Noah calmly strode through the three-person barricade, carrying an espresso on a small tray. Without a care in the world, he stood between Noira and Dasan, turning his back fully on Dasan as if the man were nothing more than a roadside utility pole.
"The CEO's sugar-free coffee is ready," Noah said with an exceptionally formal, friendly smile as he handed the cup to Noira. "The water temperature is exactly ninety-two degrees Celsius, just the way you like it when dealing with people who... breathe too much."
Noira froze for a moment. But when she saw the way Noah was standing, indirectly shielding her from Dasan, the corners of her lips lifted slightly. She took the cup.
"Thank you, Noah."
Dasan frowned, annoyed by the presence of the unfamiliar man in the standard suit. "Who is this man, Noira? Your new secretary? Why does he look so... below Authum standards?"
Aina snorted along with him. "Oh, come on, Dasan... Noira probably just picked some random person for appearances. To look busy and not lonely. Besides, what secretary looks at his boss that casually? How unprofessional."
Noah slowly turned around, looking from Dasan to Aina with his signature, infuriating grin.
"Well, good morning, sir and ma'am," Noah greeted them cheerfully. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Noah Nabastala, Ms. Noira's personal secretary. My duties include managing schedules, documents, and... making sure people with no business here don't disturb my boss's mental health."
"Watch your mouth, Secretary!" Dasan snapped, feeling targeted. "You don't know who I am? I'm Dasan Diratama! Noira's former fiancé and the man who understands her best!"
"Oh... Former?" Noah rounded his mouth into a big O, then nodded with exaggerated enthusiasm. "I was wondering who you were. Judging by the way you talk, I thought you were a debt collector who had the wrong address."
"Noah," Noira whispered in warning, though amusement glinted in her eyes at the sight of Dasan's face suddenly turning red.
"Sorry, Ms. CEO. I was just analyzing," Noah replied without the slightest trace of fear. Then he looked at Aina, who was still clinging to Dasan's arm. "And as for you... you're holding on pretty tight. Afraid Dasan might disappear because a lobby security guard took him?"
"You—! How dare you talk like that!" Aina screamed, glaring sharply at Noah. "Dasan, see? Noira's secretary has no manners!"
"Aina's right," Dasan cut in, stepping forward and attempting to intimidate Noah with his physique. "Noira, fire this man right now. He's completely useless and incredibly rude. You chose a secretary like him just to make me jealous, didn't you? Admit it."
Noah's eyes flashed sharply. His playful laughter evaporated in an instant, replaced by a hidden dominant aura. Noah took one step forward, closing the distance between them until he and Dasan stood at the same height.
"Dear Mr. Dasan," Noah whispered, his voice now calm and deep, every word laced with emphasis that made Dasan falter. "Listen to me carefully. Ms. Noira doesn't need cheap tricks to make anyone jealous. And if you think she still cares about you... you think far too highly of yourself."
"What right do you have to talk to me like that?!" Dasan hissed, struggling to contain his emotions.
"The right of someone who stands beside Ms. Noira every day," Noah replied meaningfully, shooting Noira a brief glance before looking back at Dasan. "I know exactly how high Ms. Noira's standards are. And no offense... you don't even make the qualification list."