Hiding The Twins From Their Billionaire Father Free Preview

“Gosh!”

Frank Harper was startled when he found a slender shoulder covered in hickeys. The purple marks were everywhere, even near the enticing mole at the bosom.

Still with his mouth gaped, Frank stared at the girl’s face. Her lipstick and mascara were smudged far beyond the limits. Realizing his brutality, Frank hurriedly grabbed his phone.

“You and those nine bodyguards are useless! Do you think I paid you dearly for nothing?” Frank cursed as soon as his call was answered.

"Sorry, Sir. Didn’t you tell us to take some rest? You said you wanted to celebrate the anniversary with your fiancee.”

“Fiancee? I don't even know this girl!”

Frank glared at the girl with piercing eyes. Hatred had consumed his soul.

Isabela had tried to seduce him countless times, but he never wavered. However, last night, he had let his guard down. How could he ruin his perfect image with an unknown girl?

“Investigate the bar! Someone must have added drugs to my drink last night. And find out where Isabela is now! She never canceled appointment without any information before."

"What about the girl with you, Sir? Do I need to investigate her as well?”

Frank clenched his jaw. How could the girl still be asleep when his anger had exploded?

"I’ll handle her."

After placing the phone on the table, Frank hurriedly put on his clothes. Then, without any hesitation, he slapped the girl with a glass of water.

“Hmmph!”

Kara instinctively wiped her face and got up. As soon as she saw a handsome man with messy hair, she was flabbergasted. "Who are you?"

“I'm the one who should be asking. Who are you?"

Frank raised an eyebrow. His face was not friendly at all. His gray eyes emitted a cold and deadly aura.

"Wait a minute! This is my room. Why are you acting like it’s yours?” Kara replied with a higher tone. She hadn't realized that her clothes were no longer covering her body.

"Don't you know who I am?" Frank muttered, pressing his forehead with a raised eyebrow. A second later, he snorted. “This is my hotel, and I specifically prepared this room for my fiancee. So, stop pretending!”

“You're the one pretending! Our team rented three rooms in Harper Hotel since yesterday afternoon. Look, my suitcase ....”

Kara gasped when she found her clothes scattered near the man's feet. As the memory of last night's dream spun around, her eyes widened.

"You ...!" Kara pulled the blanket with a horrified expression. "What have you done to me?"

With his hands stuffed in the pockets, Frank stepped forward. “I should be the one hysterical. How could I touch a lowly girl who’s so ugly and stupid like you?”

Leaning forward, he observed the look on his victim. He felt she was overreacting. Those golden copper eyes trembled too much.

"Tsk, even a Samoyed dog is much classier than you."

The man looked at her like she was the most disgusting creature in the entire world. Kara was at a loss for words.

“Stop your charade! You must be thrilled to have slept with me. Millions of women dream of that opportunity. You should be grateful, while I ...” Frank snorted and shrugged. "Last night was the worst nightmare of my life."

"What? You've clearly taken advantage of me. Now, you think I'm a trash?”

Kara's tears began to flow. Her frustration had reached its peak.

“You are indeed a trash. You are like a stain in a flawless expensive painting. You are not worthy of entering my canvas. Therefore, forget what happened between us and never meet me again! If you dare to show me your face outside this room, don't blame me if you disappear from the world."

"You think I want to be touched by you? You are the real trash! You have stolen my fiance’s rights! You must take responsibility!” Kara retorted with a trembling voice. Her energy had been drained, but anger forced her to refuse to be silent.

Meanwhile, Frank narrowed his eyes. ‘This girl still wants to play victim? She even dares to press me with demands?’ He snorted cynically.

"I'm not asking you to marry me," Kara quickly clarified. "You just need to explain your crime to my fiancé."

"Wasn’t my warning clear enough?" Frank asked in a displeased tone. Still with his hands stuffed in the pockets, he placed his face a few inches in front of Kara. “I … don't want … to deal with you … anymore.”

The man's tone was not kidding. Kara almost shuddered, but she kept her chin up.

