On the spotlight

CHAPTER 12-MY PA

“Good morning, Mom,” Emily greeted with a smile on her face.

“Good morning, darling. Breakfast is ready,” her mother replied warmly.

Emily inhaled deeply, taking in the aroma of the food wafting through the house. “Hmmm, it smells nice,” she said with delight.

Both of them laughed. Mrs. Petals walked over to the dining table and took the seat next to Emily. She gently placed her hand on Emily's arm, her touch firm yet tender.

“I’m proud of you, my daughter, and I always will be,” Mrs. Petals said, her voice filled with love and pride.

Emily smiled at her mother, her heart warming with the words. “Thank you, Mommy.”

Mother and daughter embraced in an emotional hug, a moment of love and connection. Just as the hug lingered, Emily’s phone buzzed sharply, breaking the serene atmosphere.

“Work call, Mom. I have to go,” Emily said apologetically, answering the phone as she stood up from her seat.

“Hello, I’m on my way,” she said briskly, grabbing her bag.

She turned to her mother before stepping out. “I love you, Mom,” she said with a warm smile and shut the door behind her.

---

“Jaden?” Emily called out, her sharp voice breaking the quiet hum of her office as she stepped inside. Her eyes immediately landed on him, seated comfortably beside Mika, who looked unusually smug.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, her curiosity tinged with irritation.

Before Jaden could answer, Mika leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs with an air of self-satisfaction. “I told you I’d get my own PA,” she declared with a sly smirk. “Oh, and don’t worry—he’s very punctual.”

Emily’s brows furrowed as she glanced between them, her lips tightening. Before she could respond, Rachel entered the room. “Good morning, Emily,” Rachel greeted warmly, clearly sensing the tension in the air.

“Good morning,” Emily replied absently as she walked to her desk. She placed her bag down with deliberate precision, straightening her posture before turning back to face Mika and Jaden. Her expression was a mix of authority and disdain.

“So, why are you two in my office?” she asked sharply, her gaze piercing. “Mika, if you’re so desperate for space, why not demand an office of your own? Honestly, you disgust me.”

Mika’s smirk faltered, replaced by a fiery glare. She opened her mouth to respond, but Jaden beat her to it.

“Hey! I won’t let you speak to her like that,” Jaden roared, standing abruptly. His voice echoed in the room, but Emily barely flinched.

"Young man, you are in my office," Emily said, her voice sharp and unwavering, cutting through the tense silence like a blade. Her gaze was fixed on Jaden, cold and unyielding. "I won't tolerate any bad manners from you, like I did the other night." The words were deliberate, each syllable laced with a quiet authority that left no room for argument. The memory of their previous encounter hung heavy in the air, unspoken yet palpable, as if daring him to challenge her.

Jaden's face flushed with embarrassment, his composure momentarily slipping under the weight of her words. He shifted uncomfortably, his usual confidence faltering in the presence of Emily's commanding demeanor. The reminder of the other night struck a nerve, and though he wanted to defend himself, the intensity in her tone made it clear she wasn't in the mood for excuses. Instead, he glanced away, his jaw tightening as he struggled to suppress his growing frustration.

Unbothered, she raised a hand to silence him, a confident smile tugging at her lips. “Save your theatrics, Jaden. I have somewhere important to be, and I’d rather not let the two of you ruin my day before it even begins.”

As Emily turned back to her desk, Rachel leaned in close and whispered something in her ear. Whatever it was made Emily’s smile widen, but there was a cold edge to it when she spoke again.

“Oh, before I forget,” Emily said, turning back to Mika with a mocking tilt of her head. “The CEO has instructed you to come with me. Apparently, you’re supposed to learn...from me.” Her tone was dripping with sarcasm, each word carefully chosen to provoke.

Mika’s face darkened, her composure slipping. “Your days are numbered, Emily,” she hissed through gritted teeth.

Emily’s smile only grew. “In your dreams,” she shot back, her voice as sharp as a blade.

Rachel, sensing the rising tension, cleared her throat. “Emily, it’s time,” she reminded her gently, gesturing toward the door.

Emily straightened her blazer and turned to Mika. “Let’s go,” she said firmly. Then, with a glance at Jaden, she added, “Your bodyguard can come along if you need him.”

Jaden glared at her but said nothing, while Mika muttered something under her breath before standing. The air between them crackled with animosity as they made their way to the door.

Just as they were about to leave, Noah stepped into the room. His calm yet commanding presence was enough to momentarily halt the simmering tension.

“Emily, are you ready?” he asked, his tone businesslike.

“Yes, sir,” Emily replied, her demeanor instantly professional.

“The company car will take you there,” Noah said, nodding toward the hallway.

“Good morning, sir,” Mika interjected, her voice suddenly sweet and eager, clearly trying to catch his attention.

But to her frustration, Noah didn’t even spare her a glance. He turned and walked away, leaving her standing there, seething in silence.

Emily smirked at Mika’s failed attempt to charm him. “Shall we?” she said with exaggerated politeness, holding the door open for her.

Mika stormed past her, and Jaden followed closely behind, his expression stormy. Rachel lingered for a moment, giving Emily an encouraging smile before they all stepped into the hallway.

As they walked toward the car, the tension hung heavy in the air, each step amplifying the unspoken rivalry. Emily’s mind raced with strategies to outmaneuver Mika, while Mika’s anger simmered, fueling her determination to bring Emily down.

The company car was waiting at the entrance, sleek and polished. Noah stood nearby, speaking with a driver. As they approached, he turned to Emily. “Make sure everything runs smoothly,” he said, his words meant for her alone.

“Always,” Emily replied confidently. She stepped into the car, her movements deliberate, leaving Mika and Jaden to follow.