The office door opened, and instead of Kaylee, Hann's face appeared, looking slightly hurried.
"Presi..." Hann paused upon seeing his boss' expression. What expression is that? he thought, raising his brows as he felt almost tangibly unwelcome.
Then at Victor's expression that looked like he was saying, Spit it out already! Hann quickly continued, his voice steadying, "President Vic, we've received some concerning preliminary reports from the commissioning team on-site at our new conference center in Samarahan. There are unusual problems with the HVAC and fire safety systems."
Victor's face quickly shifted to a professional demeanor as he listened attentively. "Go on, Hann. What exactly did the team find?"
"Well, the HVAC system has been experiencing unexplained fluctuations in pressure and irregular temperature control. Additionally, the fire safety systems have shown multiple false alarms and non-responsive sprinkler zones. Haidy had confirmed all regulatory and safety checks were excellent just last Thursday before he left for personal leave," Hann elaborated, noting Victor's increasing focus.
Victor nodded, his mind racing through the potential implications. Haidy Rimun was the expert on all things building safety, including Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning or HVAC and fire safety systems. He had always been at the top of the industry, known for providing solutions that were among the best in the region. His talent was apparent since he was much younger, which was why Victor personally brought him into the Langford Group seven years ago. So Haidy's earlier safety checks could be trusted, but then what went wrong? "And what has been done so far to address these issues?" he asked.
"The on-site team is already working on it. Although they believe these issues are unexpected, they are working around the clock to resolve them before Haidy returns from his leave. That should be in time for the official launch in two weeks. No immediate action is required from your side yet, but I wanted to keep you in the loop," Hann explained, ensuring Victor knew that the team was on top of the situation.
"Good. Make sure they keep me updated with any progress or setbacks. We can't afford any delays on this project," Victor instructed, his tone decisive.
"Understood, boss. I'll keep you informed," Hann confirmed. Then, in a rare moment of levity, Hann couldn't resist a bit of humor. "By the way, nice outfit today, President Vic. Hopefully, the turtleneck with the suit is simple enough not to make headlines with Miss Stone again," he teased but immediately regretted it when he remembered how much President Vic didn't like anything to do with women, especially the crazy ones.
Victor raised an eyebrow, momentarily caught off guard by the teasing before a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Get back to work, Hann," Victor said, shaking his head, but his tone was lighter than before. Surprised by his boss' coolness about his teasing, Hann hurried out of the president's office before Victor could scold him for his audacity.
Making headlines with Miss Stone again? Weird, he found he quite liked the sound of that thought.
"Thud-thud."
Kaylee watched as the heavy wooden door slowly swung open after being knocked on by the receptionist who brought her up to President Victor's office. She just saw the president's personal assistant Hann Loui run out from this door a short moment ago like he was escaping from something scary.
Is he angry? Could this be a bad time to meet? she worried, and her heart pounded even harder in her chest as she tried very hard to maintain her professional and composed demeanor.
Before she realized it, the receptionist who was in front of her stepped aside and held the door for her. She looked up and there, the man she had not been able to get off her mind now filled her sight, looking every bit as imposing and handsome as he had at the charity auction, his presence commanding the space effortlessly.
As one who loved fashion, she couldn't help but notice the hue of the dark navy turtleneck inside President Vic's black suit.
Of all colors! she sighed quietly, almost rolling her eyes in her heart. She had initially planned to wear a black professional outfit today, but learning from her lessons through the viral post, she thought it would be wiser to temporarily avoid black or white shades and opt for colors to be safe. But!
Kaylee took a deep breath, putting on her professional smile as she looked at Victor's face.
"Miss Stones," he greeted, his deep voice reaching Kaylee's ears. "Thank you for coming."
"Thank you for inviting me, President Victor," Kaylee replied, with a light nod. "It's an honor to be here."
"Please, call me Victor," he said, gesturing to the comfortable seating area. "Shall we sit?"
Kaylee nodded, following him to the plush leather sofas. As they settled into their seats, a brief silence fell between them, charged with a mixture of professional respect and something unspoken. Victor leaned back slightly, his eyes studying her intently.
"I was very impressed with your presentation at the charity auction," he began. "Your architectural designs are not only innovative and tech-advanced but also deeply respectful of cultural heritage. That's a rare combination."
"Thank you, Victor," Kaylee said, humbled. "I believe that preserving cultural identity through architecture is important, especially in a diverse place like Kuching."
Victor nodded thoughtfully. "I completely agree. That's one of the reasons I wanted to meet with you. The Langford Group is embarking on a new project - a cultural center that aims to celebrate and preserve local traditions while integrating modern amenities. I think your vision aligns perfectly with what we're trying to achieve."
Kaylee's eyes lit up with excitement. "That sounds like a fantastic project. I'd love to hear more about it."
Victor smiled, and for a moment, Kaylee felt a flutter in her chest. "Of course. Let me show you the preliminary plans."
He stood and moved to a large table where several blueprints were spread out. Kaylee joined him, and as they stood side by side, she couldn't help but notice the subtle scent of his cologne - a rich, woody fragrance that was both sophisticated and undeniably masculine.