Unfortunately, before she could speak up, the man had already pushed her forehead with his forefinger. A second later, he walked away while cleaning his hand with a silk cloth embroided with spun gold.

"Hey!"

Kara hurriedly chased after him. However, as she managed to grab the man's arm, she was immediately pressed against the wall.

"You think I'm kidding?" Frank tightened his grip on Kara's neck, ignoring she was gasping for air.

“I don't want to see your disgusting face, let alone be touched by your filthy hands. Once again you disturb me; your life will end that very second."

As soon as Frank released his grip, Kara collapsed and started coughing. She no longer had the strength to chase after him. Clutching the blanket, she could only stare at the door and cry uncontrollably.

Suddenly, a pair of pantofels appeared again. Kara looked up. When she found a man with bloodshot eyes, she gasped.

“Finnic?”

The man sighed in disbelief. “So, this is how you behave behind me?”

Kara blinked. Her tongue turned stiff. "No .... It's not what you think, Fin."

Gritting his teeth, Finnic tossed a phone. Watching a video on it, Kara's body trembled hard.

"Why did you do this, Kara? I love you so much. You asked me to wait until we get married. I agreed. But instead, you did it with Rolland? A month before our wedding? Did you intentionally hurt me? Or you’re getting cocky because everyone calls you Miss Perfect?”

Kara's throat constricted. Her heart broke seeing Finnic's tears.

“Please … trust me, Fin. I didn't sleep with Mr. Rolland."

"Enough Kara! Every word from your mouth feels like a thousand needles piercing my heart. You have destroyed my trust, my dreams, my hopes. From this moment on, I don't want to see you around me, even in our town.”

"But—"

“You will regret for wasting me! Just wait and see! Wherever you go, I’ll make sure you suffer. No place will accept a disgusting girl like you.”

Finnic slammed the door and walked away.

“Wait ..., Finnic!”

Kara tried to chase, but her knees were still weak. She hit the floor again. The only thing she could do was to lament her fate.

At the same day, the termination email came. Her social media was flooded with insults. Everyone mocked her.

Just like that, Kara's world turned dark.

Unfortunately, four and a half years later, Kara still couldn't get out of the misery. The only reason that kept her going was her family—her mother who always stood by her side, and two little angels she couldn't bear to lose.

“Louis, Emily! Your mom is home!”

Hearing their grandmother's call, the eyes of a little girl sparkled. Their gray glow outshined the brightest stars. Swiftly, she put down her book and slid off the bed. Spreading laughter in the air, she raced her brother.

"Mommy's home! Mommy's home!”

Right after Kara put the grocery bags down on the table, the twins ambushed each of her legs. Seeing those cheerful and adorable faces, her weariness vanished. She smiled and caressed the toddlers gently.

"Why were you running so fast? What if you fell?"

Showing off his tiny teeth, Louis shook his head firmly. "I won't fall, Mommy. My legs are strong."

"My legs too," Emily said as she flipped her long, thick, wavy hair.

She looked exactly like a little Kara. Only their eyes’ colors were different, and Kara had recently cut her hair to shoulder length.

As for Louis ... he was a hundred percent replica of that gray-eyed devil. Nevertheless, Kara loved them both equally.

"What did you buy, Mommy?" Louis' tiny finger pointed toward the grocery bags. "Is that why you’re late?"

Kara's joy suddenly faded. She couldn't admit that she had just been fired. Finnic's grudge was still burning. He didn’t let Kara work, even as a sales promotion girl.

Meanwhile, the manager who fired Kara couldn't bear to do it. He gave her severance pay from his own savings and also some gifts to make up for his guilt.

"Storybooks? Didn’t Mommy say we have to save money? But why did you buy this many, Mommy?”

“Look at this Rubik's cube, Emily! This is the latest release. It must be expensive!”

Kara forced a smile. She felt sorry for the twins. Soon, they would turn four and start kindergarten, but their mother just lost her job.

