Chapter 25: The Unexpected Encounter
Lila's heart raced as she received a call from her office manager, Sarah. "Lila, we need you to come in immediately. There's a situation that requires your attention," Sarah said, her tone urgent.
"On my way," Lila replied, quickly slipping into a tailored suit that exuded professionalism. A mix of excitement and anxiety coursed through her veins as she headed to the office, her mind racing with possibilities.
Upon arriving, Lila found Sarah waiting for her in the conference room. "Thank goodness you're here," Sarah said, her expression serious. "We have a bit of a crisis on our hands."
As they discussed the details, Lila's attention was abruptly drawn to the door as it swung open. Mia, her cousin, strode in with an air of confidence that was impossible to ignore. Lila hadn't seen her in a while, and while they had always shared a close bond, Mia's recent success in the corporate world had introduced a subtle tension between them.
"Well, well, if it isn't the queen bee herself," Mia said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I hope you're ready for some real work, Lila."
Lila clenched her fists, determined not to let Mia's taunts penetrate her resolve. "What do you want, Mia?" she asked, her voice steady.
"I just came to check on the team," Mia replied, her eyes narrowing. "But it seems like you could use some help."
Before Lila could respond, Mia began arguing with one of her staff members, their voices rising in agitation. Lila stepped in, attempting to mediate the situation, but the two women quickly devolved into a barrage of insults.
"You think you're so much better than everyone else, don't you?" Mia sneered.
"At least I don't have to rely on my looks to get ahead," Lila shot back, her voice sharp.
The argument escalated, drawing the attention of other employees. A surge of adrenaline coursed through Lila as she stood her ground, refusing to back down.
After the confrontation, Lila turned to Sarah, her heart racing. "I need to get out of here," she said, her voice shaky. "Let's go to the nearby café."
As they walked to the café, Lila spotted Eleanor entering the restroom. A mischievous idea sparked in her mind. This was the perfect opportunity to confront her.