Pregnant with the CEO's secret Heir

Chapter 4

Entering my boss's office

The moment I stepped into the CEO's office, I felt the air leave my lungs.

The room was larger than I had imagined. It was furnished very well, and clean

The floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city line, allowing the sunlight to stream across the polished wooden floor. The shelves behind the desk held architecture books, design magazines, and several awards from international business organizations. Everything about the office reflected the man who occupied it, clean and organized. It was so amazing

I knocked on the door

He said, Come in.

I was so nervous.

Good afternoon, sir.

Ethan Hill didn't answer immediately.

He remained seated behind his desk, his eyes fixed on a file in front of him. A few seconds passed before he closed it carefully and looked up.

Take a seat.

His voice was so deep I was scared.

Thank you, sir, I said.

I sat on the chair, placing my sketchbook neatly on my lap.

For a moment, Ethan was looking at me.

Like he was studying me.

Unlike everyone else in the meeting, I wasn't trying to impress him with expensive clothes or speeches. I looked simple. My blouse had been ironed carefully despite being old, and my sketchbook showed signs of constant use.

He finally spoke.

You're an intern.

Yes, sir.

How long have you been with Hill Group?

Three weeks.

He lifted his eyebrows.

Three weeks, he repeated.

Yes, sir.

You answered a question that several senior designers couldn't.

That was so impressive.

I lowered my gaze.

I was only sharing my opinion.

No.

His tone was firm.

You were solving a problem.

I tightened my grip on the sketchbook.

Had I said too much during the meeting? I thought .

Was he calling me here to remind me that interns shouldn't speak unless spoken to? I was just thinking of everything

Ethan leaned back slightly.

I want you to explain your drawing from the beginning.

I blinked.

The entire design, sir?

Everything.

He reached for a remote.

A large screen on the wall lit up, displaying the presentation Melissa had given during the meeting.

The floor is yours.

Start explaining

I inhaled slowly.

This was the opportunity I had dreamed of.

I stood and walked toward the screen.

To calm my racing heart, I grasped the presentation pointer.

"The reception area. I began carefully, felt closed because the original layout made visitors face a blank feature wall immediately after entering."

I pointed to the blueprint.

People usually form an impression within a few seconds of entering a building, they won't say their mind. So I wanted the space to feel welcoming instead of intimidating.

Ethan said nothing.

His expression remained unreadable.

Encouraged by his silence, I continued.

I suggest opening this section and relocating the seating area closer to the windows in the east

I highlighted another section.

That allows natural daylight to brighten the waiting area for most of the day without relying heavily on artificial lighting.

I glanced toward Ethan.

He was watching me, not the screen.

I quickly looked away.

The lighter environment also helps visitors feel less anxious while waiting.

I changed slides.

I replaced the glossy marble with white-finished stone.

Ethan interrupted.

Why?

I answered almost immediately.

Shiny surfaces create reflections and elegance.

He remained silent.

I continued.

Those reflections become distracting under strong lighting. White finishes reduce glare while maintaining an elegant appearance, and it is more suitable and applicable to use.

Hm.

I couldn't tell whether that was approval or criticism.

The brass accents, I said earlier, pointing toward the left side, introduce warmth without overpowering the overall design.

And the wood?

I smiled faintly.

The panels help the space feel warmer. Most commercial buildings often overuse glass and steel, but wood brings balance.

Ethan folded his hands.

"Impressive."

I relaxed a little.

The indoor plants weren't added simply for decoration.

Explain.

They soften the sharp architectural lines while improving the atmosphere. Studies also suggest that greenery makes commercial environments feel more comfortable."

Have you read those studies?

Yes, sir.

When?

I read it at the public library.

That answer surprised him.

Don't you own any books?

I shook my head.

No, sir.

So you borrow them.

Whenever I can.

A short silence fell again over the office.

For the first time in years, Ethan found himself genuinely curious.

Most applicants listed famous universities and expensive certifications, he thought.

This intern spoke about designing the way people spoke about something they loved.

Not because they were trying to impress anyone.

Because they believed every word.

He stood behind his desk.

I straightened.

He walked toward the display and stood beside me.

Close enough for me to notice the faint scent of cedar from his cologne.

He looked at the blueprint.

You changed more than the reception.

Yes, sir.

Show me.

I nodded.

The hallway was unnecessarily narrow.

I moved to another drawing.

Reducing the decorative wall thickness by fifteen centimeters makes the corridor more spacious without compromising structural integrity.

Ethan glanced sideways.

You checked the structural drawings?"

Yes.

Do you understand them?

I've been teaching myself.

His eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

You taught yourself to read architectural plans?

Yes, sir.

How?

My mother.

She stopped herself.

A flicker of sadness crossed my face before I forced a polite smile.

I used every resource I could find.

Ethan noticed the hesitation but didn't press.

Instead, he asked another question.

What about the executive lounge?

I changed the slide.

I replaced the oversized furniture.

Why?

It made movement difficult.

And?

The new arrangement encourages conversation while preserving privacy.

He nodded twice.

The lighting?

Layered.

Why?

So the atmosphere can change depending on the function of the room.

I answered every question without looking at notes.

Without guessing.

Without hesitation.

The office became quieter with each passing minute.

Eventually, Ethan walked back to his desk.

He picked up my sketchbook.

My heart nearly stopped.

Sir...

He opened it.

Inside were dozens of hand-drawn concepts.

Hotels.

Restaurants.

Office spaces.

Residential interiors.

Every page was filled with careful notes and measurements.

Some sketches were months old.

Others looked recent.

He turned another page.

Then another.

His expression remained unreadable.

I felt sweat gathering in my palms.

Had I made a mistake by bringing it?

After several moments, Ethan closed the sketchbook.

You drew all of these?

Yes, sir.

When?

Mostly at night.

Sometimes after work?

And before joining Hill Group?

Yes sir.

He looked at me for a long second.

You've never worked as a designer before.

No, sir.

No professional experience.

No, sir.

No degree yet

I'm in my final year.

Yet the work in front of him didn't resemble amateur practice.

It wasn't perfect.

But it showed instinct.

Vision.

Potential.

Ethan returned the sketchbook.

You've hidden your ability well.

I lowered my eyes.

I wasn't trying to hide it, sir.

U did

No?

I just... never had the opportunity.

For the first time since I entered the office, Ethan's expression softened.

Then, without warning, the intercom on his desk buzzed.

His assistant's tense voice came through.

Sir... I'm sorry to interrupt.

What is it?

There are people from the board ou

tside.

Ethan frowned.

I told them I wasn't to be disturbed.

They insisted.

Before Ethan could respond, the office door swung open.

Three board members walked in.

One of them stopped the moment he saw Claire.

His expression changed instantly.

You.

My face changed.

How did he know me?