In her bedroom, Kara sighed as she looked at the numbers on her savings book. There wasn't much left. The severance pay from the manager was enough to sustain her for one month, but what about after that?

‘Should I look for that gray-eyed devil and demand responsibility? His heart must have melted when he saw the Twins,’ she thought.

However, in the next moment, Kara blinked and dismissed the despair from her mind.

‘No. That cruel man wouldn’t hesitate to kill me. Louis and Emily could become orphans in an instant, or even … follow me to heaven.’

"What are you thinking about, Kara?"

Hearing Susan Martin's voice, Kara quickly put her savings book into the drawer.

“Mom, I was just ... calculating this month's expenses and income. It’s safe," she nodded, faking a smile. However, when she found a piece of paper in her mother's hand, she failed to hide her uneasiness.

"Don’t worry. This isn’t a bill,” Susan sat next to Kara. Her expression was somewhat nervous and tinged with pity. “It's … Finnic's wedding invitation.”

Kara's face instantly darkened. That name never failed to dominate her heart. Even after being put down countless times, Kara didn't hold grudges. She was just disappointed and trying to understand him. She once tried to hate Finnic, but failed within seconds.

"He's getting married?" Kara sighed subconsciously.

Before her mother answered, she laughed dryly. “That's great. It means he has managed to forget me. He won't disturb our lives anymore, Mom.”

Susan smiled sadly. Stroking her daughter's thin shoulder, she whispered, “Kara, you don't have to be tough all the time. If you want to cry, cry."

"I'm not sad, Mom. I'm actually relieved. Now, the most important thing for me is the Twins. Nothing else matters.”

Kara covered the sadness well behind her steady voice. However, her eyes could not pretend. Her mother was in pain to see her gloom.

"Mommy." A small voice suddenly came from the door. Emily was standing there. The new storybook she dragged almost touched the floor. Beside her, Louis was busy working on his new Rubik's cube. "We have a guest."

"A guest? At this hour?”

"Yes, we heard a knock on the door." Louis nodded briefly before shuffling the Rubik's cube so the colors were messy.

In an instant, Kara was engulfed in worry. Without thinking twice, she went to the front door.

Peeking out of the window, Kara spotted a woman at her mother's age. She was neat and charismatic. Vaguely, Kara could see the glimmer of pearls on the brooch on her left chest.

Behind the woman, two bodyguards stood upright. They were fully alert, not looking dangerous but still suspicious. Nevertheless, Kara gathered the courage to meet her guest.

“Good evening, Miss Martin. I'm Vivian Bell from Savior Group. Would you mind sparing some time to talk?”

Kara blinked uncertainly. Her hand was reluctant to let go of the door handle.

Observing the girl's hesitation, Vivian extended her business card. As Kara examined it, she was taken aback.

‘She's a commissioner? Why would someone of such high position meet me? And isn't the Savior Group a well-known company in the neighboring city? Could they be scammers?’

“I actually planned to see you tomorrow afternoon. Unfortunately, I have to return to L City tonight.”

Considering her very well- organized speech and calm demeanor, Kara finally welcomed her in. Even if the woman was a scammer, there wouldn't be much she could take. Kara's bank account was dying!

When she entered the living room, Vivian briefly surveyed the surroundings. She didn't seem bothered by the small size of the room or the simple furniture. There was no hint of sarcasm or insult. She just looked around, smiled at the children, and then started the conversation.

"Savior Group is currently looking for the best secretary. You might wonder why I'm personally involved. But, our CEO is extremely picky. In the past three years alone, he has changed his secretary 50 times."

"Fifty times?" Kara exclaimed.

"The CEO must be really annoying. His secretaries can't last more than a month," Louis quipped without taking his eyes off the Rubik’s Cube.

Vivian smiled at that genius comment. She seemed interested in Louis, but she didn't have much time for small talk.

"Our CEO is a perfectionist. He hates mistakes and does not hesitate to fire employees. Therefore, we need a perfect professional secretary for him."

