C5 Mistaken Lover

"Wow, our security guard is looking a little off today. What's the scoop, anyone know?"

"Haha, I bet the security guard's got a green glow about him. Maybe there's a whole meadow sprouting up there?"

"Come on... You guys are brutal with your words. Our security guard is drop-dead gorgeous and has such a great build. How could Tessa ever do him dirty?"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk... What good is being handsome? Can you swipe it like a credit card? Can you eat it? Nowadays, if you're broke, you're just asking to be the laughingstock."

"Damn, that's... brutally honest! You're making me want to knock your lights out."

As soon as Elmer walked into Fame Design Company, the once subdued office area erupted into a buzz of activity.

Every colleague there sneered at him with a face full of mockery.

Elmer's expression turned steely.

Clearly, these colleagues were all in on Tessa and Otto's secret, except for him.

But Elmer couldn't care less about these fools. He didn't spare them a single glance as he walked by with an impassive face, heading straight for the general manager's office.

The reason was simple – why would a shining star be ruffled by a bunch of petty and ridiculous specks of dust?

They simply weren't worth his time.

"Hey... hold it right there!"

Ignored by Elmer, the group was momentarily taken aback before reacting.

A bespectacled man named August, one of Otto's underlings known for his cocky attitude, leapt up and barked at Elmer.

Yet, Elmer continued on as if he hadn't heard a word, not looking back.

August's face reddened with anger as he strode up to Elmer, blocking his path. "The hell! Are you deaf? Didn't you hear me tell you to stop?"

Elmer, with an unflappable gaze, simply looked at the man in glasses. "I heard you. And?"

August, nearly apoplectic with rage, spat out, "You heard me and still didn't stop? And now you have the nerve to ask 'what now'? Do you even want to keep your job?"

It wasn't just August who was fuming. The others were also hurling insults at Elmer.

"Damn, this idiot security guard is doing this on purpose, isn't he?"

"Exactly, this guy must have realized he's been played for a fool, and now he's in a frenzy to tattle to Director Collins."

"Pfft... A wimp like that deserves to be cuckolded. Guys, let's just give this idiot a beating and throw him out of the company before his bad luck rubs off on us."

"Great idea, what are we waiting for?"

Charged with adrenaline, several male employees charged at Elmer.

But just as they were about to lay hands on him, a blast of icy aura erupted.

"Heh... Did you really think I'd be heartbroken over divorcing a tramp?"

A chilling voice and a coldness that seemed to penetrate the bones spread rapidly in every direction.

Everyone touched by the aura shivered uncontrollably, a coldness creeping up their spines.

In a mix of fear and confusion, they turned to see Elmer as the source of this terrifying presence.

They were met with a pair of eyes that were cold, detached, devoid of any sign of life.

One look was all it took to make them feel the gaze of the grim reaper upon them, turning their faces pale with terror as they quickly averted their eyes.

For a moment, the room was filled with shock and disbelief.

"What's all this commotion? Isn't there work to be done?"

Suddenly, a voice rang out, tinged with annoyance yet strikingly clear and melodious.

As the voice died down, a figure with a striking silhouette approached.

She was dressed in a beige blouse, a black pencil skirt, and flesh-toned stockings.

The pink peep-toe heels she wore were the latest trend, accentuating her form to perfection.

She exuded maturity, elegance, and a cool detachment...

The very essence of a successful woman was embodied in her presence.

Those who had been crowding around Elmer quickly snapped out of it. They didn't dare waste another second and scurried back to their workstations.

In the sudden quiet, Elmer remained standing alone.

The woman's radiant gaze lingered on Elmer, and then her lovely voice broke the silence, "Elmer? Did you need something?"

Finally!

The stoic mask Elmer always wore cracked, his face now awash with a deep sense of guilt and regret.

"Director... Director Collins, there's something I need to discuss with you."

It was a mere eleven words, but they seemed to sap all of Elmer's energy.

Indeed, the woman who had saved his life was none other than the one standing before him—Presley, the owner of the renowned design company in Pontheugh.

Elmer had mistakenly believed his savior to be Tessa because he had lost consciousness after the accident and had never seen his rescuer's face.

Upon awakening, Elmer discovered a ring inadvertently left behind by his rescuer. Inscribed within it was the name "Tessa," leading him to believe she was his lifesaver.

However, information provided by Qingluo revealed that the ring's true owner was not Tessa, but Presley. As college classmates and best friends, Presley and Tessa had exchanged rings, each bearing their own name. They cherished wearing the rings as a symbol of their deep friendship.

Therefore, it was Presley who had saved Elmer, not Tessa.

Noticing Elmer's troubled look, Presley seemed to sense something amiss. Her brow furrowed slightly as she suggested, "Come to my office, then."

With that, Presley turned and gracefully entered her office. Elmer, his face a mix of emotions, didn't overthink it and followed.

Meanwhile, the employees around them couldn't help but whisper among themselves:

"What the heck is going on? Why is Director Collins meeting with this loser alone?"

"Could it be that Director Collins has a thing for good-looking guys? I mean, this guy might be a loser, but he's not bad-looking."

"Come on, do you really think our Director Collins is that superficial? She's too proud to settle for someone Tessa wouldn't even bother with."

"Exactly, Director Collins would never go for him..."

Simultaneously, in Presley's tastefully appointed office, she sat gracefully in her plush chair, her silhouette striking.

As Elmer entered, she addressed him without looking up, "What is it, Elmer? What do you need?"

Taking a deep breath, Elmer faced the woman before him. "Director Collins, did you and Tessa once exchange rings with your names on them?"

Lifting her gaze from the documents, Presley's expression registered surprise. "Did Tessa tell you about that? Yes, it's true. It's an old college memory. Why do you ask?"

Despite knowing the intelligence from Qingluo was reliable, Elmer's heart still raced upon hearing Presley's confirmation.

It was indeed Presley...