✿ Timeframe: Kyle had left for Country M, with Sayuri, before Kylie's death ✿

Kay sighed.

She sat in her brother's seat - the CEO's seat - at Smith HQ. To all who would see her, they saw a supremely confident woman, worthy of taking the seat while the current CEO was overseas for work.

In truth, she was deathly nervous.

This was something Kyle had been trained from young, for as long as she could remember. Not her.

Thinking back, Kay realised the real reason why Kyle had been bringing her along, ever since they purged Company LV. He wasn't just undergoing training and proving himself as the Smith Heir, he was also training her.

Kay rubbed her temples.

That darn brother of hers.

Even though he did train her on the side, and even though he did leave his capable PA Sam with her, and added Beatrice to the mix, she still felt like she had been hoodwinked.

Not that she minded, really, but the fact that he did it on the sly was what got to her.

Kay sighed and went through the files on her table.

No, it wasn't that really … it was the fact that she was here, while he was there. She wished it could be her that was beside him right now, as he would be facing one of the toughest times of his life.

His first death.

Well, at least he had Sayuri with him, and she was a valuable asset. Since she was capable in business and a ninja as well. Kay's forte wasn't fighting, thus she would be of better use here.

She knew it, but she still didn't like it.

Kay sighed again.

Beatrice came in at that time, and frowned.

She placed yet another file on the table and asked, "Is it really that bad? The way you sigh, it's like you're at death's door or something."

Kay waved her hand in front of her face, smiling ruefully, "Sorry, you weren't meant to see that. I was just expressing my dissatisfaction over the whole thing. I'll get over it soon."

Kay leaned back on her chair, saying, "All of these files to go through. To approve. Urgh. How the heck did Kyle do it all this time?"

Beatrice shrugged, "He was like that when he was in school, so I just look at it as something completely natural for him."

Kay banged her head on the desk, "Sometimes, I wish I was back in school. LIfe was so much easier then."

Beatrice had a ghost of a smile on her face, "True. That was the most fun I had … but …"

"But?" Kay asked, bringing up her head.

"But I find that no matter what stage of life you're in, who you're with is what makes it the best," Beatrice said, "Meeting Kyle made school fun. Working here is also fun, compared to my last job."

Kay gave a smile, "I know. I'm just being whiny for a while. I'm only human."

Beatrice laughed a bit at that, "You are hardly a person one would normally view as 'normal'. I have often heard 'fairy' and 'princess' though."

Kay rolled her eyes and waved Beatrice off, saying, "Okay, back to work. I've got to complete some of these before I head off to Country M myself."

Kay handed Beatrice one set of documents and directed, "Compile these and highlight the relevant parts I've marked. Kyle will need to look through them and give the final say."

Beatrice nodded, taking the files.

Truly, she did like working here, with the twins. They were so efficient that it made her job much easier. Not to mention, Sam was like the perfect robot as well, so all of them managed to seamlessly work together to keep the company up and running while Kyle was away.

It was funny to think that such a young man like Kyle would be the heart of the company in such a short time. It was just that his performance prior to being elected as the CEO was so impressive that people couldn't help but be amazed and respectful.

Not to mention, the work he had done since then.

Thus, this time, when he went to do his groundwork and research on Country M, no one really made that big a fuss. Kay had a lot on her shoulders to carry and it was fortunate that she was just as capable as her brother.

She just didn't like it.

She remembered the last time she was having 'fun' and having her own time.

Her graduation.

Her mind naturally went to that moment in time.

✿ Author only posts on w.e.b.n.o.v.e.l. ✿

Lance and Mark were watching Kay as she donned her graduation robe. To think that she had arrived earlier than them but was actually graduating at the same time as they were.

"Man, you're really one amazing woman," Mark gushed, putting his hand over his heart, "Marry me."

Lance's face had a brief moment of pain but he managed to hide it pretty well by the time Mark turned to him, "Don't you think she's amazing, Lance?"

"Of course she is," Lance replied, "That's why she's my best friend."

"I thought I was your best friend!" Mark huffed.

Kay laughed at their antics, her eyes shining as she looked at them in their graduation outfit as well. All of the students were crowded around the hall, putting on their caps and gowns while waiting for the venue to open up.

Those graduating would hand over a ticket to the counter set up. They would then receive their gown and cap, its size already determined previously when they had submitted their forms. If there were any changes, there was another area in the hall for them to do so.

Kay sighed deeply.

If only Kyle was here; but he was hiding in Country M.

A small commotion occurred at the entrance, causing Kay to lift her head.