rself, she approached the car with purposeful strides. Her gaze fixed on the staff member, who was visibly trembling, eyes

, she spoke gently, "Get up." Her voice, though calm, carried an unspoken authority that made the staff

look how much you're sweating," she remarked with a touch of concern, her tone still polite. The staff gir

her gaze now icy as it locked onto the manager standing a few steps away. The change in her tone was palpa

nd, his eyes darting nervously be

pping with sweat. He bowed his head deeply, his voice quivering with desperation. "Yes, M

s words, let out a cry, her eye

y resolve as she looked down at the manager. The si

-

as she passed, their gestures respectful and deferential. She responded with o

her. Esme didn't slow her pace, but she glanced sideways at

y need to change that perception," the Esme said,

h beneath their usual cold exterior. The subtle change in her expression

softening just slightly as she recognized

nd always at work, calculating and observing,

in her hand, responded in a polite yet

odding briefly to acknowledge other

ould have at least learned wh

Helga's words. She stopped and tapped He

h an unreadable expression. Though her usual indifferenc

ees who often lost their jobs without full

tment. When Esme took over the company, s

sistance from competitors and even t

y a young woman, so they bribed a

lled Esme. Since that day, Esme had become

st, a time when laughter and genuine smiles lit up

couldn't recall the last time she saw

..

re thick with tension. A holographic display hung in the

projector on the table cast eerie shadow

le sat ten men, their faces et

highlighting every furrowed brow and clenched jaw. They shifted

ta

m. She leaned back in her chair, one hand resting on the armrest, light

n, which she occasionally twirle

Her expression was cold, her eyes sharp and unyielding as th

Her demeanor was calm and composed, providing a stark contr

t glow on her face, highlighting her poised

fear as they glanced at Esme, kno

rl of her pen, seemed to heighten the tension in the room. The authority

lence like a knife. "Let's proceed," she said, her tone

ments almost mechanical, but some of them still

at happened, Director William? Is there anything you want to say?" She slightl

s usually haunty demeanor. It was no secret that he harbored a deep dislike for Esme, but

William, the atmosphere grew tense, the si