Dustin slid into the passenger seat with a grin. "Back entrance again today?"

Collin gave a single, firm nod. "Evelyn still doesn't know about my connection to Aethelgard Industries. I prefer to keep it that way for now."

"Your secret's safe with me," Dustin replied, a hint of a laugh in his voice. "I've been keeping this quiet for you for ages. I'm not about to slip up now."

His expression then turned serious. "But Alexander, you need to tell her. Soon. You missed a major opportunity at the Sterling banquet. Wait too long, and the anxiety of telling her might become paralyzing."

"I have it under control," Alexander stated, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I know what I'm doing."

Minutes later, Alexander and Sebastian entered Aethelgard Industries through the private rear entrance and ascended to the secure executive levels.

Access to this floor was severely restricted, reserved for a handful of trusted individuals. It protected both the company's most sensitive projects and the founder's identity.

Despite the tight security, news that the founder had arrived with Sebastian spread through the offices like wildfire.

Evelyn had just settled at her desk when the excited whispers reached her.

"Big news! The real boss is here today!"

At first, the announcement was met with skepticism. "Sebastian is always here. What's the big deal?"

The messenger quickly clarified. "Not Sebastian! I mean the founder. The actual owner!"

A wave of intrigued murmurs rippled through the open-plan office.

"Is that for real? Or just another rumor?"

"It's true! My friend was in the underground garage and saw Sebastian escorting someone through the side entrance."

"That had to be him. Sebastian was being incredibly deferential. My friend didn't get a clear look at his face, but the man's presence was undeniable. He radiated power!"

Another employee leaned in, eyes wide. "That's amazing! Did your friend manage to get a photo?"

The excitement dimmed slightly. "No, they moved way too fast for that."

"What a shame. I've worked here for years and haven't laid eyes on him once."

Hearing the growing commotion, Evelyn decided it was time to refocus her team. She stood up to leave her office.

Just then, another coworker burst in, buzzing with fresh gossip. "Wait, wait! I have some juicy news! You won't believe this!"

The crowd's interest seemed to waver. "More rumors? Is it about the founder's identity? Do you have a picture?"

The coworker waved a dismissive hand. "It's not exactly that. Well, it's related, but there's more to it..."

This successfully hooked everyone's attention. "Well? What is it? Don't keep us waiting!"

The coworker lowered her voice conspiratorially. "Apparently, Miss Sterling is here today, too."