Chapter 30 Unconventional methods

Bernice

As I walked into the HR department during my lunch break, I spotted Emma sitting alone at her desk, nibbling on a simple egg sandwich. The sight gave me pause - as Fed's former assistant, surely she would have had a decent salary. Yet, her frugal meal and modest attire suggested a life of careful budgeting.

Putting on my warmest smile, I approached her desk. "Emma, hi! How have you been? I hope I'm not interrupting your lunch."

Emma's head snapped up, her eyes widening in surprise before she quickly schooled her features into a polite expression. "Bernice, what a pleasant surprise! No, no, you're not interrupting at all. Please, have a seat." She gestured to the empty chair beside her desk, her movements a bit stiff and formal.

"I'm glad I caught you. I actually have a little something for you." I sat down and reached into my bag. I pulled out a carefully wrapped package of homemade cookies, tied with a delicate ribbon. "I heard you had a sweet tooth, so I thought I'd bring yo