Steven chuckled lightly, “But you spoke such fluent American English, didn’t you? If I heard correctly, your accent is New York.” Emily frowned. “Steven, I don’t understand what you mean.” Steven smiled apologetically. “I meant no offense; I just hope thatMiranda can quickly return to New York to participate in the project. Our CEO is quite urgent about it.” “Well, I need to go home and pack. I have a lot of personal belongings to take with me.” “Once you’re in New York, Dylan will take care of all your needs—accommodations, meals, everything. You just need to make a list, and Dylan will handle it without question.” At this point, the conversation had taken on an air of inevitability. Even Adam had no reason to voice any objections. Emily couldn’t help but scoff internally; she was beginning to understand why Vincent had promoted Steven to his assistant. Dylan was easygoing and cheerful, but Steven was not. He clearly possessed superior communication skills and negotiation tactics, effortlessly leaving others without a foothold, leading them wherever he wished. Vincent certainly knew how to pick his team. Adam gritted his teeth. “Miranda, why don’t you just go for now? It’s Saturday, after all. I’ll notify the other designers on Monday to reschedule their tickets and meet you as soon as possible.” Emily paused, considering for a moment. “If Miranda has any concerns, feel free to share. We can help address them,” Steven added as a final touch. Emily chuckled softly. “No, I was just thinking about how I promised my boyfriend I’d cook for him. How do I tell him I need to leave for New York early? And once I go, who knows when the project will finish, or when I’ll be back in the UK. I really need to talk to him.” Steven blinked, momentarily taken aback. “Miranda already has a boyfriend?” Was it not as he had imagined? Wasn’t boss’ relationship with Miranda what he thought it was? “I’m thirty this year; is it strange to have a boyfriend?” Emily smiled lightly. “We’re in a passionate relationship right now. Just leaving like this, I need to explain it to him.” Adam quickly chimed in, “Yes, yes! Miranda’s boyfriend sent a whole room of roses to the office yesterday. They’re very much in love! Just sending her off to New York like this will break them apart. They need some time to say goodbye.” Steven glanced between Emily and Adam, weighing his options. Finally, he said, “In that case, I’ll call the CEO for instructions. Please wait a moment.” “Alright,” Emily nodded. Steven turned away, stepping into a corner to dial a number. On the other end, the phone was answered quickly. “Did you get through?” “Sorry, boss. Miranda says she needs to say goodbye to her boyfriend.” There was a long pause on the line. Then Steven heard the sound of someone coughing violently, a soul-wrenching sound, as if smoke was tearing through their lungs. “Boss, the doctor advised you not to smoke. Your lungs were already damaged in the fire from inhaling too much dust; they can't handle any more smoke…” “I know,” came the calm response, followed by a slow exhale as he watched the smoke swirl in the air, his voice drifting off. “I can’t sleep; I need to keep myself busy.” Steven checked the time on his phone; it was around three in the morning in New York. The CEO hadn’t gone to sleep yet? The phone was nearly picked up before the last ring had fully faded away. “Did she… did she say she has a boyfriend?” Steven replied, “Yes, Miranda said so herself. She’s still in a passionate relationship, and he romantically sent her a lot of roses yesterday.” “…Alright.” The CEO interrupted him. “You tell Miranda that I need her on a plane immediately. She has to appear before me as quickly as possible. The contract clearly states that the Great Wall Group is the party A, and party A has the right to require party B’s staff to cooperate unconditionally. Otherwise, it will be treated as a breach of contract.” Steven felt uneasy. “Boss, are you sure you want to say it that way? This could really ruin the relationship.” “Don’t worry about it,” the CEO replied. “Just do as I said.” “…Understood.”Steven hung up and let out a gentle sigh. These two really had some complicated past—each making it hard for the other, neither willing to give in. Adam was quick to ask, “What did Mr. Norman say? I’ve talked to him before; he’s a nice guy and wouldn’t be so unreasonable.” “I’m afraid it’s bad news,” Steven stood tall, relaying the message verbatim. “Based on the contract, our CEO is legally exercising his rights; otherwise, it’s a breach of contract.” Adam’s face instantly soured. “Did Mr. Norman really say that?” “Yes,” Steven nodded. “Miranda, let’s go. Love is certainly important, but so is your career. You’ve just won a prestigious architectural award; you wouldn’t want to tarnish that with a breach of contract.” Adam looked displeased. “Steven, while it’s legal for the Great Wall Group to do this, it really feels a bit excessive…” “Forget it,” Emily pulled on Adam’s sleeve. “It’s fine, Adam. I’ll go with Steven now.” Adam’s face was filled with regret. “Miranda, if I had known Mr. Norman would act like this, I wouldn’t have been tempted by that commission. This feels like strong-arming you, especially when you and your boyfriend are so sweet; everyone in the office has seen it…” Emily’s mind was already made up. “It’s too late for that now. I work for Stardream, and I can’t let the company suffer because of my personal matters. Adam, please notify my assistant to head to New York as soon as possible; I need her support.” “Of course, don’t worry. I’ll make sure to do that.” Seeing that time was running short, Steven respectfully said, “There’s a flight in China in an hour. It’s still possible to buy tickets and get through security. Miranda, shall we go?” Emily exchanged a glance with Adam. Seeing him nod, she finally responded, “Alright.”