The elevator ride to the top floor of Li Holdings was quiet, save for the soft hum of the machinery. Grace Wu stood near the doors, hands clasped lightly in front of her, as her reflection stared back at her from the polished metal walls.
She had left Chan Holdings less than two hours ago.
It felt cleaner than expected.
Lilly Li's assistant, Emily, was waiting when Grace stepped into the reception area. She was petite, with a sharp bob and warm eyes—efficient but approachable.
"You're early," Emily said with a small smile.
"I try to be," Grace replied smoothly.
Emily nodded approvingly and gestured for her to follow.
"Lilly's expecting you."
They walked side by side, the plush carpet beneath their heels muffling their footsteps. The faint murmur of phones ringing and quiet conversations drifted through the hall, but Grace tuned them out.
As they approached the wide glass door to Lilly's office, Emily slowed.
"Between you and me," Emily began in a hushed tone, "I'm glad Lilly's considering you for this. She's been... particular about who can take over while I'm gone."
Grace arched a brow.
"Maternity leave?"
Emily smiled, resting her hand lightly on the glass handle.
"Two weeks from now," she said, glancing down at the small swell of her stomach. "Not that Lilly hasn't tried to keep me working until the contractions start."
Grace smirked faintly.
"That sounds like her."
Emily's eyes twinkled with amusement.
"She's a perfectionist," Emily said. "You'll catch on quickly, but just a warning—Lilly doesn't give second chances."
Grace's expression didn't waver.
"I won't need one."
Emily studied her for a brief moment before nodding, pushing the door open.
"Lilly," Emily announced softly. "Grace Wu is here."
Lilly glanced up from behind her desk, her gaze sharp as it flicked between them.
"Grace," Lilly greeted smoothly, motioning for her to step inside.
Grace moved forward without hesitation, her posture straight but not stiff.
Emily lingered for a moment before retreating, quietly closing the door behind her.
Lilly leaned back in her chair, folding her arms as she regarded Grace with quiet interest.
"Rocky took it well?"
Grace settled into the chair across from her, crossing one leg over the other.
"As well as expected," Grace replied.
Lilly smirked, tilting her head slightly.
"I'm surprised he didn't try to negotiate."
"He did," Grace said simply. "But I wasn't interested."
Lilly's gaze narrowed, her eyes glinting faintly.
"I like that about you," Lilly said softly. "You know when to walk away."
Grace remained silent, allowing Lilly to study her for a few more seconds before the older woman finally straightened.
"Emily will be stepping down in two weeks," Lilly said, getting straight to the point. "You'll shadow her until then. After that, you're on your own."
Grace nodded, absorbing the information without flinching.
"I'm ready," Grace replied.
Lilly arched a brow.
"You're sure?"
Grace met her gaze evenly.
"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't."
Lilly's lips twitched faintly.
"Good," Lilly said, standing abruptly. She grabbed a thick folder from the edge of her desk and placed it in front of Grace.
"That's Emily's workflow," Lilly explained. "Familiarize yourself with it by the end of the day."
Grace took the folder, flipping through the neatly tabbed sections. Schedules, client lists, and detailed notes on daily tasks—meticulous, just like Lilly.
"Anything else I should know?" Grace asked without looking up.
Lilly circled her desk, stopping beside Grace's chair.
"Yes," Lilly replied, leaning lightly against the edge of the desk.
Grace glanced up, meeting her gaze.
"Don't make me regret this," Lilly said, her voice dropping slightly.
Grace smiled faintly.
"You won't."
Lilly held her gaze for a beat longer, then pushed off the desk.
"Emily will show you the rest," Lilly said, already moving toward the window. "I assume you can manage."
Grace rose, tucking the folder under her arm.
"I'll keep up," Grace replied confidently.
Lilly didn't turn around, but Grace caught the subtle nod of approval reflected in the glass.
"Good," Lilly said softly. "We'll see if you still feel that way after two weeks."
Grace's smirk lingered as she stepped out of the office, finding Emily waiting just outside.
"Well?" Emily asked, eyes twinkling with curiosity.
Grace glanced at the thick folder in her arms and let out a soft breath.
"It's official," Grace replied.
Emily smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Welcome to Li Holdings," Emily said warmly. "I'll try not to make the next two weeks too overwhelming."
Grace's eyes glinted with quiet determination.
"Feel free to try."