Welcome on board

Rose was one of the latest designs from Empire World Fashionz, and there was only one design available—the original designer label by Lucas Brown, Empire World's renowned designer.

Lucas was not only the highest-paid designer in the country but also the best in the fashion world. He was personally chosen as the designer for the CEO of Empire World Corporation.

Emily shook her head, dismissing the thought. It seemed impossible to believe that she was wearing the original label of Rose. She huffed as they walked towards the car, and once inside, Joel removed his mask and started the engine.

Emily couldn't help but glance at her clothes again, letting out a weary sigh. Beside her sat the strikingly handsome man, and she swallowed nervously. Joel let out a gusty sigh, expressing his own weariness.

As they hit the road, they encountered traffic. Joel placed his hand on the door, resting his cheek on it, and tapped the steering wheel impatiently. Emily sighed, looking out the window.

Her attention was caught by an LED digital screen by the roadside, and she curled up her lips in a small smile. But then she noticed the man on the screen, walking down the red carpet, waving his hand and fluttering his eyelashes. He looked strikingly similar to Joel.

Emily furrowed her brows, reading the caption on the screen: "JOEL MANCHESTER, CEO OF EMPIRE WORLD CORPORATION." Her mouth fell open in disbelief. She rubbed her eyes and looked again, but it was still the same man and the same caption.

Her mind raced, connecting all the dots: the bank accounts, the lavish lifestyle, the shopping spree. The man she was living with was indeed the CEO of Empire World Corporation. Everything suddenly made sense—the familiarity, the arrogance, and the inhuman aura he carried.

Emily couldn't believe she had been oblivious to it all. The shopping mall they visited was none other than Empire World Shopping Mall. She quickly checked the hem of her shirt, confirming that it was indeed the Rose designer label. She was wearing the first and only Rose design, and she felt a sense of dread wash over her.

Realizing that she had been living with one of the wealthiest families in the country without knowing, Emily berated herself for her ignorance. She broke into a cold sweat, feeling like a complete fool.

Unbeknownst to her, Joel had driven into Empire World Entertainment Industry. He noticed that Emily seemed lost in thought and walked back to the car when he realized she hadn't followed him. Kicking her leg with his foot, he snapped her out of her daze.

Emily looked up at him, startled. It hit her that she had been living in his car, in his house, and with him, without even knowing it. She shook her head, berating herself for being so oblivious. Joel arched an eyebrow, observing her with suspicion.

Rolling his eyes, he said, "Aren't you coming out?"

"Huh?" Emily stumbled, still processing everything. She stepped out of the car, feeling dumbfounded by the revelation.

Joel snorted and led the way, walking towards the back door of the main building. Emily obediently trailed behind him, feeling like a lost kitten. They entered the building, and Emily looked around in awe.

Joel led her to the nearest elevator, and she followed closely, taking in the grandeur of the place. He pressed a button, and the elevator doors slid open. They stepped inside, and Joel pressed the button for the top floor.

As the elevator ascended, Emily's anxiety grew. She realized she was truly in Empire World's entertainment industry. The doors opened, and Joel walked out, heading towards his brother's office. Ignoring his brother’s secretary, he entered the office without hesitation.

“Who are…” The secretary's voice trailed off as soon as she saw the man approaching her boss's office.

Though his face was masked, his intimidating eyes gave away his identity—it was the CEO of EWC. She quickly bowed and refrained from speaking further.

Joel walked in, and Michael looked up with a smile, greeting his brother's arrival. "You're here."

Joel groaned, visibly tired, as he removed his mask and settled into a chair. Michael checked the time, stood up, and grabbed a pen and paper, walking toward an armchair.

Emily blinked rapidly, realizing that the man before her was Michael, the famous elder brother of the arrogant CEO, and the person in charge of Empire World's entertainment industry. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts.

Michael's question brought her back to reality. "Did you hear me?"

She swallowed, "Yes?"

Michael smiled. "Have a seat."

"Okay." Emily bowed and took a seat in one of the armchairs.

Michael turned the paper on the table toward Emily. "We don't have much time left. We're offering you a job as a broadcaster in our industry. If you're interested, please sign here."

"Of course, you'll be paid, and we'll assign a manager to you. If you're not interested, we won't force you to leave the house," he quickly added.

Emily blinked, processing the offer. She hesitated for a moment before signing the contract paper on the table. Michael smiled and patted her back.

"Welcome on board," he said, standing up and walking back to his office chair. He picked up the telephone and dialed a number.

"Come into my office immediately," Michael spoke into the receiver, then replaced it. In no time, a woman in her mid-thirties entered the office, bowing her head.

"Yes, Emily, this is your new manager," Michael pointed to the woman and smiled. Emily choked on her words, surprised.

"Sorry?" she stammered, bowing her head slightly to her new manager.

"You don't need to worry, Emily. Miss Maria here has the necessary managerial skills and experience. She used to be Sandra's manager before Sandra retired from the industry. You can trust her," Michael assured her.

Emily's eyes widened. Miss Maria was known for being the manager of the famous broadcaster Sandra, who had retired. Maria had refused to manage anyone else after Sandra, even when Stephanie pleaded with her. But now, she had agreed to be Emily's manager upon Michael's request.

Unable to close her mouth, Emily stared in disbelief. Maria smiled at her. "Darling, we need to get going."

Taking Emily by the hand, Maria led her out of Michael's office. Michael turned on the LED CCTV monitor and observed as Maria guided Emily to the studio.

"I need everyone to leave this place," Maria commanded as they entered the studio. The staff members turned to look at her, surprised by her presence. She had never interfered with their work before.

"We're preparing to go on air, Sunbae," one of the junior managers spoke up after a moment.

Maria stared at them with anger. "You don't need to. She'll be the one going on air." She gently guided Emily into one of the chairs.

"What? Sunbae..." another manager groaned.

Maria glared at them. "Are you questioning your senior?"

"No, of course not," the managers quickly gathered their things and apologized.