"These are just the initial drafts," Victor explained, pointing to various sections of the blueprints. "We want to create a space that is not only functional but also inspiring - a place where our people can come to learn, celebrate, and connect with their heritage, and where people from outside can be immersed in our rich heritage and leave with our great cultures and values."
Kaylee walked around the large table as she studied the plans carefully, her mind already racing with ideas. She got excited quickly and her tiny frame leaned in to point at one part of the blueprint, "I think this layout has a lot of potential," she said thoughtfully. Victor followed suit and leaned in toward where she pointed as she continued saying, "We could incorporate more traditional elements in the design to enhance the cultural aspect. For example, using local materials and traditional construction techniques could add a layer of authenticity, like for here and here," she elaborated while her fingers were busy pointing at the plan.
"What do you think?" she asked enthusiastically as she suddenly turned to her left to look at Victor, and found Victor's face so close to hers. She didn't know Victor was just right behind her, also leaning in to look at where she pointed.
The sudden close proximity caught them both off guard. Everything in the world seemed to stop for a while; there was just her in his eyes, and him in hers.
The same light scent of her body fragrance that had been lingering in Victor's mind over the weekend now filled all of his senses. Kaylee's heart skipped a bit and she lost her train of thought. Victor's increasing heartbeat was quickly hidden behind a professional smile on his face. He slightly straightened up as he said, voice slightly husky, "I see what you mean; it supports our mission of growing the local economy too."
Kaylee straightened up too, slightly cleared her throat, and continued, "Yes, that's what I thought." Her face blushed uncontrollably.
As if they knew they both needed a moment to calm down, there was a brief silence and no one moved. After that, Victor gracefully broke the silence by walking to a side table on Kaylee's right to fetch a model his project team had prepared. When he brought the huge model board to Kaylee's side and laid it down on the large table with the blueprints, he bent to point at a part of the model and said, "Have a look at this feature here. That's where I thought we could incorporate the traditional construction techniques that you mentioned."
Kaylee came close to examine the part he pointed to. Very into examining the details, they didn't realize they were so close that their heads were almost touching. Victor's arm brushed against Kaylee's as he reached out to turn on a switch near her side on the model board. The contact was electrifying, and "Tink!" the beautiful architectural model in front of her eyes lighted up, it was like a whimsical moment.
Any beautiful house model would impress any little girl, but a sophisticatedly designed state-of-the-art building model to a passionate architect? Kaylee's heart melted in an instant. Victor gazed at her, not missing any hint of expression; it moved his heart so much, and he didn't want to spoil this moment of getting to watch her right up close - the face that lingered in his mind so much these past two days.
"Very mesmerizing," she concluded softly, finally finding her voice. She turned to look at Victor, his handsome face so close, and their eyes locked on each other. Something truly foreign burst out within Victor that he couldn't hold back. His eyes traced to Kaylee's lightly shiny lips.
He was seriously so close to pressing his lips onto hers, that he had to garner all his self-control to fight that urge. He had fought within himself a million times!
She deserves your highest honor and respect, Vic, he reprimanded himself.
Kaylee knew that look in his eyes. While she felt lost on what to do next, and while she hoped Victor wouldn't do anything to cross the boundary, she couldn't deny that she felt a little disappointed when nothing happened next, as Victor finally looked down and took a step backward to restore the safe distance between two professionals.
"I'm really glad you like it. It's indeed a fine artwork," Victor said, trying to remain calm as he looked at Kaylee again, respectfully. He cleared his throat and moved back to the other side of the blueprint on the large table. "Let me show you the design concept of the lighting strategy throughout the building," he explained, passionate as well, knowing that it's a topic Kaylee would enjoy. Kaylee cleared her mind and put every personal feeling aside as she followed Victor to that side of the blueprint and listened attentively to him.
As they continued to discuss the details, Kaylee found herself relaxing more, her initial nervousness giving way to genuine enthusiasm. Victor was not only deeply knowledgeable and passionate about the project, but he also had a way of making her feel at ease. His questions were thoughtful, and he seemed genuinely interested in her ideas and perspectives.
At one point, as they worked around the blueprints, Kaylee's fingers accidentally brushed against Victor's. Kaylee quickly pulled her hand away; she was worried that Victor would think she was being intentional with repeated physical contact. Her heart racing, she glanced up at Victor, who was watching her with an amused smile.
"Sorry," she murmured, feeling her cheeks heat up.
"No need to apologize," he said, his voice soft. "It's refreshing to meet someone so passionate about their work."
Kaylee smiled shyly, trying to focus back on the blueprints. "I suppose I do get a bit carried away sometimes."
Victor chuckled. "Passion is a good thing, Miss Stone. It's what drives innovation and excellence. I knew I made the right choice in bringing you on board. Your insight is invaluable."
Kaylee felt a rush of pride and gratitude. "Thank you, Victor. I'm excited to contribute to this project."
After a very fruitful discussion, Victor led Kaylee back to the seating area. "I'd like to discuss the terms of our collaboration," he said, his tone turning more serious. "I want you to be heavily involved in the design process, from concept to completion. Your role will be pivotal."
