Chapter 5 Don't Breath Too Loud

CHAPTER SIX

The air in Hayes' office was thick-tense, suffocating. Olivia could feel it the moment she stepped in. She wasn't sure if it was the silence or the sheer force of his presence, but something made the room feel smaller, like it was closing in on her.

Hayes was pacing behind his desk, his movements sharp, his jaw locked. He hadn't acknowledged her yet, but Olivia could tell just by looking at him-this wasn't a good time.

Not that she ever caught him in a good time.

She took a hesitant step forward. "Sir?"

No response.

She licked her lips nervously. "You called for me?"

Still nothing. He just kept pacing, his expensive shoes hitting the floor with a quiet but deliberate rhythm.

Panic bubbled up. Was she about to be fired? Was this the moment?

Before she could stop herself, the words came rushing out. "Sir, if I did something wrong, I promise it wasn't intentional. I've checked and double-checked all the reports. I made sure there were no errors this time. And-and if it's about the coffee, I promise to get the right flavor next time.And if it's about-"

"Rose."

His voice cut through her nervous rambling like a sharp blade.

She froze.

Hayes finally turned to face her, his expression unreadable, his gaze piercing.

"Are you done?"

Olivia swallowed. "I-"

"Because if you have more excuses to list, I'd prefer if you wrote them down so I can burn them later."

She blinked. "Sir, I-"

Hayes tilted his head, expression blank. "Unless that wasn't the conclusion of your TED Talk?"

Her breath hitched. He was being that kind of sarcastic today.

"I-I just wanted to say that I really like this job," she rushed out. "So please, sir, please don't fire me."

For a moment, he didn't react. He just stared at her.

And then-

A slow, incredulous chuckle left his lips. But there was no humor in it, just exasperation.

"Fire you?" Hayes muttered as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. His head tilted slightly downward, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose like he was trying to contain whatever patience he had left. "Rose, do I look like I have the time to be concerned about your employment status right now?"

Olivia opened her mouth, then closed it. Well. When he put it like that...

"Do you ever stop talking?" Hayes continued, his voice calmer now-but in a way that was somehow more dangerous. "I called you here, and in under a minute, you've managed to turn this into some dramatic plea for survival."

"I just-"

"Let me make one thing very clear, Rose," he interrupted, stepping closer. "Right now, you are the least of my concerns."

That... didn't feel reassuring.

Hayes let out a slow breath, running a hand through his already tousled hair. His usual sharp, controlled aura was cracking, his frustration barely contained.

Olivia, sensing this was not the time to test her luck, quickly changed the subject. "Sir, is it the contract?"

That made his head snap up. His jaw tightened. His eyes darkened.

For a second, Olivia wished she had just stayed quiet.

"You're asking me questions now?" Hayes said, his tone dangerously light. "Am I supposed to pour my heart out to you, Rose?"

Olivia took a small step back. "N-No, sir, I just meant-"

His laugh was dry. "Let me guess. You're about to say something motivational."

"I-"

"Something inspiring. Maybe something about believing in myself?" Hayes scoffed, turning away as he muttered, "God, I need a drink."

Olivia bristled slightly. "I wasn't going to say that."

"Then what?" He turned back, eyes locked onto hers. "What exactly do you think you can tell me about this deal that I don't already know?"

She hesitated. "I-I just think you always win, sir. You always pull through. So... maybe you shouldn't stress too much?"

Hayes blinked.

And then he actually laughed. Laughed.

It wasn't his usual scoff or dry chuckle. It was a full, disbelieving laugh.

"Oh, Rose," he said, shaking his head. "That's adorable."

Olivia frowned. "Sir-"

"Get out."

Her stomach dropped. "Wait, I didn't mean to-"

"Out," he repeated, his voice smooth but firm. "Before you say something even more naive."

That was enough for her. She spun on her heels, practically fleeing the office.

Once she was out, she leaned against the wall, exhaling sharply.

Jasmine spotted her first, rushing over. "Did he fire you?!"

Olivia blinked. "I... don't think so?"

Jasmine gasped dramatically. "You survived?!"

"I think so," Olivia muttered.

Jasmine let out a scream, startling the entire floor.

Within seconds, several other colleagues turned toward them.

"She survived?" someone whispered.

"No way."

"That's impossible."

A few of them started clapping. One guy from accounting gave Olivia a respectful nod. Someone even whistled.

Olivia groaned as Jasmine grabbed her shoulders, practically shaking her. "Do you know how rare that is? You walked into Hayes' office and walked out alive?! You're a miracle."

"I am not a miracle," Olivia groaned.

Jasmine turned to the group. "Olivia officially holds the new record for longest time spent in Hayes' office without getting fired!"

The office burst into cheers. Someone popped open a can of soda like it was champagne.

Olivia groaned, covering her face. This was going to be a long day.