His Destructive, Toxic Love

Dillon managed a smile that was more forced than genuine, "Thanks for the compliment, Mr. Casper."

Meanwhile, Eliza received not a suggestion, but a firm notice that she had to attend the event. She knew Casper was still fixated on the idea of hiking and used the team-building excuse to get her to join him.

"Hey Brian, want me to sign you up too? You can bring your boyfriend along. First prize is a cool ten grand."

Brian was tempted, but the thought of clinching first place seemed daunting, "Ms. Eliza, I'm not sure I've got what it takes to win. What other prizes are up for grabs?"

"There are mountain bikes, smartphones, watches... The prizes are pretty sweet, no one leaves empty-handed." Eliza checked out the registration page, "Want me to sign you up?"

Brian was all in, nodding eagerly, "Yes, please, Ms. Eliza. Sign up me and my boyfriend for the couples' category."

"Alright."

With Eliza's enthusiasm, everyone on the thirteenth floor jumped on board.

Casper scanned the stack of registration forms and shook his head at Dillon, "Most spouses try to save money, but mine seems determined to spend it all."

"Maybe she just likes a lively crowd. Besides, with your financial prowess, a bit of prize money isn't going to make a dent," Dillon replied, unsure of what else to say.

It was all about making sure everyone joined in on the fun.

With the lure of prize money and gifts, more colleagues signed up than expected, along with their partners.noveldrama

The company even rented two buses just for the event.

Initially, Eliza was sitting with Brian on the bus.

But as soon as Casper boarded, Brian quickly offered his seat.

"Mr. Casper, please, have this seat."

"Very thoughtful of you." Casper was in high spirits.

He was dressed casually today, but his striking looks ensured everyone instantly recognized him as the CEO.

"This team-building hike is quite the extravagance, Mr. Casper," Eliza teased.

The whole setup, wanting to hike with her but organizing a company event instead, was as naive as a high schooler wanting to hug a crush and ending up hugging the whole class.

Childish.

"Yep, you're gonna have to reimburse me." He showed her his account balance, "Spare some pocket money, will you?"

"Quit playing the sympathy card." She knew he was joking and ignored him.

After a two-hour drive, the bus finally reached the mountains.

The scenery was stunning.

The air, crisp and refreshing.

With ten grand on the line, everyone was raring to go.

"No matter how you do it, the first to the top wins the ten thousand," Casper announced, looking at Dillon, "You head up first and act as the judge."

Dillon asked, "Do I get a prize too?"

"What prize do you want?"

Dillon: ...Alright then.

Eliza gazed at the mountain's towering peak, feeling overwhelmed before even starting.

Was it too late to back out now?

"Let's go, Mrs. Welton. We're a team, shooting for first prize." Casper.

Eliza's hand, encouraging her look

e in yourself." Contek

Eliza shook her head, "Can I just cheer them on?"

"Of course... not." He shouted to everyone, "Alright, folks, let's start the hike!"

Groups of people, like wind-up toys, dashed toward the mountain.

Casper, holding Eliza's hand, began their climb.

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Eliza had just hiked recently, and with her hectic work schedule, she was running on empty. The mountain loomed high, and just looking at it made her head spin. After a few steps, she was out of

breath and lightheaded.

"I can't do this. I need to rest. You go ahead without me." She panted, hands on

her hips, unwilling to move another step.

Casper paused to wait for her, "Don't pant like that; it's kind of distracting."