Kara's eyes darted around. The conclusion in her mind was too hard to believe. "Are you offering me the job?"

"Yes, Miss. We have conducted extensive investigations in the past few weeks. We stopped after finding your resume."

"But I’ve never been a secretary. Previously, I worked in marketing. My bachelor's degree is low, not a master's or doctoral. Could I really be the person you are looking for?"

Vivian didn't change her expression. Her small lips remained curved at a perfect angle. "You managed to become a manager within just one year and ten months after your internship. Miller Corporation doesn't evaluate employees carelessly, right?"

A second later, Vivian placed a piece of paper on the table. "This is the compensation we offer for the first week if you agree."

Kara stretched out her head, followed by the twins. Once she saw the numbers, she was stunned. ‘That's enough for a month!’

Suddenly, Vivian put down another paper. “This is the compensation if you can last more than a month.”

Kara's eyes widened. ‘That's enough for the twins' school fees!’

“And if you can last for three months, this will be the compensation for the following months.”

As soon as the last paper was placed, Kara's mouth fell open. She felt like she had seen a bright path.

‘I won't have to worry if that amount enters my account every month. Not only will the twins be prosperous, but Mom can also retire from the library!’

“Hey, Emily. How much is that? You're better at math,” Louis whispered as he nudged his sister's arm.

"I don't know, Louis. I only know that if there are three zeros, that's two thousand. That's four zeros. Is it twenty thousand dollars?"

"Mommy, just accept it. There are a lot of zeros," Louis whispered, covering his mouth with one hand. He didn't care if Vivian held her laugh, while his grandmother squinted at him.

"If Mommy accepts this job, it means we have to move to another city. Are you guys okay with that?" Kara asked in a wise tone. She didn't have much time to negotiate in another room.

Receiving such a serious question, Emily blinked, while Louis looked at Vivian with a curious expression. "How is your city, Ma’am? Is it safe and fun?"

Vivian spontaneously raised her eyebrows. She didn't expect to get such a question from a very young boy.

"The crime rate is relatively low and it's a pleasant city. There are more playgrounds and shopping centers there. You can have fun with your mom on the weekends."

"What about the library? Our grandmother is a librarian. We like to help Grandma whenever she works," Emily asked in her charming little voice. It was as sweet as cotton candy. Vivian finally let out a laugh at that.

"What a coincidence, we just built a library. It's a charity project. If your grandmother is willing to work there, we will be happy to welcome her."

While Susan expressed her gratitude, the twins folded their arms and looked at each other. They were exactly like Kara who was deep in thought. After squinting their eyes and playing with their eyebrows, they nodded together.

"Alright, Mommy. We don't mind."

Seeing the hope shining from the twins' eyes, the corners of Kara's lips lifted on their own. She no longer needed to ask. Who the CEO was and how annoying he was didn't matter at all. In order to support her two little angels, she was ready to face the perfectionist big boss.

‘This golden opportunity cannot be missed.’

***

"Welcome to the Savior Group, Miss Martin. It's a pleasure to see you here."

Kara smiled at Vivian's greeting. She was impressed by her kindness. As far as she knew, there had never been a commissioner willing to welcome employees, except for Vivian.

Not only that, Vivian also invited Kara to visit every floor. From the lowest level to the top level, her enthusiasm never waned.

In just a short time, Kara already felt familiar with the Savior Group. She felt proud to be able to work there. Her new company was much larger than Miller's.

"And this is your desk. Be careful with that glass because Mr. CEO can see you from his chair." Vivian pointed to the mirror partition that separated the secretary's space from the boss’.

"Is that one-way glass?" Kara whispered as if she was afraid to be heard by her boss.

"That's right. That glass has triggered many dismissals. Your predecessors were careless enough that their mistakes were noticed by Mr. CEO."

Kara swallowed hard. Without realizing it, she pulled her shoulders to stand straighter. Wasn't her new boss a perfectionist? The man must demand employees to stand in a perfect manner and give their best look.

