because of the weight of Alexander Steele's threat. Emily dug the expensive napkin from her apron pocket, a constant reminder of the hard situation she found herself in.

resence in the back of her mind.. Halfway through her shift at the café, a sleek black car pulled up outside. Emily's heart started beating against her ribs as a man in a sharp suit came out of the car. She knew it was from him, Her Nemesis. It wasn't Alexander, but someone with the same air of quiet authority. He walked into the café and approached her directly. "Emily Grace?" he asked, his voice clipped but polite. "Yes, that's me," she responded , her voice tight with apprehension, her heart beating very fast at this point. "Mr. Steele has requested your presence at his office," the man informed her, handing her a business card with the Steele Enterprises logo written on it. "He expects you at 2 pm sharp, he also said I should tell you not to keep him waiting". A wave of dread washed

you would be fine eventually." She sai

ickly in a blur. Serving coffee and pastries felt funny, the custom

d off her shift, her legs trembling

ide the imposing glass and steel building, a nice and pretty receptionist greeted her with a smile that seemed practiced. "Mr. Steele's office is on the top

sprawled out below. Following a stern-faced assistant through a series

and trembled as she reached for the doorknob. Taking a dee

a panoramic window showed the city skyline that gave it a very beautiful look. Behind a massiv

ugh," he countered, leaning back in his chair. "My suit is ruined, and my time is valuable." He took a folder from his desk and slid it across the polished surface. "This is the bill for the replacement suit and cleaning." Emily opened the folder, dread pooling in her stomach. The amount listed was mind blowing – a sum that would take her years to pay off, if ever. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring the numbers on the page. "I can't afford this," Emily said