Chapter 3 The Lion

Elliot’s words sliced through the meeting. Every person present, including Audrey, tensed.

While used to his strictness, Elliot's criticism was always a painful sting.

Mr. Harrison lowered his head, trying to hide his embarrassment. "I-I’ll fix it right away and make sure we get the updated report to you as soon as possible, Sir."

Audrey felt a pang of sympathy watching the older man tremble. She wanted to intervene, but knew better—speaking up would only invite trouble.

"Make sure that happens," Elliot replied flatly. "And I hope you learn from this mistake. This applies to everyone, no exceptions! We can't keep making excuses. Contact the relevant department and set up a meeting to get this report fixed. Work overtime if you need to! I want the report today!"

Mr. Harrison could only nod at his young boss’s command.

The atmosphere remained tense, though the meeting continued. Known for his perfectionism, Elliot also provided constructive solutions, even if they were delivered with sharp remarks. That day was no different. "Remember! Our goal is to make a profit, but working with a solid plan is far better than relying solely on manpower. Maximize the brainpower you’ve been given."

When the meeting ended, a collective sigh of relief filled the room. Elliot left first.

As Audrey packed, a discomfort lingered from the morning’s events.

"Mr. Harrison, are you okay?" Audrey paused to check on the senior manager.

The man chuckled awkwardly, rubbing his neck. "What can I do, Ms. Audrey? I made the mistake of not handing over the research team’s report."

"So, you really forgot?" Audrey raised an eyebrow.

Mr. Harrison gave a sheepish grin. "Caught up in the holiday, Ms. Audrey. Hahaha! Embarrassing to get scolded, but at least he was right."

Audrey was relieved he wasn't holding a grudge. She worried Elliot’s harsh, no-nonsense attitude might backfire on him someday.

"Anyway, it’s you who should be careful, Ms. Audrey. It takes a lot to work near a lion like him," said a woman, around Mr. Harrison's age, while adjusting her glasses.

"Spot on!" Mr. Harrison agreed.

Audrey chuckled lightly. Working with Elliot was an adrenaline rush, challenging, and sometimes, unpredictable. His words were often sharp and cutting.

Suddenly, her phone vibrated. Seeing Elliot’s name, she quickly answered. "Yes, Sir—"

"Why aren’t you in my office yet? Gossiping? Hurry up and bring me the report I asked for, along with today’s meeting minutes!"

The call ended abruptly.

Mr. Harrison and the woman standing near Audrey could even hear Elliot’s loud words. Both of them tried to hold back smiles, doing their best not to laugh at Audrey’s discomfort.

"The lion is calling," whispered the woman, causing Mr. Harrison could not hold his laughter. Audrey just grimaced, hearing that.

After a quick goodbye, Audrey hurried to Elliot’s office, knocking before entering.

"Come in," Elliot’s deep voice came from behind the door.

Audrey stepped in and found Elliot sitting at his desk, his gaze distant as he stared out the window. His mood didn’t seem great.

‘Is it because of that? Is that why Elliot was more irritable than usual during the meeting?’ Audrey wondered to herself, but quickly brushed it off since it wasn’t her business.

"Mr. Elliot, would you like me to get you something?" Audrey offered, trying to lighten the mood as she placed the report she had brought on the desk. She hadn’t had a chance to prepare anything earlier because she was asked to immediately prep for the meeting.

Elliot looked a bit surprised, quickly turning his chair back to face the desk. He glanced at Audrey, his gaze sharp and full of meaning, causing Audrey’s heart to race.

For a moment, their eyes met.

There was something in his gaze that sent a chill down Audrey’s spine. She quickly shook off the feeling, trying to remain professional.

"Why did you look like that during the meeting?" Elliot’s strange question made Audrey furrow her brow.

"I don’t understand what you mean, Sir."

"You looked like you pitied me for scolding Mr. Harrison," Elliot leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. His authoritative aura was palpable.

Audrey immediately grumbled to herself, realizing she had let her emotions show too clearly on her face and it was too obvious.

"Oh, that." Audrey quickly scrambled to come up with a reasonable explanation. But before she could speak, Elliot cut her off.

"So, you think I’m a boss who has no empathy for my employees?" One eyebrow raised, making Audrey more anxious.

‘Do I really have to suck up to my boss today?!’ she thought frantically. "I-I just-"

"Coffee."

Audrey froze for a few seconds. "Huh?" The words slipped out unintentionally.

"Coffee. Just like usual. You offered to make me something, right?" Elliot said, his voice colder than usual. He turned his attention back to the report she had brought.

"Oh, yes. Alright, Sir." Audrey nodded and quickly left the room, heading to the pantry to prepare the coffee. As she poured the hot water, her thoughts drifted back to the look in Elliot’s eyes earlier.

There was something about the way he looked at her that made her heart beat faster. A strong and alluring aura that made Audrey want to know more about him, even though she knew it wasn’t a good idea.

"Get it together, Audrey Clarke!" she muttered to herself, tapping her forehead gently.

When she returned to Elliot’s office with the coffee in hand, she felt awkward. She carefully placed the cup on the desk, trying to avoid eye contact.

But Elliot continued to stare at her intensely, as if trying to read her thoughts. No, it felt like he was about to pounce!

Audrey wondered what she had done wrong today to make Elliot act like this.

"Thank you," Elliot said, his tone still flat and sharp.

"You're welcome, Sir," Audrey replied quietly before quickly turning and leaving the room.

"Audrey."

Audrey stopped dead in her tracks, her body tensing. Her breath caught in her chest for a few seconds, overwhelmed by the pressure.

With her heart pounding, she slowly turned her stiff body to face her boss. "Y-Yes, Sir?"

Again, Elliot had crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Aren’t you going to take this report with you? I’ve signed it."

"O-oh. Y-yes. Hahaha." Audrey laughed awkwardly, quickly grabbing the report and rushing out of the room, not looking back after a brief nod.

As soon as she closed the door, she let out a long sigh. It felt like she had just come out of a battlefield.

Back in her own office, Audrey tried to ignore the feeling, but deep down, she knew she was walking a fine line between professionalism and personal feelings. And every time she was near Elliot, that line was becoming blurrier.

"Get real, Audrey Clarke! He’s out of your league! Who would want someone like a lion anyway? Ugh!" Audrey shuddered.