Chapter 5

Emily wasn't in the mood for whatever Camilla had to say after that. 

Rex had instructed Camilla to inform Emily of everything, yet Emily doubted Camilla would comply.

Instead of actually helping, she'd act like she was doing Emily a favor, sharing only bits of information.

Agitated, Emily grabbed her bag and left the office.

She had planned to meet Carol again. This time, it wasn't to plead,  but to let her know what she had just signed up for.

It wasn't long before Emily got off to her stop. Thank goodness, Carol was available today. After knocking twice on the door to Carol's office, she pushed open and got in.

Carol was sipping on a cup of coffee when Emily came in. “Look, if you're here to make me change my mind, I–”

“I'll be working as a full-time nanny for Rex's son.” The words rushed out of Emily's mouth.

Carol nearly spilled her coffee as she roared, “You'll be what? Have you gone nuts? 

Instinctively, Carol stood up. “You had one job, one freaking job. Instead, you chose that?”

“I had no choice.” Emily's shame lowered her voice.

“What do you mean you had no choice? This is your career, Emily—not some charity case.”

Carol was something else. She had refused to listen to what Emily had to say the previous day, now she was upset about her decision?

“He agreed to the interview on the condition that I become his son's nanny.” 

Carol settled her hands on her hips, gazing sternly at Emily. “And you didn't think that was worth mentioning?”

“I tried to tell you, Carol,” Emily said with restrained anger. “You didn’t even give me a chance to speak. All that came from you was to tell me to do as he said.”

Upon hearing her explanation, Carol was unable to hide her embarrassment as she looked away.

Despite how much Carol hated to admit it, everything Emily said was strictly true. 

She immediately sat down, “How long will you be gone?” 

“A year.”

“Oh, come on—an entire year?” Carol's voice rose just a little bit. 

Emily took it to be a rhetorical question and chose not to reply.

“You're my employee, your safety matters to me. Now that you've gotten your signature on that damn contract, all I can do is make you promise me that you'll be careful.”

Really? Now she was her employee? Carol didn't remember that when she refused to give her the promotion she merited.

Emily knew what Carol was playing at. She was only guilty, so she tried to cover it up with the act of being the ‘concerned boss’.

“May I leave now? I've got lots of packing to do.” Emily said, not buying the act.

Carol read Emily's mood. She was aware she had messed up from the start, even so, she had to maintain her boss status. Her only option was to nod slowly. 

Promptly, Emily made her way out of the office.

_

Emily had just finished packing her bags, when Ava announced, “Your ride's here.”

She halted while zipping up the bag, only then realizing she hadn't gotten Rex's address or number to call.

On instinct, Emily hurried to the window to see for herself. A black Mercedes with tinted windows was parked by the roadside.

The driver got out, leaving the car door open. He cast a look toward her apartment.

By now, Emily had concluded that Rex was using his tech skills to his advantage. She hadn't given him or Camilla her address, yet a driver had shown up in front of her house.

Good thing she was ready.

Ava helped her with her bags, taking them to the parked car. 

“You sure you don't need me to come?” Ava asked with concern after handing over the last bag to the driver.

“We’ve already talked about this, Ava. I'll be okay, I promise,” she pressed Ava's hands in hers. “You look after the house, okay?” 

Emily tousled Ava's hair playfully, like she always did and afterward, pulled her in for a hug.

With Emily inside, the driver drove off. Ava didn't move, she kept watching until the car vanished.

The ride took almost an hour before they arrived at Rex's luxurious mansion.

Emily wandered into the mansion. Her bags were brought in by a man, dressed in a uniform—perhaps a butler.

Albeit simple in design, the well-lit hallway, marbled floor, chandelier, and french doors showcased wealth.

Emily found herself quietly praising Rex's style. Ava would undeniably lose her mind if she saw this view. 

Suddenly, a throat cleared behind her, sort of calling for her attention.

Emily turned to see Camilla assessing her up and down.

“You live here too?”

“Follow me”, she said with scorn, ignoring Emily's question. Next, she climbed up the stairs.

Emily had become accustomed to Camilla's arrogance, yet it still annoyed her anytime she showed it.

Wordlessly, she followed her until they came to a room.

“This is where you'd be staying.” Pointing to a room opposite Emily's, Camilla added, “That one belongs to Drew.”

“I'm sorry, who's Drew?”

Camilla snubbed her, leaving her only with an expression that told her to figure it out herself, before walking out.

Emily muttered to herself, “Please, tell me she doesn't live here.”

How did Rex put up with her? Now that she thought about it, she hadn't seen him since she got here. 

The butler, assisted by another worker, appeared with her bags. She had them drop the bags in the room, then leave.

Her phone chimed. A smile appeared on her lips when she saw it was a text from Ava.

[How's it going?]

Then came another:

[How's his son? Have you met him yet?]

Emily chuckled at Ava's curiosity. She was already halfway through replying when Ava called her on FaceTime.

“Sis! Talk to me.” Ava's lively voice burst through the moment Emily picked up.

“Slow down a bit,” Emily giggled. “You're definitely happier than me.”

“No doubt about it. Have you met Rex yet? What did he say?” Ava grinned.

“No, I haven't, just his assistant. She led me to my room, acting all bossy like she owned the place,” Emily replied, sauntering into the room.

“I'm telling you, she hates you.” 

“That’s her problem, I'm not here for her anyway.”

“Exactly! You're there for Rex, and Rex alone.” Ava winked.

Emily didn't agree with Ava, she wasn't here for Rex. If only he behaved like every other reasonable gentleman, she wouldn't be in his house right now.

“I'm here to get the interview, don't get it mixed up,” Emily clarified.

Abruptly, Emily's eyes widened at her screen. A figure leaned casually against the doorframe of the room opposite hers and gazed at her coldly.

That was when she became aware that the door wasn't shut.