Merrick led a grand procession into the software department's office, his presence unmatched in its commanding aura.
As he pushed open the conference room door, his deep-set eyes immediately fell on Lydia's face. Seeing her still brimming with confidence, Merrick's brow furrowed deeply.
Once everyone had taken their seats, the meeting host announced the official start of the meeting.
"First, let's welcome Ms. Austin, a software engineer from MapleTree Corporation."
As the host's voice trailed off, a round of applause followed.
Lydia stood up gracefully, a smile on her face.
"Hello everyone. I'm Lydia Austin from MapleTree Corporation's headquarters. Over the next year, I will be working with all of you, and I hope we can work together to create a new chapter in mobile technology."
Her confident words earned another round of applause, but Merrick was not among those clapping. He was interested in results, not empty talk.
"Time is limited. Let's get straight to the point."
The applause abruptly ceased at Merrick's cold command, leaving Lydia with a renewed sense of awkwardness.
As she sat down, confusion flickered in her eyes.
Was Merrick always this cold and domineering, or was he specifically targeting her?
She had merely returned early without notifying the company. Was that really such a breach of protocol, or was this aloof CEO trying to put her in her place?
"Director Austin, please introduce the software's application and operational principles."
The meeting host, not daring to defy the order, quickly proceeded.
"Such a simple question doesn't need an explanation. The company decides the price range of the machines, and I select the matching software and chips, then provide the necessary technical guidance."
Lydia spoke with unwavering confidence, knowing no one could find fault with her words. She had prepared thoroughly for today's meeting and had her own unique ideas. So regardless of who was leading the meeting, she believed she could handle it with ease.
However, seeing the doubt in Merrick's eyes about her abilities made her discard her prepared remarks. If he wanted to question her capabilities, she wouldn't indulge him. She would let the final product speak for itself.
This time, Lydia's words left everyone in the room exchanging puzzled glances. Was this how a top-tier engineer—or someone with a high-ranking title—behaved?
"..."
The host was at a loss, unsure of how to proceed.
Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Merrick's cold voice cut through the silence.
"The chief engineer of MapleTree Corporation is nothing special."
Merrick then stood up, his eyes dark and intense. He cast a tight-lipped glance at Lydia before striding out of the room.
Lydia's unwavering confidence was something that irked Merrick to no end.
---
Back in his office, Merrick ordered his secretary to bring Lydia's basic information.
Dixie quickly delivered Lydia's file to the CEO's office.
Lydia Austin. Female. 27 years old.
Twenty-seven?
At that age, she carried such unwavering confidence—confidence that seemed out of place for someone so young.
Family members: One four-year-old daughter.
Education: Graduate, Master's degree. Studied abroad in Meridian Country. Currently a senior software engineer at MapleTree Corporation. Winner of several prestigious international software programming competitions.
Her résumé was impressive—software development, programming, computer and mobile technology, even chip development for household appliances. In addition, she held nationally recognized teaching and law certifications.
But was such an illustrious profile genuine?
After reviewing Lydia's information, Merrick frowned.
"Is this everything?"
"Yes," Dixie confirmed.
"Only her and her child as family members? What about her parents or spouse?" Merrick asked, clearly dissatisfied.
"I looked into it," Dixie replied. "Miss Austin's husband was a classmate of hers. They divorced shortly after their child was born, and she has custody. As for her parents… it seems they're no longer around."
Dixie had been by Merrick's side for over four years and knew him well. She had already anticipated his dissatisfaction with the lack of family details. Unfortunately, this was all she could find.
"Leave," Merrick commanded.
---
For Lydia, the first day at her new job had gone well. It would have been even better if not for the cold-faced CEO.
She clocked out on time and headed to the underground parking lot to get her car.
As she opened the door, she saw Merrick.
Without hesitation, Lydia shut her car door and walked straight toward his vehicle.
"I'd like to speak with President Lawrence alone. Could you two give us a moment?"
She addressed the driver and assistant who were about to get in. Before they could react, Lydia had already opened the door and seated herself beside Merrick.
"President Lawrence."
"Who told you to get in?" Merrick's face darkened in surprise.
"Of course, I did," Lydia replied fearlessly. "President Lawrence, I want to know why you have this attitude toward me. I don't think I've done anything wrong."
Looking at Merrick's perpetually cold and stern face—and recalling his disdainful attitude in the meeting room—Lydia felt a surge of dissatisfaction.
"Do your job well," Merrick said coldly, "and don't make me think you're all show and no substance."
"I haven't even started yet. How do you know I'm all show and no substance?" Lydia retorted. "It seems you doubt my abilities. If that's the case, you can request a replacement."
Her eyes swept over him as she reached for the car door.
Unexpectedly, instead of touching the handle, she was forcefully pulled back.
"No one dares to talk to me like that," Merrick said, his grip tightening around her arm. "Are you challenging me as the president—or as a man?"
His eyes gleamed with a dangerous, icy light.
"No one dares to talk to you like that because they're your employees," Lydia shot back. "They get paid by you. I'm not afraid, because the money I earn isn't from you."
"And besides, I—ah…"
She wanted to clarify that she wasn't challenging him as either a president or a man. She was simply stating facts.
But Merrick's sudden force caused her to fall into his arms.
"It's not about work," he said coldly. "You got into my car because I'm a man."
The words clashed sharply with his icy tone.
The scent. The cologne.
Lydia froze for a split second before scrambling to her feet.
"You… arrogant jerk."
She lowered her voice, afraid someone outside might misunderstand the situation.
Only then did she realize her hand was somehow clasped in his, making her even more uncomfortable as she hurriedly pulled away.
"President Lawrence, please let go of my hand."
At her reminder, Merrick released her.
For a brief moment, he had been distracted. He didn't know why—but the sensation of her hand lingered.
"If you have the ability, show it. If you don't, I'll send you back without you needing to say a word," he warned coldly. "As a partner, focus on the work. Don't provoke me as a man. The consequences are beyond what you can handle."
Something flickered in his eyes before disappearing beneath his usual ruthless indifference.
"You—"
"Get out of the car," Merrick cut in. "If you don't, I'll have my secretary book a room."
"Jerk."
Lydia slammed the door and stepped out.
She had only wanted to clarify her stance—yet somehow it had turned into an accusation of seduction.
Was her way of expressing herself flawed…
Or was that egomaniac completely out of his mind?