Erwin stepped closer to the table, leaning his body casually on the edge of the large table. "Jonathan, you know I always separate personal and business matters. Ayesha's proposal has gone through the same selection process as the others. No one gets special treatment," Erwin said calmly.
Jonathan looked at Erwin skeptically, even though he knew Erwin was right. He finally stood up from his chair, patting Erwin's shoulder with a long sigh. "I know, Erwin. I trust you, but still, this is going to be hot gossip in the office. No matter the outcome of this competition, people are definitely going to talk."
Erwin responded to Jonathan's concerns with a warm, yet calm smile. "Let them talk, Jonathan. What's important is that we know that this decision is purely based on the quality of the p