That’s why Kara wore her best blouse and tied her hair in a ponytail. She even wore glasses to add a professional impression, and also ... brown contact lenses to cover up her too captivating eye color.

Kara Martin was ready to conquer the boss and receive praise from him.

"So, what can I do and can't I do, Ma'am?"

Vivian smiled faintly. After a gentle blink, her gaze fell on the pile of folders near the computer.

"I hope you are a good memorizer, Miss Martin. You have one day to remember all the information."

Kara's expression turned cold. With stiff movements, she pointed her index finger at the folders. "Those are all the guidelines on being a secretary here?"

"Guidelines for surviving the CEO, to be precise."

Before negative thoughts took over her brain, Kara took a deep breath and then exhaled faintly. With steady steps, she picked up the top document.

"Frank Harper?" She read the biodata written there.

"Yes, that's the CEO of Savior Group. He may be young, but his abilities can't be doubted. This is his sixth year leading the company."

Kara fell silent. It wasn't the CEO's age that surprised her, but his last name.

‘Harper? Why does it feel familiar? Did Finnic ever work with him before?’

Suddenly, the elevator doors opened. Nine men in black suits immediately came out and took positions. The east, west, and north corridors were each guarded by two people. The other two were on standby next to the CEO's room door, while one was still waiting at the elevator door.

Shortly after, a man in a gray suit came out followed by another man who looked like a bodyguard. A tense aura instantly filled the room. His firm footsteps were able to intimidate anyone who saw them, including Kara. The girl spontaneously lowered her chin and held her breath.

‘Why am I nervous like this? Is it because I haven't dealt with important people for too long?’

Kara closed her eyes for a moment, gathering her courage. While catching her breath, she imagined the cute faces of Louis and Emily welcoming her home. After taming her own heartbeat, she raised her head again.

At that moment, the CEO stopped right in front of her. When their eyes met, a huge explosion blasted in her chest. Kara couldn't hear anything anymore. Her ears were ringing. Her brain failed to work. Her attention was stuck at those cold gray eyes.

‘This man .... Isn't he the twins' father? The devil that screwed me at the Harper Hotel? Harper? Oh my God! Why did I just realize?’

Seeing Kara's expression as if she was facing a ghost, Frank Harper furrowed his eyebrows. He didn't like that look, like there was something wrong with his face. Yet, he thought he was perfect.

“Is this the new secretary you told me about, Mrs. Bell?” Frank asked without looking away. His tone was low, but soul-piercing. “Didn't you say that she is professional and intelligent? Why is she glaring like a dumb owl? Has she just lost her morals and IQ?”

Kara blinked. She just realized that her mouth was slightly open and quickly closed it.

‘It turns out he hasn't changed? He is still a cold and heartless arrogant devil! What should I do now? Should I pull his hair or poke his eyes? He's the reason my life suffer!’

‘But what if he gets angry and kills me straight away? The twins will definitely be very sad. They won't be able to survive this cold world. Should I run away while this gray devil hasn't realized my identity yet?’

‘Yeah! I must not let this perverted devil oppress me again. He has thrown me out of his life. I'll prove that I can survive without a single penny from him.’

"You!"

Kara pointed her index finger right in front of the CEO's nose. Everyone who saw it stared wide-eyed. For the first time, someone dared to confront Frank Harper so bluntly.

Frank involuntarily raised an eyebrow and held his breath. He only insulted a little, but the new secretary already dared to bark?

“If only I knew that the CEO of Savior Group was this rude and arrogant, I wouldn't have signed the contract!” Kara snapped without the slightest hesitation.

Frank checked the expressions of the bodyguards and Vivian. They all got tensed. No one dared to move. Indeed, it was only the girl in front of him who dared to seek death.

Frank looked at Kara closely. The corners of his lips twitched slightly. "So, you think I'm rude and arrogant?"

Before the girl could answer, he snorted and brushed the tip of his nose with his long forefinger.

“Who do you think you are? How dare you judge me? You have no sense of shame and manners, huh?!”

