Chapter 19 Nothing More Than a Stand-In

His harsh reminder jolted Emma back to reality. Why was she so certain that Michael would pass the application? Just because they had shared a bed? She should not forget that he had paid for it. It was a transaction, after all. Bringing emotions into it was an overstep on her part. "That's all. Sorry for the disturbance, Mr. Brown." Emma did not wait for his response and quickly ended the call. The phrase 'biting off more than you can chew' seemed to hit her hard at this moment! Outside, Mr. Taylor had also received the news and stormed in, fuming. "I told you it wouldn't work, didn't I? Emma, who do you think you are, telling me to trust you again? "I did, and look where we are now!" Upon hearing his tirade, Isabella rushed over with a stack of files and positioned herself in front of Emma to defend her. She said, "Mr. Taylor, Emma's mother just had an accident. Can't you show a little compassion?" "Compassion? Who's going to show me compassion, then?!" Mr. Taylor slammed his hand on the table. "Emma, you can't say that I'm picking on you. You begged me for the MystiCorp project. If it doesn't get off the ground, you can pack your things and leave!" Just as Isabella was gearing up to continue their heated exchange, Emma suddenly reached out and gently restrained her. She signaled for Isabella to stop, then stood up herself as she apologized personally. "I apologize, Mr. Taylor. Also, I have no intention of abandoning the MystiCorp project." "You'd better not be all talk and no action!" Mr. Taylor left a biting remark before storming out. He slammed the door with a force that echoed through the room. Isabella seemed even more incensed than Mr. Taylor. "Emma, don't let him intimidate you! If it comes to it, just quit. I'll be right there with you!" "I'm okay." Emma took a deep, steadying breath to regain her composure. She turned her gaze to the computer, determination etched on her face. "I have to secure the MystiCorp project." She was intent on reclaiming the respect she had lost that day. "Alright, I'll help you." Before Isabella could go on, the office phone suddenly rang. Emma picked it up and recognized the somewhat familiar voice on the other end. "Ms. Wilson? Mr. Brown requests your presence in the main office." Had he returned from his business trip? … With a poker face, Emma ascended the stairs, her high heels clicking against the floor. She soon arrived at the door of the CEO's office. She knew that Michael was under no obligation to do her any favors at work, so she had no right to harbor any resentment toward him. Emma rapped on the door, and to her surprise, a woman's voice answered from within! "Come in." She pushed the door open and stepped inside. There was no sign of Michael, only a woman holding a wine glass. Upon recognizing the woman's face, Emma froze. She was stunningly beautiful, radiating a truly captivating confidence. Dressed in a custom-made light purple dress, her figure was elegant and poised. Every move she made exuded the same air of sophistication and class that Michael possessed. The shock that held Emma in place was not just because of the situation but also due to the striking resemblance between her face and the woman's. "Who are you?" the woman asked, clearly taken aback upon seeing her. "I'm Emma, from Team Three of Colossus Corporation. Mr. Brown asked for me." Emma averted her gaze and stood politely in place. "Oh." Jasmine regained her composure, gesturing toward the lounge in the office. "Michael is changing. Please wait a moment." Emma nodded, and in the next instant, she heard Michael's voice that was as cold as an iceberg. "She's only fit to be a stand-in."