As Lauretta drove, the tension inside the car was palpable, the air thick with unspoken frustrations and hidden agendas. Each passing mile only seemed to amplify the weight of Emily's exhaustion, the realization sinking in that Jane was merely a pawn in her uncle and aunt's sinister scheme to undermine her efforts in Silverwood.
Lost in her thoughts, Emily barely registered Jane's intrusive comments until they pierced through the silence like a dagger.
"Why are you so lenient with the Johnsons?" Jane's voice cut through the air, sharp and accusatory. "You're practically handing them a favor with this contract, but you're being far too accommodating. And that Titus guy—what's his deal with this acquisition nonsense? They have no idea of the magnitude of Walton Company."
Emily's jaw clenched as a surge of anger coursed through her veins, her frustration boiling over at Jane's audacity to question her methods. Whipping her head around, Emily's eyes blazed with indignation as she faced Jane head-on.
"Why are you trying to sabotage everything I've worked so hard for?" she snapped, her voice dripping with pent-up fury. "I've spent the past few days navigating delicate negotiations, building bridges and establishing trust, and you want to throw it all away with your reckless accusations? Not everyone can be as accommodating as you think, especially in a small town like Silverwood. Building trust takes time and finesse, something you clearly fail to understand."
As they pulled up in front of Emily's hotel, she stormed out of the car, her footsteps echoing with determination as she marched towards the entrance. Slamming the door behind her, she entered her room and collapsed onto the bed, her chest heaving with each ragged breath. The weight of the situation bore down on her, the battle against her uncle and aunt's machinations reaching a fever pitch as she braced herself for the challenges that lay ahead.
After her cold shower, Emily emerged from the bathroom with her hair still damp, wrapping a towel around her shoulders as she entered her room. Loretta followed closely behind, and Emily wasted no time in getting down to business.
"What family are we dealing with next?" Emily inquired, her voice tinged with determination.
Loretta paused for a moment, considering her response. "I think it's high time you called Alex and explained a little about what happened today," she suggested, her tone gentle yet firm.
Emily nodded thoughtfully. "Okay, I think that's what I'm going to do," she replied, resolving to address the situation head-on.
With a quick exchange of good nights, Emily settled into her chair and reached for her phone. Dialing Alex's number, she waited anxiously as it rang, each tone echoing in the silence of her room. Finally, Alex answered, his voice calm and steady.
"Hello?" he greeted.
"Hello, Alex," Emily began, her tone apologetic. "I'm so sorry for what happened today. I know I owe you some explanations."
Alex listened intently, the faint sound of Nana puttering in the background as he leaned back on the couch, a cold beer waiting for him on the table. Emily continued, her words flowing with a mix of frustration and vulnerability.
"I am the CEO in name for the Watson Corporation, but in reality, I'm just a young woman trying to navigate through a tangled web of family politics," she confessed, her voice faltering slightly. "Jane was sent by the board, but the truth is, the board is divided. Some members support me and my late father's legacy, while others are loyal to my uncle and aunt. It's a constant power struggle, and today's events only highlighted the challenges I face."
As Emily spoke, Alex felt a surge of empathy for her. He could hear the weariness in her voice, the weight of her responsibilities pressing down on her shoulders. "I understand," he said softly, his voice filled with understanding.
As Emily continued, she explained, "Jane wasn't just sent as an assistant to me. Although she is qualified, because we don't employ unqualified people." She said with a wry smile, "She might have been sent to either sabotage the plan and make Silverwood fail, or to simply make things difficult for me. So, I have to be very careful with her, not revealing too much."
Alex replied, trying to lighten the mood, "Well, I don't think anybody knows about me and Watson Corporation. Otherwise, she would have been ostracized from me."
Emily shook her head, "No, nobody knows. I didn't add it to my official documents."
"Okay, so what's the next line of action?" Alex inquired.Emily pondered for a moment before replying, "I was going to ask you that. Which family are we going after next?"
"I don't have anything official on me," Alex admitted, "and I think for tonight, we need to put business aside."
"Well, I work to take my mind off so many things," Emily sighed.
"So, you're saying I need to work with you tonight?" Alex teased.
"If you don't mind," Emily responded, a hint of mischief in her voice.
"I actually mind because I have to go to bed right now," Alex chuckled.
"Sorry to bother you. I've been a bug for you for a while," Emily apologized.
To change the conversation, Alex referred to what she said earlier. "Emily," he began, "you said you know a lot about me. What do you really know?"
Emily chuckled, "Alex, we'll discuss that later." And with that, the call ended, leaving both of them with unanswered questions and a hint of curiosity lingering in the air.