“Sorry, Mr. Harper.” Vivian pulled Kara back. “Miss Martin has just signed the contract and this is her first day visiting the company. She hasn't received any training or read the guidebook yet."

"That's not an excuse for her to be rude to me," Frank retorted coldly. A second later, he took a step forward.

With his hands tucked into his pockets, Frank bent down until his eyes were level with Kara’s. He was ready to snap. However, as soon as his nose caught the familiar citrus scent, he froze.

‘This scent? Is she that girl? That's why she dares to confront me? She does look a bit similar. But, her eye color is different. Could she intentionally cover it up so as not to be recognized?’

Frank's gaze narrowed. The more he focused on Kara's eyes, the closer they became. He could even hear her breaths—soft and tickling to his ears—just like that night.

Realizing the CEO's intentions, Kara blinked. Before her contact lenses were revealed, she pushed Frank's shoulder with all her strength.

“You accuse me of being impolite and immoral, but look! You were the first one to cross the line. Mrs. Bell, I apologize. I want to cancel the contract. I don't want to work with an arbitrary person who can’t respect others."

Vivian sighed in despair. Kara and Frank had only met for a few minutes, but why did they already seem like cats and dogs that had been enemies for centuries?

Meanwhile, Frank shook his head faintly. His eyes narrowed at Kara. "Have we met before?"

Kara flinched. She didn't expect the Perverted Demon's suspicions to arise so quickly.

"No," she answered as firmly as possible. However, Frank's eyes became even sharper.

"Then why do you seem to have a grudge against me for decades? Did I ever run over your foot with my supercar? Or did another secretary deliberately send you to provoke my emotions?"

Kara's hands clenched tighter. She realized that she had been reckless. She must be more careful if she wanted to escape safely.

"No. I'm just disappointed because the CEO of Savior Group turns out to have a personality like you. We won't be able to get along, let alone work together. Because of that, I resign."

"You think there's something wrong with my personality?"

The corners of Frank's lips twitched again. With an annoyed sigh, he loosened his collar.

"Just so you know, with my personality, the Savior Group has successfully developed its business in eight fields, won various prestigious awards, and become the most influential company in the world. Almost all the best CEO awards went to me. Do you think I could achieve all that with a soft personality like yours?”

Kara held her breath. Her eyes trembled with disgust and frustration.

Frank Harper might be great in the business world, but when it came to morals ... a big fat zero! He had abandoned two children and a woman.

"If you think you're perfect, that's your right. But no one can control my opinion. And I apologize if I signed the contract too quickly. Next time, I'll make sure not to show my face in front of you again."

Still with glassy eyes, Kara turned to Vivian. "Mrs. Bell, sorry to disappoint you, but I am resigning for the good of the company. Excuse me."

Just as Kara was about to leave, Frank blocked her path. His expression was now difficult to interpret. He grimaced, but a sinister laugh escaped his lips.

"You think you can just leave like that?"

A second later, Frank spoke to the man standing two steps behind him. "Jeremy, has the new regulation been applied?"

"Yes, Sir."

Vivian's eyes widened. "What regulation?"

"You're not the only one who's tired of memorizing the names of new secretaries every month, Mrs. Bell, but I am too. Therefore, I set a new rule."

With his hands in his pockets, Frank began walking around Kara.

"First, no employee is allowed to resign before serving for three months at this company."

Kara's eyebrows arched high. However, as much as possible, she controlled her expressions. She must not look shaken.

"Second, if the employee really wants to leave, they can ... but they have to pay a fine."

"How much is the fine?" Kara asked loudly. She now turned to the side because Frank stopped right to her left.

Suddenly, Frank put on a charming crooked smile. After a slow blink, he leaned forward again, bringing his lips closer to Kara's ear.

" An amount equal to three times of the annual compensation offered."

Kara gasped. She had tried to control her shock, but the number was too big. How could she get that much money?

"Frank Harper!" Vivian shouted unexpectedly. "Stop giving your secretary a hard time!"

