Slowly

Ethan climbed the hundreds of steps at a leisurely pace. Occasionally, he would even hum some lyrics from different songs. The man seemed to really enjoy his journey despite how tiring it was.

Once he reached a certain floor, Ethan stopped and took off his round glasses, put them in his coat pocket, and continued his steps. And on the next floor, he again stopped, only to remove one button of his shirt to expose his chest. From then on, on every floor, Ethan would stop just to do something.

Finally, by the time he reached the floor of his room, the man who had been so neat with his refreshing appearance had turned into a shapeless mess.

If he didn't remember where he was, Ethan might have taken off his shoes and chosen to go barefoot because it was too hot.

"Sir?" Hazel, who was waiting in front of his room, was very surprised.

She hurriedly approached Ethan and asked anxiously. "Are you okay?"

Ethan couldn't answer and could only nod with bated breath.

Hazel grimaced softly. "Come, sir, please come in and cool down!" She quickly opened the door to Ethan's room.

"Just a moment, I'll get you a towel and a drink." After that, the woman who was wearing a knee-length span skirt with a pink blouse today ran to the pantry.

It wasn't long before she ran back into Ethan's room, placing the bottle of cold drink on the table. "Drink up, sir!"

Ethan snatched it up and gulped it down greedily. Seeing him like that, Hazel took the initiative to come over and wipe the sweat off his neck and forehead with the towel he was holding. Ethan didn't look uncomfortable at all and actually enjoyed Hazel's treatment.

"Ah, how refreshing. I feel like I'm plunging into a pool after days in the desert," Ethan said as he adjusted the buttons and sleeves of his shirt.

"You shouldn't have had to climb the fire escape," said a worried Hazel.

"Then meet her?" said Ethan. "Actually, it's not the meeting that I'm avoiding, but the problems that arise from it. I want everything to go smoothly so that it's over quickly."

"Oh yeah, what about the meeting just now?" asked Ethan then.

Hazel swiftly replied, "As you might have guessed. She came here to ensure the continuity of the project. After I told her what you told me to do, she looked angry. Perhaps she realized that she was being played. However, because she needs us so much, she restrained herself and said that she wanted to meet you for an absolute agreement."

"In the previous project, did she also meet with the Ceo?" asked Ethan, who then took another sip of his cold drink, finishing it off.

"No, she didn't. Because at that time, we accepted it immediately."

"At the next meeting, just approve the proposal. Then, survey the person. If possible, I'll go with you." While speaking, Ethan stood up and stepped to the side of the room, looking up at the clear sky while crossing his chest. "For everything else, we'll arrange it slowly."

"What about Carver?"

Before Hazel could answer, there was a sudden knock on the door that made Hazel turn her head. "Alice?"

With obvious confusion, she approached Alice, who was still standing at the door. "What's wrong?"

"Miss Hazel, in the lobby, someone named Carver went on a rampage and demanded to see you. I called you, but there was no answer, so I came here. Sorry for interrupting," explained Alice, a receptionist who occasionally stole glances at Ethan, hoping that he would turn around and reveal his face that had been hidden.

Hazel, who noticed her glance, immediately shifted her body until her view was covered. "I see. You can go back to the front."

Alice nodded stiffly and hurried to leave.

However, before entering the elevator, she stopped her steps and turned around. Unfortunately, the room door was already closed tightly, making her sigh and choose to continue her steps.

"Sir, what should I do?"

Ethan slowly turned around, looking at Hazel intently. "Go to him and tell him that from now on, his name is in the black book. There's no more business between us, so he's not allowed to come here anymore. Order security if he throws a tantrum."

Hazel nodded in understanding and turned to leave.

"It's just a matter of time to settle everything. One by one... no stone will be left unturned. You'll have to pay for what you've done," Ethan muttered, staring blankly at Hazel's departure.

**

"How was it? Is Miss Hazel on her way here yet?" asked Carver impatiently when the receptionist sent for had returned.

The promised day was supposed to be yesterday, but due to some obstacles, he had to come today.

"Please wait quietly, sir. Miss Hazel is in an important meeting, so it may take some time to get here," Alice replied professionally.

"Important meeting again?" Carver chuckled in annoyance. "Why does she have an important meeting every time I come here?"

"You're playing me, right?" Carver suddenly banged on the reception desk, causing Secretary Iram to immediately restrain his arm from doing more. But Carver didn't care and pointed rudely at Alice's face. "Hey, listen carefully! If Miss Hazel doesn't come down to see me today, I'll make you suffer. You'll be sorry for treating me like this. Not only you but all of you too!"

They were very scared. "Lord-"

"Do you still not realize who you're dealing with right now? You're just a bunch of dust in my eyes. Getting rid of lowlifes like you is not a problem for me. I can make you helpless and think that the world is unfair," Carver interrupted with bulging eyes, giving real intimidation to those already looking down with their bodies trembling in fear.

Then he glanced at Secretary Iram and gave an order. "You write down their names and make sure to find out everything. Don't miss anything!"

"Mr. Carver." Hazel came in with a flat face. The smile that usually always graced her face was now gone, making her look like a different person.

It wasn't just Carver who turned his head, but all the receptionists and Secretary Iram.

Suddenly, Carver straightened his suit and smiled broadly. "Miss Hazel, you've finally arrived."

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Hazel said.

Carver shook his head quickly. "No problem. You're very busy, so it's natural not to have time to meet. Especially since I heard the CEO had an important meeting, your time must be very tight."

"Yes, as you said. My time is very tight, so I won't make any more small talk. Sir, I'm sorry, we can't accept cooperation from you because your name has been blacklisted. So after this, you cannot set foot in this company again." Hazel said everything firmly. After finishing, she bowed slightly, showing her politeness one last time.