Two weeks before the grand HAG program, Hansen sat in his private library, sunlight pouring across the marble floor as he signed a set of checks, one for each of the six maidservants working in his mansion.
It was meant to be an act of kindness, a gesture to give them rest and freedom before the intense, busy days ahead.
But the moment the envelopes were handed out, the maids exchanged uncertain looks.
"What does this mean? Is he firing us?" one whispered.
"We wanted to see the preparations too…"
Even Lettie, who usually begged for days off so she could run to her lover, froze.
For once, she didn't want to leave.
And so, they turned to Sam, the head maid and the one brave enough to face Hansen.
Sam marched to the library holding six envelopes to his chest.
"Sir… the staff wanted me to return these," he said cautiously.
Hansen didn't even raise his head at first. His long legs were stretched and crossed on the desk, a pen balanced between his fingers.
"Return them?" he repeated, brows lifting.
"Yes, sir. They do not wish to take leave."
Hansen finally looked up, his cold but soft eyes blinking once in surprise.
"Tell them to keep the money," he said slowly, "and stay if they want to."
Sam blinked. "Stay?"
"Yes," Hansen replied, leaning back. "I'm not throwing anyone out. I just wanted them to rest. This program will be a circus, and I didn't want them working themselves to death."
The head maid bowed deeply, relief washing over him. When Sam delivered the message, the reaction was immediate and erupted into cheers.
"Our boss is the best!"
"He actually cares about us!"
"I knew he wasn't kicking us out!"
"Mr. Gray has a soft heart!"
The entire mansion buzzed with joy and relief. But among them, one was especially delighted.
Lettie, who normally avoided staying at the mansion when she closes from Sunnyvale Closet whenever she had the chance twirled a lock of her hair and grinned.
"Well… I guess this won't be boring after all," she murmured. Because unlike the others, she wasn't thinking about rest. She was thinking about her lover.
"Maybe…" she giggled softly, "…I can tell Green to come over."
And that thought alone made her cheeks flush with excitement.
The D-day of the HAG program had finally arrived, and excitement was everywhere. The streets buzzed with anticipation as people from every corner of the country gathered to witness the grand event.
No age group was left untouched, children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly alike came to see the magic unfold. The energy was contagious, and the admiration for the CEO, Hansen Gray, soared higher than ever.
From the stage to the crowd, from the flashing lights to the roaring applause, it was clear, this wasn't just a program. It was a celebration of vision, leadership, and a man who had earned the hearts of an entire nation.
Everyone was dressed to perfection in Sunnyvale's signature outfits. The maids looked radiant, their uniforms tailored and flawless, as they climbed into the family car, waiting patiently for their boss.
Their jaws nearly dropped when five figures emerged from the mansion, each clad in simple yet elegant attire that radiated understated sophistication.
"Kelvin, take the family car, we're following immediately," Hansen instructed. Kelvin nodded without hesitation, eyes fixed on the road.
"Jeez, Master has really changed ever since our beautiful mistress came into his life," Kiki whispered to the others as the car rolled out.
Lucas and Ciara followed close behind in a sleek black Range Rover, while Hansen and Sunshine drove in the red Land Cruiser, their presence commanding yet serene.
The venue was breathtaking. Varieties of lights shimmered across the midday sky, reflecting off modern furnishings, elegant paintings, and the company's awards displayed proudly along the wide hall.
A gentle instrumental floated through the room, performed by musicians dressed in black, adding a layer of sophistication to the buzzing anticipation.
Meanwhile, the children were guided by an employee to a separate room, whimsically decorated with fantastical toys and colorful décor, an oasis of imagination crafted just for them.
As the music paused, the hall dimmed, sending a hush over the audience. Moments later, the lights brightened again and to everyone's surprise, the female guests were nowhere to be seen. The crowd exchanged confused glances, the tension thick and palpable.
It was clear the program was about to begin, and no one knew exactly what awaited them.
The crowd murmured, confused, until a deep, slightly choking voice echoed through the hall.
"HAG SHIPPING COMPANY welcomes you all, gentlemen," the man announced. "Stay calm, my friends. I know many of you are frustrated, but relax your muscles… and perhaps sip from your wine glass while you listen."