"She's not my secretary anymore, Auntie. She just resigned. Now, she has to pay 720.000 dollars to the Savior Group. Isn't that profitable?"

Seeing Kara's face turn pale, Frank smiled with satisfaction. "So, when are you going to transfer it?"

"If you don't get along with Miss Martin, just let her go. Why trap her like this? We can find another secretary."

With his eyes closed, Frank raised one hand in the air. Once Vivian fell silent, he folded her fingers until only the forefinger remained raised.

"We have to discuss this as well. I'm tired of giving opportunities to the people you recruited. They're incompetent."

"Jeremy is competent," Vivian implied swiftly. Her elegance faded slightly.

"Almost competent. There’s still one task that he hasn't completed yet, even though I've given him more than four years. Luckily, he's still the best person I know. So, I still keep him."

As Jeremy sighed in resignation, Kara looked down in confusion.

"You clearly understand that I won't be able to pay the fine. Doesn't it mean you prevent me from resigning?" she muttered.

"Yes, indeed. People like you, the commoners, can't possibly have that much money."

Still with furrowed brows, Kara whispered, "You dislike me. Why are you holding me back?"

Frank snorted sarcastically. His eyes refused to move from Kara. He was still curious about the true color of her eyes.

"Don't get me wrong! I just want to teach you a lesson that ... making decisions shouldn't be impulsive."

Kara wanted to argue, but couldn't. She was indeed guilty. She herself signed the contract without confirming who the CEO was. What did she suppose to do now?

Looking at Kara's stiffness, the corners of Frank's lips lifted slightly. "But, if you want to use this situation as an opportunity, that's fine. Savior Group has a vision to save people's futures. Maybe, three months of working here can change your mindset. Trust me, your future will be bleak if your personality is still like this."

Kara clenched her jaw. She began to have difficulty as her blood boiled.

‘You're the one who makes my life bleak!’

Kara wanted to scream it out. However, she still had to live. Now, the best way was to be patient.

"You don't mind seeing my face for three months?"

Frank smiled slightly and raised an eyebrow. His response made Vivian massage her temples. She knew that the CEO must have planned something.

"Alright. I will be your secretary for the next three months," Kara said firmly.

She actually understood that her work would not be easy. That Perverted Devil couldn't possibly let her have peace. However, it wouldn't be Kara if she didn't have a solution to her difficulties.

‘Just wait and see, Frank Harper! Before three months, I will have left this company. You will regret having a secretary like me.’

‘Just wait and see, Miss Shameless! The next three months will be unforgettable moments in your life. You will beg for forgiveness from me, and admit that arrogance is not a tool to elevate your status.’

***

"Sir, why are you bringing up the incident from four years ago? Didn't you ask me to stop investigating it?"

Hearing that question, the man who had just sat in his chair turned still. The scent of citrus that registered in his nose came back to his mind, as did the familiar innocent face of Kara. However, he couldn't possibly answer honestly. His dignity and reputation could be at stake.

"Did you forget? Ben contacted me again. He seemed dissatisfied with me rejecting his request four years ago. It could be that he was secretly preparing a long-term plan regarding that incident. If that's true, we've missed out. I shouldn't have told you to stop the investigation just because the girl disappeared from civilization."

Frank leaned back in his chair. His face looked annoyed. But deep down, he was restless. He was afraid that his arrogance would turn into a deadly boomerang.

‘Why didn't I anticipate it from the start? I shouldn't just let her go so easily. She could have come back with a child. Her presence could be an atomic bomb that destroys my reputation and company.’

"It would be good for you to stop suspecting Ben Wilson, Sir. The evidence I gathered so far isn't enough to draw a conclusion."

Frank raised an eyebrow. Before Jeremy lectured him further, he raised his hand. He didn't care if his trusted person was two years older than him. Jeremy's position was not higher than him.

"I hope you haven't forgotten. I was suddenly in a mess after meeting him at that bar. If he wasn't the one who put drugs in my drink, who else? With nine bodyguards plus you, the only person who had the chance to do that was Ben. Unless, you can ensure that a bartender did it."

