RECLAIMING EMMA

Episode 10

Just as Mrs. Williams closed the drawer, she heard a soft knock on her door. Emma walked in without waiting for any response. Her face was pale, her hands clutching her phone tightly.

We need to talk," Emma said, her voice barely steady.

Mrs. Williams gestured for her to sit, amazed at the sight of Emma’s shaken expression. She wasn't expecting her to come forward so soon.

“What is the matter, Emma?”

“I got a message,” Emma said, trembling slightly as she handed the phone over. She read the message with Emma sitting across her table. "You're in over your head. Walk away, or you'll regret it."

Mrs. Williams's face was neutral, but inside, her mind was racing and her heart was pounding. She had expected Jeff to make a move, but not this quickly. Emma wasn’t ready for this—not yet. Still, there was no turning back now.

“Emma, I need you to stay calm,” she said in her most reassuring tone. “This message is meant to scare you. It’s exactly what Jeff does—he tries to intimidate anyone who gets in his way.”

Emma stared at her.

Get in his way?

“But why? Why me? What does he want from me again?”

Mrs. Williams stood from her seat and walked around to meet Emma. “You’ve been promoted because you have potential, Emma. But with great responsibility comes risk. Jeff knows that you're in a position that could interfere with his plans. That's why he's targeting you."

Emma's eyes narrowed in confusion. “Plans? What plans? I don’t understand why I’m involved in any of this." We divorced a long time ago and I do not want to have anything to do with him.

Mrs. Williams hesitated. At this moment I have to tread carefully, to reveal just enough to keep Emma in line but not enough to expose the full extent of the truth. She chose her words carefully.

“Jeff used to be a partner of this company but was forced out because he made enemies. He’s been trying to dismantle us from the outside world ever since. By promoting you, we’ve put someone in place that he can’t predict. He’s afraid of what you might do, and that’s why he’s sending these threats. It’s just an attempt to rattle you.” He wants to threaten you into reconciling with him.

Emma's eyes wide with fear and confusion. “So, what do I do? Should I ignore it? Or do I confront him?”

Mrs. Williams shook her head. “No, absolutely not. Do not confront him. We need to stay ahead of him without playing into his hands. I have people working on this, they know how to deal with Jeff. Your job is to focus on your role and trust me to handle the rest.”

Emma looked down, overwhelmed. “I just don’t know if I’m ready for this. What if I mess things up for you? What if I make everything worse?”

Mrs. Williams placed her hand on Emma’s shoulder. “You won’t. You’ve already proven yourself capable. This is just a challenge, and I know you’re strong enough to handle it. Remember, I wouldn’t have put you in this position if I didn’t believe you could do it.” I was only looking for the right person to put Jeff in his place.

With you, I will be able to handle him, Mrs Williams said.

Emma nodded, though fear still gripped her heart. “Okay. I’ll try. But… what if he comes after me? What if he tries to hurt me and my kids?”

Mrs. Williams’ eyes darkened. “He won’t. I promise you, Emma. You’re under my protection now. I’ll make sure he doesn’t touch you.”

As Emma stood to leave, Mrs. Williams watched her closely, She noticed the doubt still lingering in her posture, the uncertainty weighing her down. But there was also a glimmer of resolve, a spark that Mrs. Williams hoped would grow into the strength she needed.

“Is Sam working for Mrs Williams?” Series of questions lingered through Emma’s head and she almost lost her balance as she headed down the stairs.

Once Emma left, Mrs. Williams sat down at her desk, her fingers hitting against the wood again. She opened her phone and sent a quick message to Sam.

“Emma’s starting to break. Keep a close eye on her. We may need to intervene sooner than expected.”

“Understood,” Sam responded immediately.

Mrs. Williams leaned back, staring at the closed drawer. Jeff was moving faster than she had anticipated, and now the clock was ticking. She had to keep Emma in the game long enough to tip the scales in their favor, but it was clear that time was running out.

And if they couldn’t stop Jeff soon, the secrets she had buried might come to light. Secrets that no one, not even Emma could ever know.