Chapter 45

Mia's eyes flashed with annoyance, and she stepped forward, her voice low and even. "Are you stopping Gray Enterprise's new CEO from using the private elevator?"

The reception lady's eyes widened, and she took a step back, her face paling. "Oh, I-I apologize, Ms. Gray... I mean, Ms. Everhart... I didn't realize... Please, right this way."

Lily and Mia ignored her apology, stepping into the elevator without a word. As the doors closed, Mia let out a low comment, "Like boss, like employee, huh? Some people need a serious attitude adjustment."

Lily smiled calmly, placing a soothing hand on Mia's arm. "Let's not let it get to us, Mia. We've got more important things to focus on."

The elevator glided smoothly to the 35th floor, the doors opening with a soft whoosh. Lily stepped out, looking around at the sparse, high-end decor. The floor was eerily quiet, with only a few people milling about. It was clear that this floor was reserved for the elite.

Rachel, Ethan's former assistant and now Lily's, walked toward her with a warm smile. "Welcome, Mrs. Gray—"

Lily corrected her with a gentle smile. "Actually, Rachel, it's Ms. Everhart."

Rachel's eyes flickered with understanding, and she nodded. "Of course, Ms. Everhart. Welcome. I'll show you around and brief you on what's currently going on in the company. We're working on a new beauty product line, still in the development stage. It's a high-priority project, and we're hoping to launch it soon."

Lily's eyes lit up with interest. "I'd love to see the progress. Can you schedule a meeting with the team working on it?"

Rachel nodded efficiently. "Of course, Ms. Everhart. I'll set it up right away."

Lily and Mia sat in the luxurious office, surrounded by sleek, modern furniture. Mia was scrolling through her tablet, her eyes scanning the screen with interest. Suddenly, she looked up, a hint of curiosity on her face. "I heard one of the new products is launching soon, and advertisements are going to be shot."

Rachel, who was standing nearby, nodded in confirmation. "Yes, that's right. The advertisement is already shot, but the model pictures with the product are still in production."

Lily's interest was piqued, and she leaned forward slightly. "By the way, who's the model for this project?"

Rachel took a deep breath, her expression hesitant. "Sarah Mitchell," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mia and Lily exchanged a knowing look, their faces mirroring their surprise and disappointment. It was clear that Sarah's selection as the model wasn't based on merit but rather on her connection to Ethan.

Lily's expression turned thoughtful, and she sighed inwardly. She knew that Ethan's influence had likely played a significant role in Sarah's appointment as the model for the project.

"I want to see Sarah's contract," Lily said, her voice firm but calm.

Rachel nodded, her eyes still avoiding Lily's gaze. "Of course, Ms. Everhart. I'll get it for you."

With that, Rachel left, closing the door behind her.

Mia gazed at Lily, her eyes sparkling with amusement and a hint of incredulity. "He's really a stupid man. I wonder how you fell for a stupid man since childhood," she said, her voice laced with teasing.

Lily looked up from the product files she was flipping through, a hint of a smile on her face. She didn't seem to take offense to Mia's words; instead, she appeared to be reflecting on her past. "I also daily ask myself the same question," she said, her voice light and airy.

Mia settled into the chair in front of Lily's desk, her expression turning serious. "No wonder why, in the past two years, Gray Enterprise's two huge products failed," she said, her voice dripping with conviction. "Like, who would have thought that Sarah... eww, she's disgusting."

Lily's eyes lit up with amusement as she watched Mia's expressive face. She couldn't help but laugh out loud at Mia's dramatics. "You're being a bit harsh, aren't you?" she asked, her voice still laced with laughter.

Mia's face scrunched up in distaste. "Harsh? I'm being realistic. She's not even a professional model, and yet she's been given a major role in the company's advertising campaign. It's like they're trying to sabotage the company."

Lily's laughter died down, and she leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. She knew that Mia was right.

After a while, Rachel walked into the room, a folder in her hand. "Ms. Everhart, here's Sarah's contract," she said, her voice professional.

Lily took the folder and began to read the contract, her expression growing more serious with each passing moment. Mia and Rachel exchanged glances, their faces reflecting their curiosity and concern.

As Lily read through the contract, her eyes scanned the pages with a keen intensity. Her face remained impassive, but her eyes betrayed a growing anger and frustration.

After a few minutes, Lily closed the folder and stood up, her movements decisive. "Rachel, where is the shoot going on?" she asked, her voice firm and authoritative.

Rachel hesitated for a moment before answering, "It's on the 15th floor, Ms. Everhart."

Lily nodded and walked toward the door, her stride purposeful. Mia looked up at her, a question in her eyes. "Where are you going?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Lily's expression was resolute. "To stop the shoot," she said, her voice firm and unyielding.

Mia's eyes widened in surprise, and Rachel's eyes followed suit. They exchanged a look, their faces reflecting their shock and curiosity. It was clear that Lily had discovered something in the contract that she didn't like, and she was taking action.