Chapter 4 Keep Mr. Owens Company

Stepping out of the elevator, Emilee hurried to the front desk, her heart racing with anxiety.

"Excuse me, could you tell me who went into the room on the top floor?" she inquired anxiously.

The receptionist looked at Emilee with a hint of confusion.

"I'm sorry, but we can't share our guests' personal information," she responded.

Emilee took a deep breath and tried again. "What if the guest themselves asked to check? Could you look at the surveillance footage for them?"

The receptionist's brow furrowed slightly, puzzled. Wouldn't a guest already know who had entered their room?

Still, maintaining a professional demeanor, she explained, "Ma'am, I'm really sorry, but to ensure the privacy of our VIP guests, we haven't installed security cameras on the top floor. Unfortunately, I can't help you with that."

"Thank you," Emilee replied, a wave of relief washing over her.

She exited the hotel and made her way to the office.

Emilee was desperate for money and couldn't afford to be late, fearing any deduction from her wages.

No sooner had she entered her company than Laurie Warren, her department director, pulled her aside.

"Emilee, do you know Mr. Owens personally?" Laurie asked with a curious smile, her eyes fixed on Emilee.

Startled, Emilee asked, "Where did you hear that?"

"My husband had too much to drink at last night's party and ended up staying at the hotel. He mentioned he saw you with Mr. Owens this morning when he was leaving. Is that true?" answered Laurie, whose husband was none other than Fabian.

Emilee's mind flashed back to Fabian's antics in front of Jonny, and she shuddered at the memory.

Fabian couldn't bring himself to confess his transgression, so instead, he concocted a story to have his wife snoop around.

It was absolutely disgusting.

"Even if I deny knowing him, you'll likely doubt me anyway. Why not make your own guess?"

Emilee offered a sly grin, her reply dripping with ambiguity.

Admitting she knew Jonny would only lead to eventual exposure.

Yet, revealing the truth might only embolden Fabian further.

She preferred to keep them in suspense; their uncertainty would prevent any rash actions.

Laurie eyed Emilee with suspicion, her gaze piercing as she sized her up.

"Your track record hardly speaks of integrity. Should you actually know Mr. Owens, resisting the urge to charm him would be unlikely..."

Emilee's expression turned grim.

Trapped between the manipulative duo of Fabian and Laurie, her days were far from easy.

Emilee hoped to evade the topic, but Laurie refused to let it slide.

"Look, the fact that you can converse with Mr. Owens suggests he's somewhat fond of you. With his recent return and his new role as CEO, it's crucial we forge a strong bond. Tonight, I've planned a welcome dinner for him. You're joining us."

The mere thought of meeting Jonny made Emilee's head throb.

"No, I've got work," she protested.

Laurie dismissed her excuse outright. "I'm your boss, Emilee. Attending this dinner is now part of your duties! Make sure you dress appropriately tonight and don't be late."

With those final words, Laurie departed.

Emilee could only muster a forced smile.

How could she possibly decline?

That evening, Emilee took a taxi to the address Laurie had texted her.

Laurie had booked a posh restaurant to impress Jonny, sparing no expense for the lavish setting.

The decor was a blend of luxury and elegance.

As Emilee stepped inside, Laurie immediately whisked her aside.

"Didn't you hear what I said earlier? Why aren't you dressed up?" Noticing Emilee's business attire, Laurie sighed dramatically. "Well, just be smart and charm Mr. Owens once we're in the private room."

Without waiting for a response, Laurie ushered Emilee into the private room.

There, Emilee's gaze landed on a tall man in a suit dominating the room. Her heart raced.

She hadn't expected Jonny, with his high status, to accept Laurie's invite, yet here he was.

Laurie gave Emilee a slight push, positioning her next to Jonny.

"Mr. Owens, meet Emilee Bates. She's the brightest and prettiest of our secretarial team," Laurie introduced with a forced grin. Then, nudging Emilee, she whispered, "You're late, Emilee. You owe Mr. Owens a toast as a little penalty."

Feeling the pressure from Laurie, Emilee reluctantly grabbed a wine glass and stood.

"Mr. Owens..." she began tentatively.

Jonny looked up, his expression unreadable.

His deep voice matched his intense gaze. "I wasn't aware our secretaries served as escorts," he remarked icily.

Emilee was left speechless, rooted to the spot.