Chapter 3
Veda's POV
The next morning, I walked into the office with a whole new attitude.
The little bear charm on my phone glinted in the morning light like a secret weapon waiting to be activated. I'd confirmed this little guy's magical power—now it was time to put it to good USE.
Just as I was feeling smug, Austin approached my desk.
"Veda, where are yesterday's revisions?" He flipped through the files on my desk. "This quality still isn't professional enough. The color scheme has zero commercial appeal, and the font choices are way too casual."
Here we go again! This bastard was NEVER satisfied!
I hung my head, putting on a wounded expression. "Sorry, Mr. Roberts, I'll keep improving..."
"Improving?" Austin sneered. "You've been 'improving' for two weeks. What's the result?"
His words cut like knives, and colleagues around us snuck glances our way. Rebecca even wore a smug expression.
I bit my lip, deliberately letting tears well up in my eyes, then "sadly" reached to stroke the little bear hanging from my phone.
This time, my fingers slipped to the bear's rear end and gave it a gentle squeeze.
Instantly, Austin's voice cut off.
Holy shit! It actually worked!
I watched his body go rigid, his Adam's apple bobbing dramatically.
"Go on... continue with your thoughts." Austin's voice was noticeably hoarse, but he gritted his teeth, trying to continue our conversation.
I could see him struggling to maintain control, confusion and... embarrassment flashing in his eyes. He clearly didn't understand why he was having this reaction, but couldn't show any abnormality in front of his subordinates.
Let's see how long you can keep this up, asshole!
I gently released my fingers. Austin almost immediately relaxed, but then forced an angry expression. "Anyway, however you do it, I want a completely different proposal tomorrow!"
He strode away from my desk.
"Austin seems to be in a bad mood today..." Kurt whispered.
I tucked away my phone, filled with vengeful satisfaction.
Let's see if you dare be so arrogant now!
At five PM, Austin and I ended up trapped together in the elevator.
Honestly, after these few days of "experimenting," I was getting tired of the game. Maybe it was time to reach some kind of truce with this jerk? After all, we'd have to work together for a long time.
The moment the elevator doors closed, I felt the tension radiating from him. He stood in the corner, avoiding any eye contact with me.
"Mr. Roberts," I took a deep breath, "I'd like to talk about work."
"What about?" Austin's voice was tense.
"I know my recent performance has disappointed you," I tried to sound sincere, "but could you give me some specific guidance? I really want to do this job well."
Austin glanced at me, seemingly surprised that I'd voluntarily seek peace.
"You need more business thinking," his tone softened slightly. "Design isn't just art—it's a business tool."
"I understand, but..." I hesitated, "could you maybe give me some positive feedback along with criticism? I'd learn faster that way."
"Positive feedback?" Austin's expression hardened again. "I've already given you enough patience. Other employees don't need this much hand-holding."
I felt anger igniting in my chest. This ARROGANT bastard! I was trying to make peace, and he was still acting high and mighty!
"Mr. Roberts, I just hope we could have a better work environment..."
"Work environment?" Austin interrupted. "This isn't school, Veda. If you feel too much pressure, maybe you should consider finding more suitable work."
"I didn't say I wanted to quit!" My voice started rising. "I just hope you could..."
"Could what? Lower standards to accommodate you?" Austin sneered. "Is this your professional attitude?"
Fuck this! If being nice didn't work, don't blame me!
In my fury, I secretly reached for the bear and squeezed its belly hard.
Austin suddenly doubled over, gripping the elevator wall, face pale as sheet.
"Ah..." He let out a low groan. "My... my stomach..."
Now you know what's up, asshole!
I immediately released my grip, pretending concern. "Austin! Are you okay?"
"I'm fine..." He struggled to straighten up, sweat beading on his forehead. "Probably something I ate..."
The elevator doors opened, and Austin staggered out, leaving me alone to smirk.
Eight PM, only Austin and I remained in the office.
Another damn overtime session. Worse yet, I had tickets to Taylor Swift's concert tonight—tickets I'd scored three months in advance!
"Austin, I have something important tonight..." I tried negotiating.
"Work IS the most important thing." He didn't look up. "This project has to be delivered to the client tomorrow."
I checked the time. The concert started at eight-thirty—I could still make it.
Screw this! Time for the ultimate weapon.
I placed the bear on my desk, pretending to work seriously. At first, I just lightly stroked the bear's back. Austin seemed to tolerate it, only occasionally frowning.
This bastard's tolerance was pretty strong...
Looked like he was adapting to mild stimulation.
Well then...
My fingers began wandering to more sensitive areas. First the bear's chest, drawing gentle circles.
Austin's pen slipped from his hand, but he forced himself to keep working.
Still holding up? Time to up the ante!
Next, I made bolder moves. My fingers slid to the bear's crotch, gently pressing that spot.
"Mmm..." Austin made a suppressed sound, his whole body going rigid.
Ha! Can't handle it now!
I continued my "work," fingers rubbing back and forth on that sensitive area.
Austin's breathing became labored, his face flushed. He tried to stand but his legs were too weak.
"Ah..." He couldn't help but moan, his voice carrying obvious... desire?
That sound... damn! Actually sounded pretty sexy...
I increased the pressure, practically giving the bear a full-body "massage." Chest, abdomen, inner thighs... I didn't miss a single possible sensitive spot.
Austin completely collapsed. He shot up suddenly, face crimson. "You... you keep working, I'll check tomorrow!"
"Leaving so early?" I asked innocently, my hands getting even more brazen.
"I have... urgent business!" Austin practically fled the office, forgetting even his jacket.
Perfect!
I immediately packed up and headed cheerfully to the concert.
Austin Roberts, thanks for helping me clock out on time!
Deep in the night, Austin Roberts sat alone in his home study, lost in profound confusion.
The events of recent days completely exceeded his understanding. Those inexplicable sensitive reactions, those uncontrollable physical changes... everything filled him with panic.
"What the hell is happening to me?" he muttered, rubbing his temples.
Damn it! These feelings were getting more frequent...
Yesterday he'd even seen a doctor for a complete physical. Results showed his body was perfectly healthy—no problems whatsoever.
But those sensations kept getting more frequent, more intense. Especially when he was near Veda—that strange feeling became particularly obvious.
"I can't go on like this..." Austin stood and paced around the room. "She's my subordinate. I can't have any inappropriate thoughts about her..."
But he had to admit, lately when he saw Veda, strange emotions stirred in his heart. Not just because of work disagreements, but something he couldn't explain... attraction?
Fuck! What am I thinking?
"Damn..." Austin gripped his hair. "I must be under too much work stress."
He decided to keep his distance, minimize direct contact with Veda. But deep down, a voice told him things were far more complicated than that.
No matter what, he absolutely couldn't let anyone discover this secret. Especially Veda herself.
If she found out... the consequences would be unthinkable.
