Chapter 6 - Entering the Lion's Den
The next morning, Emma arrived at the cramped, rundown apartment she shared with Leo on the south side of Chicago. The scent of damp wood and old radiator heat hung heavy in the air.
“Leo?” she called out softly, setting her keys on the chipped counter.
“Emma!”
From the tiny bedroom, the squeak of small wheelchair wheels rolled across the linoleum. Leo, a pale boy with large hazel eyes mirroring hers, wheeled himself into the kitchen. His face was pale, but his smile was radiant. “You were out all night! The agency said the shift ended at two in the morning. I was getting worried!”
Emma dropped to her knees, wrapping her arms tightly around her little brother. She buried her face in his small shoulder and began to cry—not tears of exhaustion, but of overwhelming gratitude.
“Emma? What’s wrong? Did something happen?” Leo asked, his small hands patting her back nervously.
“Nothing is wrong, Leo,” she choked out, pulling back and cupping his cheeks. “Everything is right. We’re leaving this place. You’re getting your surgery, Leo. You’re going to walk again.”
Before she could explain further, her phone buzzed sharply on the counter. The screen displayed the name of her catering agency manager, Mr. Henderson—a known associate of the fired banquet manager, Sterling.
Emma answered and placed it on speaker. “Hello?”
“Emma Carter!” Henderson’s abrasive voice barked through the phone. “You are officially terminated from Apex Catering! In fact, every single agency in the tri-state area has just put you on the permanent blacklist! You assaulted Miss Victoria Vance last night? Are you insane?! Mr. Vance’s legal team is filing a police report for assault and battery against you right now! Pack your bags, girl, because you’re going to jail!”
Leo’s eyes widened in horror. “Emma… jail?”
Emma’s heart clenched, but before she could speak, the rumble of a heavy engine echoed outside their dilapidated apartment building.
Emma walked to the cracked window and looked down.
Two sleek, midnight-black Cadillac Escalades, flanked by a pristine Rolls-Royce Phantom, had pulled up in front of the grimy building, completely blocking the street. Neighbors were peeking out of their windows in utter astonishment.
The door of the Rolls-Royce opened, and Marcus stepped out, followed by four broad-shouldered men in tailored dark suits.
Emma turned back to the phone. For the first time in her life, she didn't apologize. She didn't beg.
“Do whatever you want, Mr. Henderson,” Emma said coldly. “Because I don't work for you anymore.”
She ended the call and tossed the phone onto the couch.
A moment later, a firm knock sounded at the door. Emma opened it to find Marcus standing in the hallway, holding a leather folder.
May you like
“Miss Carter,” Marcus greeted with a respectful bow. “Mr. Moretti has dispatched us to facilitate your relocation. A private medical transport team is downstairs to assist your brother. If you are ready, your new life begins today.”
***
