Silent Hearts: Operation Breaking His Ice Heart (Complete)

Chapter 46

Rhythm’s POV:

woke up earlier than usual. My head still throbbed from last night’s conversation with my family. Their words replayed in my mind like a broken record — every line, every plea, every truth I had refused to face.

I was not thinking about the numbers, the monthly report, or the hotel’s performance. I was thinking about Ada — his tearful face, his swollen eyes that he tried so hard to hide behind that professional mask. I was thinking about how I was the one who put those tears there.

I arrived at the office earlier than anyone. The boardroom was quiet and cold, my reflection in the glass walls almost foreign to me.

When the meeting started, I sat at the head of the table, composed and unreadable, like everyone expected from "CEO Rhythm." The department heads presented their reports one by one, and then it was Ada’s turn.

He walked in with his laptop and papers in hand, his posture perfect, his face expressionless — but I saw it. The slight puffiness around his eyes, the way his lips pressed tightly together as if to stop them from trembling.

He started his presentation, his voice calm and confident.

“Good morning, everyone. I am here to present the new campaign advertisement for our upcoming hotel launch…”

I leaned back on my chair, silently watching him. Every slide, every word, every statistic — it was flawless. He had put his heart into this. Despite everything, despite me, he still gave his all.

The room was silent when he finished. Everyone seemed to be waiting for me to find fault again, to shoot him down like I had done so many times before.

But this time, I leaned forward and said, “Approved.”

A murmur spread around the table. Shock. Confusion. Ada froze for a second, clearly not expecting it.

“This is excellent work,” I added, my eyes never leaving his. “Who worked on this campaign with you?”

Slowly, several employees raised their hands. I nodded.

“Starting this month, all of you will receive your monthly incentives in advance. You deserve it.”

The room erupted into small smiles and murmurs of relief. Ada, however, remained still.

When the meeting was adjourned, Ada stood and opened his mouth.
“If I may, I would like to—”

“You’ve done enough for today, Ada,” I interrupted smoothly, not giving him the chance to submit his resignation. “Good work. That will be all.”

He stared at me for a long moment, frustration flickering in his eyes, but he didn’t say anything. He simply nodded, bowed slightly, and left the room.

I exhaled deeply, realizing I had been holding my breath.

Later, in my office, I called my secretary.
“Call Ada. Now. Tell him I need to see him.”

Minutes later, the door opened, and Ada stepped in, his expression sharp and guarded.

“You called for me?” he asked coldly.

I stood up from my chair. “Yes. I want to know who that man is.”

Ada frowned. “who?”

“The one who’s been with you every morning. Always smiling at you. Always waiting when you clock out.” My voice was calm but laced with anger.