Ethan Roscente's slender fingers tapped rhythmically on his desk in the HM Group CEO office.

"Lucas, reschedule tomorrow's international conference to 2 PM."

The tablet nearly slipped from Lucas Roscente's grasp.

"Sir, our overseas branches have confirmed three times already. A last-minute change might—"

"I have arrangements." Ethan didn't look up, his tone brooking no argument.

Lucas swallowed hard. The workaholic CEO had never postponed meetings for personal reasons, let alone the crucial weekly global strategy session.

"May I... provide our international partners with an explanation?"

"Tell them I have urgent matters." Ethan flipped open a file. "Dismissed."

Lucas exited in a daze.

Last week's memory flashed before him—Ethan standing motionless by a street food stall, gaze fixed on a bustling young woman.

"Oh no..." Lucas muttered. "Is the CEO really falling for her?"

His mind conjured apocalyptic visions: an empty executive office, paperwork piling to the ceiling, while their illustrious CEO wore an apron making change at a night market...

———

Dawn barely tinted the sky at 6 AM.

Jenna Roland shoved the last jacket into her trunk and grinned at Ethan. "Perfect timing! We got the newest collection."

Ethan frowned at her wind-chapped nose.

"You could establish supplier contracts."

"New designers don't get those privileges." She rubbed her hands together. "Come on, let's check accessories."

Silently noting the wholesale market's name, Ethan hefted two garment bags and followed.

Inside the bustling marketplace, Jenna navigated stalls with practiced ease.

"Hold fifty of these hair clips for me!" She stretched toward the top shelf.

Ethan stood sentry, the ghost of a smile touching his lips as he watched excitement spark in her eyes.

"Guard the goods." She vanished into another vendor's booth.

He nodded, his towering frame drawing covert glances from passing shoppers. Yet his attention never wavered from that one busy figure weaving through the crowd.