Like boss, like subordinate.

Julia Bluen tossed her phone on the desk, stood up, walked around it, and within a few steps was in front of Hansen Ruiz. With her arms crossed over her chest and a superior gaze, she stared down at him and asked impatiently, "Do you need me to make you a cup of tea?"

While flipping through a book, Ruiz chuckled. "I'm not thirsty. When I am, I'll prepare it myself; I wouldn't dare trouble you, Ma'am. By the way, the toys your company produces are quite good. When I marry and have kids, I'll definitely buy from you." Ruiz's relaxed, smiling, and slightly humorous tone left Julia both amused and exasperated.

After glaring at him once more, Julia turned and sat back down at her desk. Ruiz was her husband's Chief Assistant; the only one who could make him leave was her husband.

Glancing at her phone, which she had tossed onto her desk, Julia suddenly grabbed it forcefully and once again called Glades Horne's cell phone.

If Glades kept sending people to help her, she wouldn't actually be working; instead, she'd be too harassed to get any work done.

In the past, Glades' kindness did not bother her. Being pampered and loved by someone was a source of happiness. Furthermore, Glades always considered her feelings and never forced her to do anything. But now, she found Glades' care and affection overwhelming.

She thought he understood her best.

When he had offered the bridal price again, he had considered her desire for independence, so he had the General Manager reassigned and no longer interfered with the company's affairs. At the time, she had been deeply touched by his thoughtfulness. Now that he was going back on his word, she couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment.

In her heart, he was a man of his word, unyielding. Even if he went back on his word for her sake, she wasn't pleased; she wasn't the kind of person to become spoiled by favor and indulgence.

"Julia." The mellow and deep voice of Glades came through, exceptionally gentle, not betraying his stern nature. He knew Julia could hardly resist his rich, magnetic voice and the captivating look in his eyes. So he liked calling her Julia, wishing she would always be mesmerized by him.

Julia leaned back into her chair and, massaging her forehead, spoke with a headache and a serious tone, "Glades, can you call Assistant Ruiz back? I really don't need any help."

There was silence on the other end of the phone.

Glades was in the midst of a high-level management meeting, one that occurred quarterly, and he only attended to preside over these quarterly sessions. All other meetings were hosted in turn by a few Vice Presidents of the Valence Group. Ruiz could host if he wished, but that guy never attended meetings. Knowing Ruiz's background, Glades wouldn't excessively force him to participate.

Currently, he sat in the CEO's chair, his handsome face perfectly calm—like a day with no wind or rain. Only his sharp eagle eyes held a softened gaze, and his sensual, amiable lips curved into a slight smile. This combination of a calm face with smiling eyes and lips gave him a peculiar expression.

In the large conference room, it was so silent you could hear a pin drop.

He held the phone, remaining silent, not immediately answering Julia.

In front of him, hundreds of high-level managers sat quietly, not even daring to breathe loudly.

The already serious atmosphere of the conference room grew even tenser.

"Glades," Julia's voice came through once more.

"Let Ruiz take the phone," Glades finally responded, his eagle eyes briefly softening with a rare tenderness.

A moment later, Ruiz's voice came from the phone.

"CEO," Ruiz said. Though his tone was amicable, his respect for Glades Horne was undisguised. He was the eldest son of the Ruiz Family, a prestigious household in A City. Outwardly genial, he was inwardly proud and unruly. He didn't bother with his family's vast enterprise, unswayed by any threats or bribes to take over the family business. After leaving A City, he came to T City but didn't initially join Valence Group. Instead, he drifted among various companies, none convincing enough to win his loyalty. For those he couldn't respect, he wreaked havoc on their businesses, causing them much distress. Although the Ruiz family's influence was primarily in A City, it didn't diminish Ruiz's clout in T City. There, he remained as aloof as a noble young master, moving through circles where everyone showed him deference.

He wreaked havoc on every company he worked for. Who would dare to employ such an untamed wolf?

When he eventually joined Valence Group and encountered Glades Horne, he was instantly struck by Glades' powerful presence. As they began to clash, Ruiz realized Glades was even more cunning and stronger than he was. After countless confrontations and numerous failures, his initial defiance transformed into ultimate reverence. He eventually grew to deeply respect Glades, becoming Valence Group's Chief Assistant. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to alleviating Glades' burdens, becoming a loyal friend and confidant.

The Ruiz Family knew about his actions. Unable to stop him, nor daring to, they had begun to focus on training his younger brother as the Ruiz Family's successor. Nevertheless, as the eldest son, he still had the obligation to marry and have children.

At that moment, the head of the Ruiz Family was searching everywhere for various beautiful women who might capture his interest, planning to ask Glades Horne to persuade the young master to return home for matchmaking sessions.

"Ruiz, is Julia okay?" Glades asked in a husky voice. "Is there any tiredness on her face? Does she seem overwhelmed?"

"No, all is well," Ruiz answered with a laugh.

Glades fell silent once again, then after a short pause instructed, "Then come back. Hand the phone to Julia; I want to say a few more words to her."

Ruiz then handed the phone back to Julia.

"Julia, I'll come to see you in half an hour," Glades said gently. Without waiting for Julia's response, he added, "I'm coming to pick you up for lunch." Only after Julia agreed did he end the call. He then gazed deeply at the phone, as if it were Julia's avatar.

The hundreds of executives rarely saw this love-struck side of him, and their eyes nearly popped out in astonishment.