In the past, Deborah had pushed somewhat audacious conditions in this place. And Zen had accepted them, and the two signed an employment contract. So, even if she had framed it as a promise, it would have been fine to think of it as an agreed-upon matter.

However, Deborah didn’t want to force Zen to keep the contract. Although she made that contract due to various concerns, using it as leverage would only result in coercion.

‘If I start the conversation that way, it’s likely to cause resistance.’

So, Deborah decided to appeal to him on a more human level. The Zen Baker she had encountered was not as cold-blooded as she initially thought.

Although his words were sharp, he was not a person entirely lacking in consideration. At least, he wouldn’t cut ties abruptly.

“The young lady was quite frightened.”

“Doesn’t she know she’s at fault?”

“Yes, she does. Why wouldn’t she?”

Zen’s eyes slightly widened, perhaps Deborah knew how to defend herself even in such a situation.

“Even so, please understand the circumstances that forced me to come to Baker Mansion.”

“Are you saying that I must understand unconditionally just because you made a promise?”

“No. Before the promise, I simply wished for Mr. Baker’s kindness.”

Deborah took a deep breath and added, “I sincerely mean it.” Zen, who had been silently staring at her, swept his hair aside and spoke.

“If you agreed to the conditions I presented, I was prepared to be patient to some extent. However, I want to make it clear this time. I cannot be kind when that woman acts recklessly.”

The term “acts recklessly” made Deborah smile wryly.

“In my principles, there is always a line. So, even if I accepted all the conditions and said that I couldn’t be kind when the story changed, there’s nothing I can do.”

“Yes. I’m not asking for anything unreasonable.”

Deborah thought it was enough for now. There would be more to come in the future.

Zen, who silently observed Deborah’s face as she maturely smiled, spoke again.

“So, was that what you wanted to say, in a nutshell?”

‘In a nutshell…’

Deborah nodded. Zen, who smirked at her seemingly feeble lie, said,

“My impression seems quite bad. Seeing you rush out like that.”

“Oh, no. That’s not the case.”

Deborah replied hastily. Zen lifted the corner of his mouth as if mocking Deborah’s lie.

‘Yeah, it’s hard to believe.’

After composing her laughter, Deborah opened her mouth again.
“To be honest, I was worried only until you listed the conditions. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have written such things.”

“You’re quite honest.”

“But Mr. Baker was so kind that I felt almost sorry for worrying.”

As if the smirk stuck to Zen’s face like hair pomade evaporated in an instant.

When Zen stared at Deborah in surprise, she, feeling embarrassed, spoke with a bashful smile.

“I’m telling you this honestly.”

“When have I treated you kindly?”

Turning his gaze away, Zen retorted sharply. Deborah widened her eyes and said,

“When? Mr. Baker, even the clothes I’m wearing now, you bought for me.”

“Is buying clothes an act of kindness? Especially when you received them with such reluctance.”

“Well, that’s true, but anyway, it was because you were worried that the cold weather might affect my health.”

Deborah placed her hand on her chest and continued, “I must say, the clothes are really beautiful and warm. Thanks to them, I feel like I can get through this winter without feeling the cold.”

“Don’t exaggerate. It’s not that big a deal.”

Deborah remained silent, lowering her gaze. Zen, looking at her again, said,

“Stop with unnecessary jokes and go get some rest. You must have been quite overwhelmed by the sudden workload.”

“No, I’m really fine…”

After rolling her eyes briefly and organizing her thoughts, Deborah smiled brightly.

“Don’t take up any more of your time. Have a good night.”

With that, Deborah left, leaving a light nighttime greeting.

In the spacious office where paperwork could pile up like a mountain, there should naturally be a cold chill. But why was there a warmth felt when holding a warm teacup?

“Sigh…”

Zen’s harsh hand covered his face. However, soon that hand turned toward the papers instead of his heated face. He had to move quickly. Even if it meant taking away more time, he couldn’t hesitate.