Emily took Logan’s advice letting her hair down but still unsure what exactly the family dinner entailed. Nervousness wasn’t a feeling she entertained always but as she marched behind Logan it filled her mind.

“But wait, does this mean all your family will be there?”

He nodded, “of course.” Touching the open button on the elevator, she followed right behind him.

“Including your father, Ryan Morales?” Her blood boiled as she mentioned the name. He stared at her questioningly, “how did you know my father’s name?”

Her tongue glued to her pallet for some seconds as she searched for answers. “Online!” She yelped, “I saw it online.”

“Hmm,” he nodded mechanically, “it’s a family dinner so of course my dad would be available and so would the rest of my family.”

As they stepped out of the elevator, he turned to her. “There’s nothing to be scared about. My father may be tough but he’s a softie and who knows, he might like you.”

Her jaw tightened and her breath dangerously even prevented her from screaming. ‘I don’t care if he likes me…I’m going to slit his throat and have you watch.”

The office chauffeur opened the door of his Range Rover and she stepped in with him. Logan was fixed on his phone as the drive started. Giving Emily enough time to strategize what her killing mode would be.

“Barney, won’t you say hi to my new assistant?!” Logan yelled at his driver.

“Oh! I’m sorry, miss.” Barney’s wrinkled face had nothing friendly on it apart from the plastic smile that Emily could see through.

“Nice to meet you.” She muffled back.

“You know you and Barney have something in common.”

Emily looked up, letting her gaze ask the question.

“You both don’t smile. I mean I watched you the whole time today and the least you could do was hold an expressionless face.”

“Is smiling part of the job requirement?”

“No, but-“

“So I don’t have to!” Emily retreated back into her seat, shutting her eyes even when she was sure sleep wasn’t a luxury she could afford.

“I like her,” Barney muttered to himself.

“Boss, are we going to Wine’s apparel first or we’re just going straight to the manor?”

Logan gave Emily a quick examination before nodding, “I think we’ll make a quick stop at Wine’s Apparel. Emily sure needs a change of clothes.”

The sound of her name plunged her from her rest. “I don’t need a change of clothes…I like this.” She had carefully selected her bio-blazer pants to help hide her shotgun and keep it with her wherever she went. A change of clothes would mean finding a new place to hide her weapon.

“But my family won’t. My family is…unique in their own way so I’ll advise you to get a change of clothes to avoid being flustered by their uniqueness.”

“I don’t want new clothes, I insist.”

Shrugging his shoulders, “I’m sorry, Emily. It’s part of your contract. Didn’t you read it?”

“There was a clause that forces you to make me change my clothes?!”

“Not really. But there’s a clause that states that as my personal assistant, you would appear in a manner that suitably represents the company.” Flicking her collar, “And this doesn’t.”

Burying her fist against the furry car seat to avoid throwing a careless punch at Logan. He was stepping on her nerves and no one forced Ladybird to do anything.

“We are here!” Barney announced, parking in front of the exquisite mall. Emily despite her rage couldn’t help but admit the glamor that the mall commanded. A femme-looking man advanced towards them in a two-piece suit. Emily shrugged off the thought that his trousers were too tight.

“Mr. Logan so nice to have you.”

“Chris, I wish I could say the pleasure is all mine.” He reached for Emily. His warm palms buried themselves in hers but it didn’t seem unusual to him. “This is my new personal assistant, Emily Grant.”

“Oh wow!” Chris attempted nibbling Emily’s cheeks but she dodged and eyed him with rage in her eyes.

“So what exactly would you want me to do with her?”

“I’ll need her to look less firm and more ladylike. Not flowery but let her look make up for the smile that she lacks.”

Chris nodded, “Come with me, cupcake.”

Emily turned to Logan who gave an approving nod for her to follow. “I’ll be in the car, please be fast.”

Emily dragged herself behind Chris, letting her eyes wander to the exquisite designs on the shiny mannequins. Maybe after assassinating Ryan and his cohorts, she would come shop for herself.

“I think this is perfect!” Chris placed the sleek red gown side by side with her face.

“Can I get something a little longer and more free.”

“No, you may not!” Chris huffed, “We are only going to do what Mr. Logan wants except you want me to call and inform him of your changes.”

Emily patted his shoulders, “that won’t be necessary.” Snatching the dress from his grip to the dressing room.

She loved the bow at the center of the dress as it reduced the exposure of her features but she still hated its tightness.

As she walked out of the store, she couldn’t help but continuously drag down the dress not because it was too short but due to its bodycon feature.

Logan stepped out of the car to welcome her, she could spot his wide smile from the distance. She hated it, his happy feature.

Her eyes also caught on the speeding Tesla approaching them. A man’s head stretched from the window, his fingers cracking something. The sound reached her ears, she knew what it was, and her heart thumped. Immediately reaching for her shotgun but several bullets already split the air.

“Get down!”