?Chapter 621:


    Freya, fresh off her vacation, got up early and headed straight to work. By the time she arrived at the office, Melvin already had her task list waiting and all the necessary documents lined up neatly for her signature.


    After flipping through the files, she handed over the contract prepared for Ellis. “Someone new will be joiningter. Take him to HR to finish the onboarding.”


    “Understood,” Melvin replied, casually skimming through the paperwork like he always did when vetting her hires.


    He was just about to move on, but then his eyes stopped cold at the sry and position section.


    Freya had just opened another file, pen in hand, when she noticed Melvin’s usual poker face break into a deep frown, as if he’d just been handed a loaded problem.


    “What’s wrong?” she asked.


    Melvin tapped the document. “You’re hiring him as your assistant?”


    “Yes.”


    “Ms. Briggs.”


    “Hmm?”


    “I can handle everything on my own. There’s no need to waste money bringing someone else in.”


    “I know.” Freya acknowledged hispetence without hesitation. “But you’re overloaded. Bringing him in will help lighten the load.”


    Melvin didn’t say a word.


    Freya had never seen him like this.


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    She set down her pen and looked up at him with those bright, striking eyes of hers.


    Just as she was about to offer some reassurance, Melvin finally spoke.


    “Are you trying to rece me?”


    “No,” Freya answered inly, her tone honest and direct.


    Melvin stood there, looking aloof, but the defiance in his eyes reminded her of a child terrified of losing his favorite toy.


    Freya found herself a little thrown off.


    By all logic, Melvin had no reason to be insecure.


    He owned so many shares in thepany that he could quit tomorrow and never worry about money again.


    Why was he reacting like this over an assistant?


    “Actually… he’s a friend,” Freya admitted quietly. “He’s switching careers and doesn’t really know what he wants yet. I figured I’d let him try working with me. After a month, I’ll help him find a role that suits him better.”


    “Seriously?” A glint shed in Melvin’s eyes.


    Freya gave a gentle nod. “Yes.”


    “Alright then.” Melvin snapped right back to his usual self, lifting the contract as he addressed her. “I went through all the paperwork during the break. Everything’s in order—ready for your signature.”


    “Thanks for handling that.”


    “Don’t mention it. I am your special assistant, after all.”


    Freya smiled softly, a quiet warmth blooming inside her chest. Only then did it dawn on her why Melvin had been so prickly about her bringing on a new assistant.


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