“That’s why I said the word ‘discreet.’ Yes, it might be time-consuming, but it’ll be for the well-being of the company. Otherwise, I don’t think there’s any other way to find the culprit.”

“Of course there’s a way,” he argued. “We could just change the whole team instead and appoint only the trustable ones.”

I shook my head. “Finding them out is an utmost need for us right now. Because if we let it go and don’t do anything about it, it won’t be difficult for the rival company to buy someone else again. An example of what happens to a traitor needs to be set before the others.”

The man snorted. “We know how to deal with this situation. You don’t need to point out anything. You’re just a newcomer here—”

“Didn’t you hear what she said, Mr. Brooks?” Ace snapped. “I’d like you to start working on this as soon as possible without wasting any more time!”

“But Mr. Valencian—”

“Enough! No more discussions. You’ll do what my—Ms. Hutton says!” he barked, cutting Mr. Brooks off with his icy gaze. “And next time, keep your attitude in check while talking to her.”

Swallowing, Mr. Brooks nodded, shifting in his seat.

Though it felt good that he supported me, what’s with the rage?

As the meeting went on, I again went back to silence, twirling my bracelet, only speaking when needed. Even that was difficult with his intense gaze on me most of the time. As if he didn’t come here to join the meeting, but to stare at me.

I sighed in relief when a clerk interrupted the long ass meeting for a coffee break.

With a large tray of mugs, he started distributing them around the table. When my turn came, I shook my head at him with a polite smile.

“No, thanks. I don’t drink coffee.”

“No worries, miss. I got some tea for you,” he replied, handing me the cup of steaming tea.

I sent him a surprised look. How did he know I preferred tea over coffee?

“How do you know I like tea?” I queried.

The smile on his face threatened to fall as he glanced around. He opened his mouth, but Ace cut him off.

“You may go now, Gabe. Thank you for the drinks.” His eyes remained on me. Gabe didn’t waste a second before hurrying out of the room, away from my question.

Casting another glare at him, I sipped on my tea. And again, I was surprised. It was made the same way I liked it. Less milk with no sugar.

I looked at Caleb. Did he tell that clerk my preference? Maybe he found out from Tess? But I didn’t think she knew I didn’t like coffee in the first place.

Weird.