Kaylee nodded, her mind already buzzing with possibilities. "I'd be honored to take on such a significant role."
Victor smiled warmly. "Excellent. We'll draw up the contract and start working on the detailed designs immediately. I have a feeling this project is going to be something truly special."
As they settled the final details, Kaylee couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. This was the opportunity of a lifetime, and she was determined to make the most of it.
Now that they were wrapping up, the atmosphere felt much lighter. Victor leaned back in his seat, his sober mind couldn't catch his mouth in time before it said, with a playful glint in his eyes, "You know, I don't usually coordinate my outfits with anyone. But I have to admit, our matching attire at the auction was quite the statement."
Kaylee laughed. "Well, I don't usually coordinate my outfits with billionaires, so I guess we're even."
Victor chuckled, the tension in the room easing into a comfortable camaraderie. "Touché. I'm starting to wonder if my personal tailor is taking a double job," Victor joked.
Kaylee smiled, her confidence so captivating, "That I can assure you now on behalf, no. Because I'm very sure I designed and hand-embroidered my own blouse."
Victor was truly surprised at hearing that. "You're not kidding?" he asked in deep amazement.
Gazing at the admiration in Victor's eyes for a short moment, Kaylee paused, looked at her own dress, and then looked back at Victor, she answered, "As true as how I have designed this dress today."
Victor, this time obviously feeling more comfortable being around Kaylee, intrigued to know more, said, "Miss Stone, I'm sincerely curious to know your other hidden talents."
Chuckling, Kaylee replied, "I am afraid I have nothing else to impress you, Mr. President."
"But seriously," he paused and looked at her dress, keeping his eyes respectful, "You amaze me very much," he then said, looking into Kaylee's eyes sincerely.
"I like how you are always striving to perform at your best in any field that you choose to be in. It's rare to find someone so talented and passionate. You inspire me, Miss Stone."
Kaylee was really surprised by that unexpected compliment, pleased, and said, "Thank you so much, Victor. That means a lot coming from you. I want you to know that I appreciate the opportunity you're giving me."
For a moment, and not the first time today, their eyes locked, and Kaylee felt a connection that went beyond professional respect. There was a mutual understanding, a shared sense of purpose that seemed to bind them together.
"Thud-thud." An unexpected heavy knock on the wooden door pulled them back from the romantic atmosphere that both were gradually carried away by.
Victor sighed, a hint of frustration in his eyes. "Looks like we're out of time for now."
Kaylee stood, smoothing her dress gracefully. "Thank you for meeting with me, Victor. I look forward to working together."
"Likewise, Miss Stone," Victor said, rising to his feet.
"Or maybe just Kaylee," she smiled as she got up, getting ready to leave.
Just then the door swung open, and Hann remained at the door, apologizing, "Sorry for interrupting you both, boss. But we've got a crisis, and I'm afraid Miss Stone might need to stay back in case we need some support from her expertise."
Kaylee and Victor turned to look at each other, and then Victor responded, "Come and talk inside, Hann."
***
"So here, you can see these temperature discrepancies across all levels of the building. Then the data shown here doesn't jive with the actual readings at most sites," Kaylee pointed out the key findings of her initial assessment and review through the building's HVAC monitoring reports in the last two hours.
Over four hours ago, Hann came with the news that there was a minor fire at the new conference center building in Samarahan that almost went out of control at around 10 o'clock in the morning, where the source of the fire was under investigation, but the fire alarms around the incident location didn't go off, and only one-third of the fire sprinklers around that space worked despite the heavy smoke that filled the room. No one was injured in the minor fire, but the incident had attracted the attention of the local authority and that wouldn't be any good for the Langford Group to obtain their permit for a timely launch in two weeks' time.
With Haidy's absence on personal leave and Victor's limited expertise in the HVAC and fire safety systems to tackle this crisis, Kaylee, who had significant experience in the ever-advancing HVAC and fire safety systems in her architectural projects, stepped into the rescue, trying her best to support where she could.
She was swift to coordinate the immediate steps of the initial assessment, working with the Langford Group's respective teams across disciplines, and then requested all essential reports and data to identify the root cause.
For a sophisticated conference center like the one the Langford Group was building in Samarahan, it was no easy task to go through all those operational reports, but Kaylee worked through lunchtime to study those reports meticulously and mapped out each suspicious data and signal, trying to look for abnormalities.
Victor saw her dedication, decisiveness, and leadership, and sincere gratitude filled his heart for the dedication that Kaylee demonstrated on an ad-hoc notice. They worked together over the clock, munching quick sushi rolls for lunch as they continued the work.
Barbara Gan, the secretary of the president's office, peeped through the half-transparent glass of Victor's office from her desk near the door. She reflected and whispered to herself, "Tsk, this Miss Stone really has the demeanor and aura to be the woman of our president. Look at those matching navy-blue outfits today, and the synergy they exhibit working together in such a serious matter for the last few hours. It's hard to convince myself that she and President Victor are not lovers."
She recalled what she saw when she went in to deliver additional documents. She couldn't help but keep peeking at the interaction between Kaylee and Victor out of the corner of her eyes every chance she had.
Then Hann walked past her desk swiftly again into the president's office.
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