Hot Coffee (The Hollens) novel Chapter 49

Emma's POV

Ethan had to attend his company's formal dinner and, as his fiancee, I had to accompany him. I had moved back into his mansion, putting the past behind us and falling in love all over again. I quit the receptionist job and was making plans on starting my own business venture. Ethan said he'd support in every way. I was relying on him for that.

We dressed together, he wore a sharp black Armani and I wore a long black lace dress from Torick's. We looked absolutely adorable together. 

As we descended the stairs the household staff cheered and clapped for us as if we were royalty. Well, we kinda were, my arm wrenched in his. 

He opened the door for me to his black Bentley. I sat down comfortably as he got into the driver's seat and started the car.

"You look so damn beautiful tonight," he said and planted a kiss on my lips.

"And you look so handsome right now." 

He gave a smirk and drove out of the garage.

We arrived at an elegant restaurant. I must hand it to Ethan, he loved elegant places and things. The place was amazing, both exterior and interior, and tonight was specially arranged for only us and his higher ups— his CFO, COO, general managers and assistant managers.

I was somewhat happy, yet uncomfortable. I wanted to bond with his people but, at the same time, I wasn't like them.

What if they're rude to me? 

How would I react to rude and shady comments? I didn't want to embarrass Ethan at all.

"Are you okay?" he asked, shaking me from my crazy thoughts.

"Yes, I'm fine."

"You look nervous. Baby, there's nothing to be nervous about. Remember who's the boss here," he teased and took my arm in his and led me to a huge table where some smiling faces were already waiting. 

They stood up as we got to the table. 

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Hollen," a familiar looking woman greeted.

I remembered her from when I went for the interview; she was the secretary and his personal assistant.

"Good evening," I replied with a huge smile. 

Ethan nodded his head and suggested for them to sit. He sat at the head table and I sat down besides him, on his right. There was one more unoccupied seat on his left. I wondered who would be sitting there. 

That person must have a very high position in his company.

Dinner was served and everyone began eating. The conversation being held was regarding how to launch another company. I was relaxed when we took turns giving our opinions and ideas. Laughter was shared and the atmosphere between everyone was very friendly and welcoming. Until...

"I see you all have started without me," a voice belonging to a very seductive looking woman said. 

She wore a very tight red dress, enough cleavage for me and her, red lipstick, and her hair was styled in a high bun. She looked powerful but sort of slutty with that dress. It was also too short. 

She sat down on Ethan's left. 

I locked my eyes with hers and she smirked.

"Don't you know it's seven?" someone asked her, without intimidation.

"I was stuck in traffic," she replied, taking a small mirror from her purse and reapplying her lipstick.

"Smudge it on the way here, Linda?" the personal assistant asked.

Oh, so this is Linda. 

I recalled her face, also. I was with her in the elevator when I went for the interview. Linda Steele, COO of Hollen Tower. She really did hold a great position. She could basically run the company by herself if Ethan had to travel or just couldn't come in.

"I'll tell you where and what I smudged it on," Linda snapped back rudely.

Ethan cleared his throat and everyone grew silent. 

It was amazing how they feared and were friendly with him at the same time.

"Boss, you were telling me last week that there was a proposition in," a guy began, but Linda cut him off.

"Any proposition the company has comes through me, Daniel, not you. That's above your pay grade. That's why Ethan'd got me," she said rudely, making me look at her with awe.

She'd just said Ethan's name without title. Everyone else was calling him "boss" or "Mr. Hollen". She was making me suspicious.

"Why are you even speaking?" another guy asked her.

"Shut up, Herbert. Why are you even here?" she snapped and began eating.

I looked at Ethan thinking he'd better control her. She was speaking too vily to her coworkers. 

He was eating as if he hadn't heard the rude remarks she was making to the others.

"Oh, hello. I believe your name is Emma. The fiancee," she said, dragging out the last word as if it was the worse thing.

"Mrs. Hollen," Daniel corrected.

"Danny-boy, she's not married to Ethan as of yet. Therefore, she's not entitled to his surname."

I was reaching my breaking point but managed to throw a fake smile at her. I wasn't about to let her shake me.

Ethan was glaring at her now. She flashed him a wink and continued eating.

There is definitely something wrong here.

"Is there something I should know here?" I spoke up, folding my arms over my chest and looking at Ethan.