As soon as they reached the towering Xiao Corporation building, Xiao Ting's stomach churned violently.
The gleaming structure loomed before her, its mirrored glass reflecting the bustling city and amplifying her dread.
Her palms were clammy, and her breaths came shallow and quick.
"Aren't you coming down?" Chase asked, his tone laced with impatience as he opened his door.
She shook her head vigorously, gripping the car seat like her life depended on it. "No, please. I'm not sure I can do this."
He sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Should I carry you?"
Her eyes snapped to him, fiery and defiant. "Try it, and I swear I'll castrate you this time," she hissed.
Chase frowned, instinctively shifting to protect his "family jewels." "Suit yourself," he muttered, stepping out of the car with an effortless grace.
She watched him go, noticing for the first time that he'd changed his suit. The navy blue suited him, complementing his sharp features. The sight only added to her irritation.
As he strode toward the sleek glass doors without a backward glance, reality sank in. She would have to walk in alone.
Panic clawed at her chest, and before she knew it, she was bolting out of the car. The waiting staff at the entrance bowed respectfully as she passed, their movements so synchronized it was unnerving.
She awkwardly dipped her head in response, then hurried after Chase.
"Chase!" she called, her voice trembling slightly.
He didn't answer, his long strides carrying him effortlessly into the busy reception area.
The sight of the bustling lobby overwhelmed her. Staff moved with purpose, phones rang incessantly, and conversations buzzed all around her.
The spinning lights from the massive chandelier overhead didn't help; they made everything blur together. Her breathing grew erratic.
"Chase!" she called again, more desperately this time.
But he didn't look back. The walls seemed to close in, and her legs wobbled beneath her. "Chase…" she gasped, her vision dimming as she staggered forward.
Suddenly, a warm hand slipped into hers, steadying her.
"It's okay," he said softly, his thumb rubbing soothing circles over her hand. His calm presence anchored her.
Before she could respond, a woman approached them, dressed sharply in corporate attire. "Ah, I was right! Good morning, CEO Xiao Ting," the woman said cheerfully, extending her hand. "I'm Zhao Ying, the company's executive assistant."
Xiao Ting froze, immediately retreating behind Chase like a child hiding from a stranger.
Chase's polite smile never faltered as he gently deflected, "No handshakes, thank you." He kept a protective arm around Ting and ushered her into the elevator, shielding her from the crowd.
As the doors closed, the noise of the lobby faded, leaving only the hum of the elevator and the sound of her unsteady breathing.
"You did fine," Chase said quietly, his voice softer than she expected.
She shot him a glare through her lashes but didn't pull her hand away. For the first time that morning, she felt a flicker of safety.