If this were in the past, I would have said she was exaggerating. But after having gone through so much, I do believe in Emery’s foresight.
Even though one couldn’t have smoke without fire, no one could ever live their lives without having faced temptations. Knowing self-control and when to let go would prevent one from going astray. But that would only work for those who played by the rules.
I knew who Emery was hinting at, and it piqued my interest. “Emery, your company is still new and young. You’re going to need to improve on the management and planning. Will you be interested in going somewhere to learn more?”
“Where to?”
“To the company where my stakes lie. Where else?” I replied with a raised eyebrow. “Let’s go, Ms. Moore.”
Emery caught my hint and smirked. The plan was in motion.
Emery’s office was in the prime business district of K City, so it took less than ten minutes since we left the café to arrive at Fuller Corporation.
It happened to be lunchtime, so most of the employees had left for lunch. When Emery and I walked in, the office area was mostly empty.
“How can that be? Even if Ms. Collins has the ability, she isn’t qualified!”
“That’s not necessarily true. Haven’t you heard the saying when there’s a will, there’s a way? She could still become the next Mrs. Fuller. And when that happens, you’re going to have to start buttering up to her!”
The babble and gossip in the pantry rang out especially clearly in the empty office. I had deliberately quietened my footsteps as I tiptoed my way toward the pantry. When I got to the door, I slowly peeked in to see who was inside.
I counted a total of six people in the pantry. They were all sat on the sofa with their backs facing the door as they continued with their gossip.
“Maybe Mr. Fuller might really fall for Ms. Collins. He has had so many other secretaries, but none stayed on for as long as Ms. Collins has. And I’ve heard from others that Ms. Collins packed daily lunches for Mr. Fuller, rain or shine. You know what they say about a woman capturing a man’s heart through his stomach. I’m pretty sure she’s going to capture his heart soon!”
“I don’t think so. I’m sure Mr. Fuller has had his fill of good food. How can he be so easily bought over by just a few lunches? You’re in the Planning Department, for goodness’ sake. You have to think more creatively. No wonder you haven’t had a promotion in such a long time… “
“Hey, we’re talking about Mr. Fuller here. Why do you have to make it about me now… “
There was a lot of back and forth in the pantry, and I listened on in enthusiasm. Emery, on the other hand, was probably upset by their gossip as her face darkened.
If I let them carry on, I was afraid she might start the next world war.
I cleared my throat to get their attention and waited to see their reactions upon seeing us.
The pantry fell into silence as soon as they heard my cough. When the employees saw Emery and me, fear and panic immediately registered in their eyes.
A voice suddenly rang out from behind me. “Ms. Stovall?”
I turned and came face to face with Stella looking at me in bewilderment. She had a lunchbox in one hand and a stack of documents in the other.
Ashton and I had signed the divorce agreement only a month ago, and she was already reminding me of it. She didn’t hesitate when she called me “Ms. Stovall” instead of “Mrs. Fuller.”
Emery was enraged as soon as she saw Stella. She was about to march up to her when I grabbed her hand and shot her a look, letting her know that I had the situation under control.
I turned to Stella and put on my best manners. “Ms. Collins, are you free to help with something?”
Stella was taken aback and seemed to ponder about it. “I’m sorry, Ms. Stovall. But Mr. Fuller needs these documents urgently. Can I get someone else to help you instead?”
Before I could reply, she had turned to the handful of employees in the office. “Who doesn’t have anything to work on now?”
