CHAPTER 483: CAUGHT FLIRTING WITH THE VICE PRESIDENT

Micah walked beside Willow into the executive elevator with a casual air. The walls gleamed with a faint reflection, polished so well he could see the outline of his white hair mirrored back at him. A few employees in the hallway had glanced over before the doors closed, whispering behind their hands. Their curiosity followed him until the elevator cut them off.

Micah smirked. "Hey, why did you come down yourself?" he asked, his tone playful as he crossed his arms. "Look, your subordinates are so curious. What if a rumour goes around? You, the dignified vice president, personally picking a handsome boy up... how scandalous."

Willow shot him a deadpan stare. "Coming here dressed like that in the middle of working hours..." Her gaze flicked briefly down his outfits, stylish and eye-catching. "What other purpose could you have except to show off your face?"

Micah chuckled, shaking his head. "Ah, that’s not fair. You guessed my motives too easily."

Her brow arched slightly, unimpressed. "It wasn’t rocket science, anyone with half my experience could’ve guessed it," Willow said, her tone cool. "The moment I saw your text, I knew. You want me to believe my little brother, who never sets foot here, and by the way, ditched his family to run off with my biological brother, is suddenly interested in the Ramsy Empire?"

Her eyes narrowed, sharp and knowing. "Try better next time."

Micah clicked his tongue. "Smart people. Tsk." He leaned lazily against the wall, glancing at her sideways. "Well, I guess that’s good. If you can see through me, then Darcy probably can too."

Willow’s lips twitched. She rolled her eyes despite herself. "He is my lost brother, Micah. Why are you, the one with no blood relation, so fixated on him?"

"Oh? Is that jealousy I smell?" Micah said, leaning toward Willow with a teasing grin. "Worried I’ll steal your brother’s attention?"

Willow pushed Micah’s face away. "Cut the crap, will you?"

"Oh my!" Micah gasped, stumbling a step back. "You are so angry you’re even using curt language!"

"Of course I am angry!" Willow snapped. "We were dying from worrying about you, and you had the nerve to bail on us?" Her eyes narrowed, and her voice dropped lower, dangerous. "Pity we are in the company right now. Otherwise, I’d twist your ear like Mum used to!"

Micah immediately jumped back in fright, one hand protectively covering his ear. "Older sister, please! Leave my poor ear alone. It’s already been chewed off by dad and grandpa!"

"You deserved it!" Willow shot back, glaring at him. Her usual composed expression was gone now; in its place stood the fiery sister he remembered from childhood.

"I know. I know. I’ll make up to you guys, promise." Micah said with a huff.

"Come here! You need a beating!" Willow lunged forward, reaching for him, trying to grasp Micah’s ear.

Micah yelped and dodged, spinning out of her reach. "Mercy! I surrender!" he cried, half laughing, half terrified as he danced to the side. Willow was really angry. He had stepped on a lioness’s tail this time.

The elevator echoed with the sound of their scuffle, Micah’s exaggerated wails, and Willow’s scolding. The sight was ridiculous enough that no one would’ve believed the woman jumping up and down was their composed, elegant vice president.

Just as Willow made another grab, the elevator chimed with a soft ding and the doors slid open.

Micah and Willow froze.

Standing outside was Harper, the chief assistant. His expression went from confusion to alarm in an instant. "Vice President, are you alright?" he exclaimed. Without hesitation, he stepped inside, placing himself in front of Willow protectively as if shielding her from an intruder.

His eyes snapped to Micah. "How did you get in here?" he demanded sharply, already reaching for his phone. "I should call the security. I thought you were a decent guy. What a pity, guess I’ll have to cancel..."

"Chief assistant Harper!" Willow’s voice cut through, firm and cold.

Harper froze mid-motion and turned his head. "Yes?"

"Leave this instant," she said, her tone clipped. Her eyes flashed with authority. "Before I report you for disciplinary action." She stepped out of the elevator without looking back. "Micah, follow me."

Micah scratched his cheek in embarrassment. His older sister was always strict. Showing childish behaviour in front of her subordinate... her pride surely took a hit.

As he passed Harper, Micah gave the man a sympathetic look. He knew why the man looked familiar. He was working for his sister.

Micah hurried after Willow, lowering his voice to whisper. "Was it really necessary to snap at him? He was just trying to protect you..."

Willow didn’t slow down. Her heels clicked sharply against the floor, echoing in the hallway. "He broke the company policy by being here. This floor is restricted to high-ranking officials. And he had bypassed the secretaries to access the executive elevators. If I let him off this time, he will be bolder next time. Discipline has to be consistent."

Micah tilted his head and glanced over his shoulder, just in time to catch the glare Harper sent his way.

The realisation hit him. No way! Was he interested in Willow? Did he think he was some fresh meat trying to cling to Willow’s thigh for connections?!

Micah found it so funny that he cracked up.

Willow gave him a sideways look, puzzled. "What’s so funny?"

"Nothing, nothing," Micah said quickly, his shoulders trembling from suppressed laughter.

Behind them, Harper’s expression was darkening by the second. Earlier, when his brother had texted him, saying he had seen his boss escorting Micah upstairs. Harper had nearly dropped his phone. He’d lost it for a second. Why would the vice president say she was going to the presidential floor but instead bring a no-name celebrity to it?

Was he really her lover? Was this boy her type?

He’d come here hoping to see Willow alone, but instead, she was with that silver-haired boy; the two of them were practically entangled in the elevator!

Harper clenched his fists. Their vice president, the cold, capable beauty, was deceived by a mere pretty boy?