Understanding the implied command in that statement, Jeremy nodded. He had been Frank's closest person for over five years. He was very familiar with his boss' gestures and tactics.

"Okay, I will continue the investigation. Then, what about Kara Martin? Should I dig up information about her?"

A small laugh escaped Frank's mouth. His ears itched hearing that name. "We don't need to waste time and energy on that lowly girl."

"But you’re keeping her here. Wouldn't that actually disrupt your performance? Or perhaps, you are attracted to her? You don't usually keep employees who like to cause trouble, Sir."

Frank's lip curve suddenly turned the other way. Jeremy's guess had frozen his heart.

"Watch your mouth! Have you forgotten that I already have a nearly perfect fiancee? I can't possibly be interested in a geeky girl like Kara Martin."

Frank glanced at Kara with a disgusted expression. The girl behind the glass was busy reading a guidebook.

"But you never harbored feelings for Isabela, Sir. Your relationship is still in place. I think it's not impossible if you are attracted to Kara Martin. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and brave—very suitable to win your heart."

"You don't love your tongue anymore, hmm?" Frank said sarcastically. "Stop your nonsense. Now, quickly call that insolent girl here."

‘The game must begin.’

Jeremy secretly smiled. He had often observed Frank Harper's behavior towards women. The CEO always kept his distance, even from Isabela.

However, with Kara Martin earlier, they were too close. Jeremy even thought that Frank would kiss her.

"Miss Martin, Mr. Harper calls you to his room," Jeremy said with a big smile. He had a little difficulty holding back his laughter because of his brief imagination.

Seeing Jeremy's friendliness, Kara's eyes widened. He looked fiercer than the Perverted Demon. She had thought that Jeremy was the head of the bodyguard. But apparently, the man was much warmer.

With such a polite request, Kara didn't need much time to fulfill it. She walked lightly towards the CEO's room.

However, when she saw Frank's cold expression, her heart sank again. It was hard to believe that she would often meet those gray eyes.

"Do you think I'm paying you just to relax?" The man's tone was as disturbing as his cynical gaze.

"I was reading the guidebook, not relaxing. Mrs. Bell gave me a day to learn your habits."

"Your boss is me, not her. You should listen to my words. Now get to work!"

Kara gaped wordlessly. Her round eyes flickered like a doll. She hadn't read the guide. How could she possibly work?

"What should I do?" she asked without much thought.

Frank sighed in disbelief. "You're Mrs. Bell's choice, but don't understand the duties of a secretary?"

Kara's lips immediately pursed. She still wasn’t used to the boss's constant sarcastic remarks.

"You are a leader, but reluctant to give clear instructions to employees? Did you buy the best CEO award or what?"

The crooked smile on Frank's face turned stiff. His hands itched, wanting to pull his shirt collar. Kara Martin turned out to be skilled at making him irritated.

"You want instructions?" His tone sounded suspicious.

With narrowed eyes, Frank stood up from his chair. Then, with his hands in his pockets, he observed Kara from three feet away.

"Okay, but before that, you have to take note of the basic rules carefully." Raising his index finger, Frank started walking around Kara.

"First, maintain professionalism. You have to be able to separate your personal life from work. I don't care if you have dozens of cats or hundreds of chickens. When you're in the office, all your thoughts must be focused on work."

Before Kara could reply, the CEO spoke again.

"Second, keep your distance. You can't get too close to me. Two feet is your limit. Don't let my fiancee get jealous of a girl who's not on her level. That would be an insult."

Kara rolled her eyes. She was disgusted with Frank's constant belittlement.

"Third, take care of your appearance. You are one of the representatives of the Savior Group, so you have to look neat and smart. Don't let clients look down on you because of your appearance."

"What's wrong with my appearance?" Kara couldn't hold back her grumbling any longer.

Frank suddenly stopped right in front of Kara. His gray eyes began to examine her from head to toe.