Chapter 21
After the pantry incident, Audrey kept managing her work like it was no big deal. It was almost quitting time when she used the intercom to call Emily into her office.
“Hey, Ms. Rhodes, you wanted to see me?” Emily asked as she walked in..
“Yeah. I just wanted to let you know I won’t be at the evening potluck. They’ve been putting in a lot of effort lately, so entertain them for me, will you?” Audrey replied.
With everything that had happened, she thought her presence might send people into a frenzy.
“Got it, I’ve already sorted everything out, Emily confirmed with a nod
Audrey felt a wave of relief wash over her, glad that Emily had it all under control. “Great, then you’re free to go.”
But Emily stayed put, lips pressed together in hesitation. After a moment, she spoke up, “Ms. Rhodes, can I leave with you?”
At first, Audrey assumed Emily just wanted a ride home, since they used to live in the same area and had carpooled a few times
She shook her head, a hint of regret in her voice. “I don’t live with the Rhodes family anymore, so it’s really out of my way for
you.”
Emily quickly clarified. That’s not what I mean. I meant leaving the office together. Ms. Rhodes, I want to stick with you in the future
Audrey was taken aback by her loyalty. She looked down, speaking softly, “You heard what everyone said today. They think I’m nobody now that I’m no longer the daughter of the Rhodes family. Why would you want to follow me? You’d be better off here.”
It hit her then–Audrey hadn’t really considered that. Eliza didn’t know much yet, and she’d definitely need someone by her side when she stepped into her role.
Emily could really shine if she stayed at the company. It felt like a waste for her to leave with Audrey
Emily stepped closer, voice earnest. “Ms. Rhodes, when I first joined the company, I had no clue what I was doing, and you helped me every step of the way. I don’t want to leave you to assist someone who just takes credit for your work.”
Emily didn’t hold back, making it clear how she felt about Eliza. She knew deep down that Rhodes Enterprises thrived thanks to Audrey. Without Audrey, the company wasn’t likely to last in the spotlight for long.
Emily took a deep breath and confidently said, “Ms. Rhodes, I’m not scared of getting a little tired. I can handle the struggle. Even if it means starting fresh with you. I’m totally in.”
Audrey hesitated, sensing the weight of Emily’s words. Just because Emily claimed she could endure hardships didn’t mean Audrey should put her through the wringer.
“Let me think it over, Audrey replied, keeping things open–ended. There’s still some time before the Brightview Group program wraps up, so consider that as well.”
When Audrey mentioned leaving Rhodes Enterprises, it wasn’t a spur–of–the–moment decision. She had her strategy ready and was already mapping out her exit plan. But if she brought Emily along, she’d have to rethink everything from scratch.
Emily nodded eagerly and said, “That sounds good, Ms. Rhodes. I’ll wait for your answer. And just so you know, I didn’t rush into this. I’m totally committed. With that, Emily left the office, excited to join her coworkers for the potluck.
As the clock struck six, the sky began to darken. Audrey wrapped up her last email and closed her laptop. She grabbed her jacket from the chair, ready to call it a day.
In the elevator, her mind drifted back to the day’s events, and a troubling realization hit her.
Today’s standoff with Albert spelled trouble for her future outside the company. He might explicitly go after her in the industry
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Chapter 21
Even if he wasn’t inclined to do so, Eliza would definitely push him in that direction. Audrey couldn’t shake the feeling that Eliza had no intention of letting her have an easy life moving forward.
That thought made her head spin. This might end up making her financially strapped.
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