Chapter 5
It was the first question I dared to voice.
Because I realized the car wasn't heading toward any upscale neighborhood.
Instead, we were heading straight for downtown, right into the bustling central business district.
Emma smiled.
There was something sharp in her smile, something I couldn't quite figure out.
"No rush," she said. "Before we head home, we have to make a stop first.
"We're going to reclaim what rightfully belongs to you."
When the car finally stopped, a jolt of shock ran through me.
I'd been here once before.
It was during the company's annual gala, when Cameron brought me along as an outstanding employee representative.
This was the headquarters of Vogue Group.
A skyscraper that soared into the clouds, standing tall in the very heart of the city.
Our regional president, Mason, had his office on the very top floor.
Mason, the man who had frowned at Cameron because of me.
Our convoy didn't stop at the visitor area.
Instead, we drove straight past every barrier, without a hitch, and parked right in the VIP spot at the main entrance of the headquarters building.
Almost the moment we came to a stop, a group of people rushed out of the building's revolving doors.
Leading the way was Mason, dressed in a sharp suit, exuding authority.
Behind him was a group of executives I'd only ever seen in the company newsletter.
Every single one of them looked visibly nervous and anxious.
They rushed over to our car, lined up in a neat row, and all bent at the waist in a deep, synchronized bow.
Their attitude was even more humble and respectful than the butler's.
The butler stepped out and respectfully opened the car door for Emma.
Emma straightened her outfit and stepped out of the car slowly, her movements calm and elegant.
She didn't even spare a glance for the executives.
She just turned to me and reached out her hand.
"Come on, Alyssa, step out," she said gently.
It was the first time she'd ever called me by my name.
It felt so natural, so affectionate.
I was still a bit stunned by her sudden warmth. I held onto Emma's hand and stepped out of the car.
The moment I stood still, the atmosphere seemed to freeze.
Mason led everyone behind him in another deep, synchronized bow.
"Emma. Why are you here in person?" Mason's voice was trembling.
His words shook with nervousness, barely holding it together.
He sneaked a glance at me, the shock in his eyes way more intense than back at the mall.
He must've recognized me as that nobody clerk whose fate he decided with just one frown a week ago.
Emma finally turned her gaze to him.
Her eyes were calm, utterly devoid of emotion.
But it was exactly that calmness that made people feel even more afraid.
"Mason," Emma said, her voice calm but sharp, "if I didn't come now, this little empire I built from scratch would end up being run into the ground by you lot."
Her words weren't loud, but they landed like a hammer on everyone's chest.
Mason broke out in a cold sweat.
"Emma, I... I honestly don't know where I went wrong. Please, enlighten me," Mason stammered.
"Enlighten you?" Emma let out a cold, mocking laugh.
Emma gestured toward me. "Tell me, what do you think of the girl standing by my side?"
Mason's eyes flickered back to me.
He opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
What could he possibly say?
If he claimed I was a good employee, then why did he just stand by and let Cameron fire me?
But if he said I was worthless, then how could he explain me standing right here beside Emma now?
No matter what he said, he'd be wrong.
Emma didn't even wait for him to answer.
She continued, as if his reply didn't matter at all. "A girl who poured a glass of water for an elderly stranger who looked homeless on a 104-degree day.
"A girl who would rather risk losing her livelihood than kick a helpless elderly stranger out into the scorching sun.
"And in your eyes, in your management system at Vogue Place, she's someone you thought should be let go?"
Emma's voice suddenly shot up, her presence radiating a pressure that demanded respect without a hint of anger. "Mason. Is this what you call being a regional president?
"Are you blind? Can't you see what's right in front of you?"
Mason visibly trembled.
He couldn't hold himself up anymore. "Emma, I was wrong. I overlooked it. My management was careless."
"Don't beg me," Emma said.
Her gaze was chilling, almost making the air freeze.
She glanced at the towering skyscraper.
"I'm here for one thing today," Emma said. "To clean house. Vogue Place has rotted from the roots up.
"It needs a thorough, ruthless cure, cutting out the rot, no matter how deep it goes."
All the executives stood frozen, terrified into absolute silence.