Page 19 of My Ruthless Opponent

I am already picturing him smirking and taunting me about my supposed tardiness.

Anything that might tarnish my image would bring great pleasure to my rival. He is ruthless for a reason.

The room is awfully silent. Archer and Raleigh are good friends. I expected to hear their chatter but I am met with silence.

I look up and frown. The room is empty.

I take my phone out of the purse and click open the mail app.

Raleigh mentioned the meeting would commence at 8:00 a.m.

It’s eight-thirty now. How can they start a meeting without me, much less finish it?

I exit the meeting room and head to my office. Creative Department II consists of ten cubicles for my team members. My office is adjacent to the cubicles.

The entire floor is vibrant with colorful décor. The orange and white color cubicles are already bustling with the team members.

“Brielle, in my office.” I march to my office with glass windows and settle in my chair.

She is not even seated when I fire off my question. “Where’s Archer?”

I am agitated. There’s been a knot in my stomach ever since I found the meeting room empty.

I don’t like this. This is kind of suspicious. And I can’t help but link Raleigh with this.

She gives me a puzzled look. “He usually arrives at nine. You know that. Everyone knows that.”

Archer Kim aka Mr. Honest is unbeatable when it comes to running his agency.

He is known to be the Leader and owner of the fastest-growing advertising agency in LA. He is competitive and everything more but he can’t wake up early to save his life.

It’s kind of funny but a true story. My independent boss finds it hard to arrive at the office before nine. And him moving the meeting to eight meant it was a matter of urgency. That was the reason I hurried to reach here.

I didn’t even stop for my much-needed coffee.

I rub my temples. What is happening?

“Thank you, Brielle.” I give her a nod and she takes the hint and leaves.

Unable to sit still, I get to my feet and head out. Walking down the wide hallway, I turn left and enter into the enemy territory.

Creative Department I.

My shoulders are stiff as I walk through the sea of curious eyes.

I spot Raleigh’s broad shoulders easily.

He is perched on the desk of one of the employees, his back facing me. He is wearing a camouflage shirt jacket.

He says something to the people surrounding him. Laughter erupts around the room.

As I near him, someone signals him and he gets to his feet before facing me.

The moment our eyes lock, a smirk tug at his perfectly sculpted lips.

Dark stubble shadows his sharp jaw. He didn’t shave since Friday. My eyes take in the bruise on his lower lip. It’s healed mostly.

I bite the inside of my cheek as a punishment for noticing things about him.

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