A ripple of curiosity ran through the room.
"To all those who booked flights to witness this special program," he continued with a mocking flourish, "we have a special offer just for you. And now, I am pleased to invite the Vice President to brief us on our new policy. Let's give him a round of applause."
Polite claps filled the hall as the Vice President approached the podium.
"Good day, gentlemen. Today, we introduce our new policy called HSC." He gestured to the projector screen. "HSC is an app—designed by Hansen Gray, the President of HAG Shipping Company. Its purpose? To make importation and exportation completely comfortable and stress-free.
All you need to do is download the app, fill in your details… and you can even manage your shipments from the comfort of your bedroom."
A hand shot up in the crowd.
"So you're saying, for example, when goods arrive at the harbor, we don't need to go pick them up ourselves?" a man asked incredulously.
"Exactly!" the Vice President replied with a bright smile.
"And for checking the goods and signing?" another voice demanded.
"All you need is accurate information," he explained. "Your goods will be packaged, tagged with your details, and delivered to you. Signing is only required upon delivery."
The questions continued. "And what about taxes and additional charges?" a media personality asked.
Ivan paused for a moment, then assured them. "Everything is integrated into the payment system. Delivery fees are discounted, and taxes are significantly lower than what other companies charge. This system saves both time and money."
A wave of whispers swept through the audience. The realization of how revolutionary the policy was brought them to their feet in applause. The Vice President smiled and stepped back.
Then, a familiar, commanding voice cut through the room.
"Hi… I am Hansen Gray, President of HAG Shipping Company. I am impressed with my Vice President for that presentation, and I thank you all for accepting our new policy." He gave a brief speech and handed the microphone to the chairman.
"And now, gentlemen, with the business concluded, we invite our musicians to perform a lovely piece for a dance with our beautiful ladies."
The room fell silent for a moment, before laughter erupted. The men looked around, realizing there were no women in the hall.
Just as the laughter began to die down, the grand doors at the far end of the hall slowly opened. A soft light spilled in, catching every eye in the room.
First came Sunshine, stepping gracefully in her elegant outfit, her presence radiating poise and charm. Every head turned. Every whisper hushed.
Behind her, Ciara followed, sparkling with confidence and sophistication. And then, to everyone's surprise, Valerie appeared, holding Sunshine's hand, her eyes wide with excitement and awe.
The men in the hall collectively swallowed, stunned by the sight before them. The once-empty stage now seemed alive, vibrant, and mesmerizing.
Hansen, standing near the front, couldn't take his eyes off Sunshine. His chest tightened, and he subtly reached for her hand but only for a moment, letting her lead. His gaze lingered, burning with a mix of pride, admiration, and something deeply intimate that no one else could see.
Sunshine's eyes met his for a heartbeat, and a soft blush spread across her cheeks. It was subtle, yet electric. Hansen's presence made the room fade away, leaving just the two of them in that silent, magnetic moment.
Lucas and Ciara led Valerie closer to the center of the hall, giving her the attention she deserved. "Welcome, everyone," Lucas said with a warm smile. "Let's show you the heart of our family and the joy they bring."
Applause erupted as the women took their positions. The music swelled again, and this time, it was a dance to remember. Sunshine moved with effortless grace, Valerie beaming with happiness as she twirled beside her auntie, and Ciara matched her energy perfectly.
Hansen stepped forward, offering his hand to Sunshine. "May I?" he asked, his voice low and intimate. She placed her hand in his without hesitation, letting him guide her into a slow, mesmerizing dance.
For a moment, the hall disappeared. There were no cameras, no reporters, no applause just the warmth of their hands, the brush of shoulders, and the quiet, undeniable connection between them.
Valerie, watching them with wide, admiring eyes, felt a warmth spread through her heart. Here was the family she had just found whole, loving, and full of life. And in that moment, she knew she truly belonged.
Hansen leaned down slightly, brushing a strand of hair from Sunshine's face.
"You've no idea how long I've waited for you," he murmured, his lips almost grazing her ear.
Sunshine's heart raced, but a soft smile played across her lips. "Neither have I," she whispered back.
The music carried them forward, and the applause of the crowd only strengthened the feeling.