inside her. 'A later time? Is she joking?'
If she didn't meet him today, her picture might be plastered all over the internet tomorrow.
Taking a deep breath, she leaned forward and said in a low, urgent voice, "Listen, I have something very important to discuss with your CEO. You can't take responsibility for what happens if you stop me."
The receptionist hesitated. "This..."
Before she could respond, a deep, smooth voice interrupted.
"What's so urgent that you need to see our CEO immediately?"
A man stepped forward, placing a hand casually on the reception counter. He was dressed in a sharp black-and-grey suit, his light brown hair neatly styled. His delicate jawline and long lashes made him look like he had stepped out of a fashion magazine.
The receptionist gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. "Mr. Kuan!"
Tina turned to face him. She wanted to speak, but all that came out was, "Well..."
Kuan Yi flashed her an amused, almost playful smile. "You must see him, right?"
"Yes," Tina answered firmly, though her cheeks burned slightly under his gaze.
Kuan Yi studied her for a moment, smirking to himself. 'Another girl? Has Jim finally found himself in a scandal?'
His eyes glinted with amusement. 'She looks like she's here for justice. Interesting… What kind of mess has Jim gotten into this time?'
Still smiling, he said smoothly, "If you're that determined, I can take you to him."
Tina's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"
"Follow me." Kuan Yi turned and walked toward the elevator.
Tina hesitated for a second before trailing after him, watching his confident stride.
'Who is this guy? He's not an ordinary employee.'
One thing was certain, this was not going to be an easy meeting.
To be Continued :-
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