Chapter 4 What Is Your Name?
Emily was desperate to use the restroom, but no one paid attention to her, and she didn't dare wander off. After being sent to the waiting room, she sat for another half hour.
Finally, unable to hold it any longer, Emily hurried down the hallway in search of a restroom. She found the sign but saw a long line outside.
Even though the Smith Group was a top-tier company with restrooms on every floor, the number of women touching up their makeup was overwhelming.
Emily was totally confused. Wasn't the Smith Group famous for its medical and gaming divisions? Did they also manage celebrities and agents?
Without an employee badge, Emily was hesitant to cut in line, fearing it would leave a bad impression on her new colleagues and harm her career.
Desperate, she rushed into the elevator, but without a badge, she couldn't use the elevator—she was stuck inside.
As Emily began to sweat in panic, the elevator moved, descending from the 18th floor to the parking garage.
She turned around, not wanting anyone to see her in such an embarrassing state, and hoped whoever got in would be quick.
James stood waiting for the elevator. When the doors opened, he saw a woman standing with her back to him. Though she wasn't in formal business attire, her figure was striking.
Interesting, James thought. He had seen many women throw themselves at him, but this was the first time one dared not show her face.
"Mr. Smith..." Tyler began.
James waved him off, and Tyler fell silent.
James, curious about the current state of the Smith Group after a year away, wondered if it was still filled with women only interested in marrying him to climb the social ladder. If so, he might fire them all.
James entered the elevator, and Tyler pressed the button for the 88th floor.
Emily was sweating from holding it in. She had never felt an elevator ride take this long, as if a century had passed.
"Come on, come on..." she whispered.
James, with his keen hearing, raised an eyebrow and saw through the reflective surface that Emily was clutching her stomach and shaking her leg.
The elevator dinged. As James prepared to step out, a hand shot out from under his arm. Before he could react, Emily quickly pushed past him.
James and Tyler watched as Emily dashed out like a gust of wind, mouthing an apology as she ran into James's office.
What was this? Offering herself up? That was too forward!
James frowned, standing at the elevator door. Tyler, guessing from Emily's attire and lack of a badge that she was either a fan or a new employee, cursed Louis for not keeping an eye on her.
James must be furious, Tyler thought, not daring to look up, hoping James would order him to throw the reckless woman out.
James pointed to the office, and Tyler nodded, entering first.
The office was spacious, with a private restroom, makeup room, and bedroom, each with its own terrace. Without the sign, one might think it was another large office space.
Emily finally relieved herself in the restroom. As she pulled up her pants, she heard knocking and a man's voice.
"Just a moment!" she called, trying to stay calm, realizing she hadn't checked if it was a men's or women's restroom.
She kept repeating "Just a moment" as she washed her hands and stepped out, only to see James and Tyler at the door.
"Sorry, sir, I was in a hurry. I hope I didn't bump into you?"
Emily finally saw the two men clearly. One was about six feet tall, the other around 5.5 feet. Even without seeing their faces, their height and attire indicated they were both very handsome.
Emily politely apologized, but the men remained silent.
"Sir, do you need to use the restroom? I'm really sorry, I'll leave now."
She stepped aside, gesturing for them to go ahead.
James noticed her clean, unpolished nails, a type of "clean" woman he liked.
"Interesting approach," he said, his deep voice like a cello.
Emily found the voice familiar but couldn't place it. When she looked at James's face, she couldn't recall if she'd seen him before, as she was somewhat face-blind.