Tipping Point

Ethan Wen wasn’t a man who let things get under his skin.

But Noah Reid?

Noah was becoming a problem.

Not just because of his sharp mouth. Not just because of the way he challenged Ethan when no one else dared.

But because Ethan could still hear him.

I think you’re afraid of something, sir.

The words echoed in his head, refusing to leave.

And the worst part?

Noah wasn’t wrong.

Monday – 9:12 AM – CEO’s Office

Ethan sat at his desk, reviewing reports, when a knock came at the door.

Without looking up, he muttered, “Come in.”

Footsteps. The soft click of the door shutting. Then, a familiar voice—smooth and composed.

“You missed your morning meeting.”

Ethan’s eyes flickered upward. Noah stood there, arms crossed, brows raised in that infuriatingly knowing way.

Ethan exhaled sharply. “I rescheduled it.”

Noah tilted his head. “Without telling me?”

Ethan shot him a look. “I don’t need to inform my secretary of every decision I make.”

Noah’s lips twitched. “Technically, you do. That’s my job.”

Ethan clenched his jaw.

Noah was doing it again—that thing where he made everything sound like a challenge. Like he was waiting to see if Ethan would snap.

Ethan leaned back, folding his arms. “If you have something to say, Reid, say it.”

Noah didn’t hesitate. “You’ve been avoiding me.”

Silence.

Ethan’s fingers curled against the desk. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

Noah stepped closer, just enough to test the boundary.

“You left the elevator without a word. Didn’t even acknowledge me the rest of the night. And now you’re rescheduling things last minute, which you never do.”

His gaze was sharp. “That’s not a coincidence.”

Ethan’s pulse ticked up.

Damn him.

Damn his observant eyes.

Damn his confidence.

Ethan exhaled slowly, controlling his irritation. “You’re reading too much into it.”

Noah smiled slightly. “Am I?”

Ethan stared him down.

But for the first time, he wasn’t sure who was winning this standoff.

Monday – 10:45 AM – Company-Wide Email

An unexpected notification popped up on Ethan’s laptop.

From: Noah Reid

Subject: Quarterly Employee Recognition Program

Ethan’s brows furrowed. He clicked it open.

To all department heads,

As part of our ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity and a more dynamic workplace, we will be launching an Employee Recognition Program next quarter. This initiative will highlight outstanding contributions from diverse team members, emphasizing the importance of different perspectives and backgrounds in strengthening our company’s success.

Further details will be shared in the coming weeks. Let’s continue creating an environment where talent is recognized, regardless of background.

Noah Reid, Executive Assistant to the CEO

Ethan’s jaw tightened.

This was bold.

Too bold.

He knew exactly what Noah was doing—pushing the company toward something heavily inclusive under the guise of “recognition.”

And worse—he had sent it to every single department head without asking for approval.

Ethan barely had time to react before Noah waltzed into his office, looking completely unbothered.

“You saw the email?”

Ethan’s voice was cold. “You didn’t ask permission.”

Noah shrugged. “I didn’t think I needed to.”

Ethan stood, hands bracing the desk. “You don’t run this company, Reid.”

Noah didn’t blink. “Neither do you. Not alone, at least.”

Silence.

The words struck harder than they should have.

Ethan was used to authority. To people following orders without question.

But Noah wasn’t just questioning him.

He was forcing him to look at things differently.

Noah watched him, expression unreadable. Then, voice softer—more deliberate—he said:

“You hired me because I’m good at my job. And part of that job is challenging bad policies.”

Ethan inhaled sharply. “You think my policies are bad?”

Noah’s gaze didn’t waver. “I think they could be better.”

A long, tense pause.

Then, Noah did something unexpected.

He placed a cup of coffee on Ethan’s desk.

Ethan looked down at it warily. “…This has sugar in it again, doesn’t it?”

Noah smiled. “Maybe you should try it.”

Ethan narrowed his eyes.

But against his better judgment—

He picked it up.

And took a sip.

Noah watched.

Waiting.

Ethan swallowed. The coffee was too sweet, the taste unfamiliar—but not… unpleasant.

He set the cup down with a scowl. “I still don’t like it.”

Noah smirked. “But you drank it.”

Ethan clenched his jaw.

He wasn’t sure if they were still talking about coffee anymore.

Monday – 11:30 PM – The Penthouse

Ethan stared out over the city skyline, whiskey in hand.

He should have been asleep.

But instead, he was thinking.

About the email.

About Noah.

About the way things were changing—not just in the company, but in him.

He had spent his entire life constructing walls. He had prided himself on them.

And yet, here was this man—this damn secretary—slipping past them, brick by brick.

Ethan exhaled sharply, setting the glass down.

This was getting out of control.

And if he wasn’t careful—

It was only going to get worse

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