Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3015

Setting her phone aside, Emily sniffled and slumped back against the sofa cushions. Staring out at the glittering city skyline, her eyes remained as clear and luminous as ever—radiant yet incredibly resilient.

...

First thing Monday morning, Adelaide used the staff meeting to remind Emily that Sterling Properties was demanding their drafts. She told her to hurry up.

Emily calmly confirmed she would meet the deadline.

"Good. While your previous drafts were somewhat mediocre, your attitude toward your work is commendable," Adelaide said with a patronizing smile. "If you lack natural talent, making up for it with sheer effort is something I can respect."

Padgett's grip on his pen tightened until his knuckles turned white. He opened his mouth to intervene, but stopped when he caught Emily subtly shaking her head.

Adelaide was incredibly smug about the dynamic she had established with both of them. Before transferring to headquarters, she had caught wind that Padgett was next in line for the director position and had a fiercely talented protégé. She had come in viewing them as massive threats.

She prided herself on her sharp survival instincts.

As the new boss, she knew she had to establish dominance quickly. By forcing Padgett and Emily into submission, she ensured no one else in the department would dare challenge her.

Sitting up impeccably straight, Adelaide looked at Emily. "Focus entirely on the Sterling project. I've reassigned Phase Two of the Autumnwood Arts Center to Scott. I've also handed a few of your other requested commissions to the rest of the team. You still need more experience, Emily. Don't bite off more than you can chew."

Sitting across the table, Scott and Edwina guiltily avoided eye contact, pretending to read their notes.

Emily met Adelaide's gaze evenly. "I handled Phase One of Autumnwood. If someone else takes over, the design continuity will suffer significantly."

Autumnwood was a major art exhibition center. She had poured her soul into the initial designs and built a fantastic rapport with the client, who had specifically requested her for Phase Two.

"Phase One is already done," Adelaide dismissed breezily. "Scott will simply mimic your style for the continuation. There's nothing to worry about. Though, feel free to assist him if he needs pointers."

Scott eagerly chimed in, offering a friendly smile. "Emily, I'll probably be bugging you a lot for help! Don't worry, I'll make sure everyone knows this project was a joint effort."

She offered a tight, polite smile. "Don't mention it. Helping the company is part of the job."

His smile widened. "What I love most about you is how you always see the bigger picture. You're going to go far in this industry!"

"You're a lifesaver! I owe you lunch!"

Once the coast was clear, Edwina marched over, her face flushed with indignation. "They steal your clients and then treat you like an intern! Why are you letting them walk all over you?"

"It's fine," Emily replied calmly. "It's just a bit of extra work."

"But you're a senior-level designer! Half these clients only signed with us because of you. Now they're taking the credit and still making you do the heavy lifting. They have their own assistants! They're doing this just to humiliate you. Do you have any idea what people are whispering about you in the breakroom?"

Emily remained completely unfazed. "When I first started here, I did this exact same grunt work. It doesn't bother me now. If someone else can keep my clients happy, I don't care who gets the commission."

Realizing something, Edwina looked a bit sheepish. "Adelaide actually gave me one of your clients, too. Honestly, I didn't want it. I'd never steal from you."

Emily fell silent for a moment before speaking in a measured tone. "Edwina, maybe friendship shouldn't be your top priority at work. We're all here to make a living, not to make friends."

Edwina froze. "What is that supposed to mean?"