Chapter 4

The past two days have been the absolute worst for Emily. 

She wasted the first day angry at Carol for putting her in this difficult situation, at Rex for giving her a conditional ‘yes’, and lastly, at Camilla for being a bitch.

The second day was much tougher.  She had returned to Carol, desperate to make her see reason and to explain how this was affecting her.

“I'm stuck, Carol. It hasn't even been a week since you gave me this job, yet I'm slowly losing my mind. Rex asked me to—”

“It doesn't matter what he asked of you, Emily,” Carol had cut in, “If it doesn't involve a corpse, you do as he says.”

Emily had left Carol's office, regretting ever going back.

Now, today being the third and final day, Emily was about to make a decision she most certainly would  resent.

She raised her hand and flagged down a cab. Ten minutes later, Emily got off to her stop at Fifth Avenue—Rex’s company address.

Right after she got out of the cab, a familiar voice called her.

“Emily.”

It was Rex and beside him stood Camilla. That bitch.

How did he know her name? She couldn't recall saying her name to him or anyone else in that building.

“Rex Hale,” Emily muttered.

Rex had arrived for work quite early. Camilla couldn't wait for him to get inside the building, she had already informed him about a meeting request sent by Worth Estate via email.

Pathetic.

He wasn't going to have a meeting with those good-for-nothings, for that reason, he asked Camilla to delete it.

Five years back in New York and his company, R-Tech, had become New York’s most powerful private tech company, overshadowing Worth Estates.

Over a decade old clients Worth Estates worked with changed their route the moment R-Tech offered tighter security and faster communication. 

They've been requesting a meeting since then, and that only made Rex know exactly what they wanted.

A partnership.

“Come with me, we'll talk inside,” Rex told Emily before heading into the building.

Inside the elevator, Emily noticed Camilla's scowl, but she ignored it, forcing a polite smile.

What exactly was her deal? 

The elevator dinged, Rex was the first to step out, while Emily and Camilla followed thereafter.

As they got to his office, Rex immediately brought out a file and placed it in front of Emily.

“Before you sign it, go through it.”

Rex had a habit of assuming and Emily was averse to it. Even though she came here to agree, she hated that Rex had already figured it out.

“What makes you think I want to sign it?”

Rex scratched the top of his nose, letting out a quiet sigh, “Listen Emily, I do not have time for this. You either sign it or leave and never come back.”

Emily noted how he clearly said her name again, like he was used to it.

“How'd you know my name?” Emily questioned.

Rex squeezed the bridge of his nose. Here she was, about to sign and all she cared about was how he knew her name? Was that even important right now? 

“Do I need to remind you that this is a tech company? I could access your whole life with just one click. Now, are you going to sign this or not?”

Without responding, Emily pulled the file closer and went through its content.

Suddenly, she came across a part stating that she had to be a live-in nanny for a year.

“I’m supposed to live with you for a whole year?” Emily said irritably.

“And you think I like it?” Rex retorted bluntly.

Emily blinked, surprised at his bluntness, “Then why even put it in there?”

“Because it's necessary. My son deserves maximum attention, how else will he get that if you don't live with us?”

There was a moment of silence. Camilla, seated near the door, had a smug smile on her lips—clearly satisfied with how uncomfortable Emily felt.

“I'm a little curious though,” Rex said, rubbing his chin, “You've had three days to think about this. Why did you come back if you weren't sure?”

“Because unlike you, I have some manners. I could have just stayed away and not given you any feedback,” she badly wanted to say.

Instead, she cleared her throat. “I came back because I want us to talk.”

Rex tilted his head slightly, “Okay. Spill it.”

“I never planned for any of this,” Emily admitted, “but since you have something I need, I can only agree to your condition only if it's on my own terms.”

“Which are?”

“Firstly, I’d attend to your son, give him the care and attention he needs, but I won't live with you. I'd begin by seven in the morning and close by seven in the evening.

“Secondly, I'd be given breaks within those working hours because I’m still a journalist and I will be needing it. 

“Thirdly–”

“You know what I think?” Rex interrupted impatiently, “I think you've gotten too comfortable, perhaps because I've become lenient with you.”

Raising his arm, he looked at his watch, “I had only fifteen minutes to spare. Unfortunately, you've exhausted it. Since you're not ready for this, I guess we're done here.”

Rex got up, buttoned his jacket and proceeded to leave. Just as he was about to pull open the door, Emily's words stopped him.

“It's signed,” she said, stretching it towards Rex.

Rex smirked, then slowly turned to face Emily. “Get your stuff ready; you're moving in tonight. Camilla will put you through everything you need to know in advance.”

Camilla walked over to Emily and snatched the file from her.

Pulling the handle of the door, Rex immediately remembered something. “Ah! One more thing—until this is over, nothing about me goes to the media. Understood?”

Emily nodded.

Rex walked out, leaving Emily staring at the closed door. She hadn't noticed Camilla leaning by the wall next to her, with her arms folded.

“Well, well, well… let's see how long you last.”