Chapter 7 It's A Small World

• "Who are you? What are you doing here?" A deep, wary voice cut through the air.
• Halie knew she needed to explain quickly, or there would be a misunderstanding.
• She raised her eyes and began, "I'm new here." Her words trailed off as she saw the man standing before her.
• Her mind went blank for several seconds.
• How could it be him?
• It's Austin!
• He is the CEO of Horizon Group.
• How is that possible?!
• Thoughts raced through Halie's mind. Her first instinct was to turn and leave, but her feet seemed rooted to the ground and unable to move.
• Austin looked even more mature and composed than he had years ago. His features were sharper and more defined, and he was still incredibly handsome, impossible to ignore.
• Halie's gaze was filled with surprise and shock as she looked at Austin.
• He, too, studied her. She had a fair and oval-shaped face, was delicate and attractive, had pink lips, and had a petite nose. Her eyes, in particular, shone with clarity and brightness.
• There was no denying the fact that the woman before him was stunning.
• While beautiful women were not rare, one who felt so refreshing and pleasant at first sight was uncommon.
• But ...
• Her gaze towards him seemed strange.
• Did she know him?
• Austin couldn't recall meeting anyone like her before. If he had, he surely would have remembered.
• "You still haven't answered my question," Austin said sternly.
• Snapping out of her daze, Halie replied, "I'm ... "
• "Were you eavesdropping?" A voice interrupted. Maia Guzman emerged from the office and confronted Halie.
• Beautiful women often find fault with each other.
• Maia's instinctive dislike for Halie began the moment she saw her.
• To her, Halie had ruined their moment.
• Hearing this, Halie frowned slightly and glanced at Maia, who looked at her with obvious hostility.
• "I'm Halie Lane, the new designer. I'm here to report to the CEO," she said firmly, looking at Austin with a composed demeanour that left no room for criticism.
• "Halie ... Lane," Austin repeated her name. His eyes were fixed on Halie.
• Hearing Austin say her name made Halie's heart skip a beat. She was terrified that he might recognise her. Standing there, she could feel sweat forming in her palms.
• What a twist of fate. Who would have thought the CEO of Horizon Group was him?
• If I had known, I would never have taken this job!
• "Come inside," Austin ordered.
• "Austin ... " Maia protested, looking displeased.
• "Maia, you should go home. I have work to do. I'll call you when I'm done," Austin said decisively.
• Maia knew well that Austin was a workaholic and very serious about his job. After being around him for a long time, she understood this aspect of him.
• But ...
• She shot Halie a warning look before saying, "I'll wait for your call tonight."
• "Okay."
• With a final glare at Halie, Maia turned and left.
• Halie stood there, unfazed.
• Now that Maia had left, it was just the two of them.