Chapter 12
571words
I'd expected resistance, or at least a test of some kind.
But since he'd agreed, I had to deliver.
The next morning, I accompanied Ethan to Holt Corporation headquarters.
The Holt Corporation tower dominated the skyline—all gleaming glass and imposing steel.
The moment we entered, I felt the charged atmosphere of power and ambition.
Ethan's office occupied the top floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city.
His secretary—a sharp-looking woman in her forties—couldn't hide her surprise when I walked in beside him.
"Mr. Holt, this is…?"
"My wife, Eve." Ethan's introduction was casual. "She'll be assisting me from now on."
The secretary's professional mask slipped back into place. "Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Holt."
Years of working for Ethan had clearly taught her when to ask questions and when to keep quiet.
Ethan gestured for me to take a seat in the adjoining lounge area before turning to his work.
Watching him efficiently work through documents and field calls, I couldn't help but be impressed.
Despite his disability, he commanded respect with every word and gesture.
I didn't waste time either. I pulled out my phone and began researching Holt Corporation and its current projects.
Holt Corporation was a sprawling conglomerate with fingers in everything from real estate to tech to finance.
The Shaw Industries deal appeared to be their most critical current venture.
As I absorbed the information, I tried to identify where I could actually make myself useful.
[Ding! Daily task issued: Make coffee for target. Reward: Random. Failure penalty: Random animal cosplay.]
Seeing that animal cosplay threat again, I suppressed a groan.
Was this system trying to turn me into a furry?
I set down my phone and approached Ethan's desk.
"Would you like some coffee? I can make you a cup."
Ethan looked up, mild surprise in his eyes.
"You know how to make coffee?"
"Yes," I nodded. "I picked it up at home."
In reality, I'd only ever made coffee for my sister.
He didn't refuse. "Black," was all he said.
I found the executive kitchen and set about making his coffee.
I added a splash of milk and a spoonful of sugar, remembering Jade once mentioning that Ethan liked his coffee sweet.
I carried the steaming mug to his desk, setting it carefully to his right.
He took a sip and immediately frowned.
My stomach dropped. Had I messed up something as simple as coffee?
"Too sweet," he said flatly.
Me: "…"
Damn you, Jade!
[Ding! Target dissatisfied! Villain Meter increased by 1%! Current Villain Meter: 65%!]
I wanted to crawl under his desk and die.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't know you preferred it black. Let me make you another cup."
"Don't bother." He set down the mug. "This is fine."
[Ding! Daily mission failed! Punishment activated: random animal cosplay.]
Me: "?"
I'd apologized! He didn't even want a new cup!
Was the system just being petty now?!
[Punishment in effect! Host must immediately cosplay as a kitten! Meow!]
Me: "…"
I glanced at Ethan, who was focused on his documents, completely oblivious to my predicament.
I took a deep breath. At least he couldn't hear the system's demands.
Feeling utterly ridiculous, I forced a cute expression and softly meowed.
[Ding! Punishment completed! Host performed well! Rewarding one "Lucky Charm," which can cancel one failed punishment.]
I had never felt more stupid in my entire life.
