My Stand-In Groom Is A Secret Tycoon by Lydia Pierce

Chapter 21

After the pantry incident, Audrey kept managing her work like it was no big deal. It was almost quitting time when she used the intercom to call Emily into her office. "Hey, Ms. Rhodes, you wanted to see me?" Emily asked as she walked in..

"Yeah. I just wanted to let you know I won't be at the evening potluck. They've been putting in a lot of effort lately, so entertain them for me, will you?" Audrey replied. With everything that had happened, she thought her presence might send people into a frenzy.

"Got it, I've already sorted everything out, Emily confirmed with a nod

Audrey felt a wave of relief wash over her, glad that Emily had it all under control. "Great, then you're free to go."

But Emily stayed put, lips pressed together in hesitation. After a moment, she spoke up, "Ms. Rhodes, can I leave with you?"

At first, Audrey assumed Emily just wanted a ride home, since they used to live in the same area and had carpooled a few times She shook her head, a hint of regret in her voice. "I don't live with the Rhodes family anymore, so it's really out of my way for you."

quickly clarified. That's not what I mean. I meant leaving the office together.

was taken aback by her loyalty. She looked down, speaking softly, "You heard what everyone said today. They think I'm nobody now that I'm no longer the daughter of the Rhodes family. Why would you want to follow me? You'd be better off here." It hit her then-Audrey hadn't really considered that. Eliza didn't know much yet, and she'd definitely need someone by her side when

the company. It felt

step of the way. I don't want to leave you to assist someone who just takes credit for your work." Emily didn't hold back, making it clear how she felt about Eliza. She knew deep

said, "Ms. Rhodes, I'm not scared of getting a little tired. I can handle the struggle. Even if it means starting

sensing the weight of Emily's words. Just because Emily claimed she could endure hardships didn't mean Audrey should put her through

me think it over, Audrey replied, keeping things open-ended. There's still some time before the Brightview Group program

Audrey mentioned leaving Rhodes Enterprises, it wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. She had her strategy ready and was already mapping out her exit plan. But if she brought Emily along, she'd have to rethink everything from scratch. Emily nodded eagerly and said, "That sounds good, Ms. Rhodes. I'll wait for your answer. And

the sky began to darken. Audrey wrapped up her last email and closed her laptop. She grabbed her jacket from the chair, ready to

back to the day's events,

the company. He might explicitly go

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