Emma’s POV

I spend the next two hours preparing for the Kingston meeting. Researching, drafting counterpoints, making notes.

Just as I finish, a message pops up on my phone.

Unknown Number: You didn’t listen. You need to leave.

I inhale sharply.

My fingers hover over the reply button, but what do I even say?

I decide against responding and delete the message. Whoever it is, I won’t let them scare me.

A knock on my door makes me jump.

It’s Nina, my closest ally in the office.

"Hey," she says, stepping in. "You okay?"

I nod, pushing my phone away. "Yeah. Just… busy."

She eyes me suspiciously but doesn’t push. Instead, she hands me a file. "Here’s everything legal sent over on the Kingston deal."

I take it, grateful. "Thanks, Nina."

She hesitates. "Be careful, Emma."

I frown. "What do you mean?"

She shifts on her feet. "I overheard something this morning. About Kingston. Some people think there’s more going on than just a contract dispute."

A cold feeling spreads in my chest. "Like what?"

She bites her lip. "I don’t know. But if Kingston wants to back out, there’s a reason. And not necessarily a legal one."

Her words linger long after she leaves.

What exactly have I stepped into?

*

By noon, I’m in the conference room, facing Kingston’s legal team.

Across from me sits David Kingston, a man in his fifties with salt-and-pepper hair and a polished demeanor.

"We appreciate your time," I begin, keeping my voice steady. "But I believe there’s been a misunderstanding regarding Clause 17B."

David leans back, fingers tapping the table. "A misunderstanding?"

I nod. "The clause was adjusted to protect both parties equally. Hayes Global has no intention of pushing unfair terms on Kingston Industries."

David exchanges a glance with his lawyer.

Then he sighs. "Emma, let me be direct. This isn’t about the contract."

I pause. "Then what is it about?"

He leans in slightly. "You’re new here, so I’ll give you some advice. Not everything in this industry is about paperwork."

Something about his tone unnerves me.

I glance at his lawyer, but the man avoids my gaze.

"Are you saying someone doesn’t want this deal to happen?" I ask carefully.

David smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. "I’m saying be careful."

The meeting ends shortly after. I leave with more questions than answers.

And as I step into the hallway, my phone vibrates again.

Unknown Number: You don’t belong here, Emma. Leave before it’s too late.

I clench my jaw.

No. I won’t back down.

Whatever’s happening at Hayes Global—I intend to find out.

*

I stare at my phone screen, my heart pounding.

You don’t belong here, Emma. Leave before it’s too late.

I swallow hard, my fingers tightening around the phone. I should ignore it. I should delete the message like I did before. But something about this feels different—more urgent. More personal.

I take a deep breath and glance around the hallway outside the conference room. People walk past, too busy with their own work to notice me standing there, frozen.

Should I tell someone? Alexander? Nina?

No. Not yet.

Whoever this is wants me scared. They want me to run. But I won’t.

I quickly tuck my phone into my bag and head toward my office, my heels clicking against the marble floor. My mind is racing.

What did David Kingston mean when he said not everything in this industry is about paperwork?

What am I missing?

*

I barely make it into my office when the phone on my desk rings. I grab it quickly.

“Emma Clarke speaking.”

“Come to my office.” Alexander’s voice. Short, direct, no explanation.

The line goes dead before I can respond.

I exhale, grab my notebook, and make my way to the top floor.

When I enter his office, Alexander is standing by the window, looking down at the city skyline. His back is to me, hands in his pockets. His suit is dark, sharp, and perfectly fitted.

I clear my throat. “You wanted to see me?”

He turns, his piercing blue eyes locking onto mine. “What happened in the Kingston meeting?”

I hesitate. “It was… strange.”

“Strange how?”

I shift my weight. “David Kingston wasn’t interested in renegotiating. He acted like the contract didn’t even matter. Instead, he warned me to be careful.”

Alexander’s expression doesn’t change, but something in his eyes sharpens.

“What exactly did he say?”

I repeat the conversation word for word. When I finish, Alexander walks around his desk and leans against it, arms crossed.

“This isn’t just about business,” I say carefully. “There’s something else going on.”

Alexander doesn’t answer right away. Instead, he studies me, as if deciding whether to tell me something.

Finally, he says, “You’re right.”

I blink. “I am?”

He nods, his voice low. “The Kingston deal isn’t just another contract. It’s part of something bigger.”

I wait for him to explain, but he doesn’t.

Frustrated, I press, “If there’s something I need to know, tell me. Because right now, I feel like I’m being warned away from something I don’t even understand.”

Alexander watches me for a long moment. Then, finally, he says, “Not yet.”

Not yet?

I open my mouth to argue, but he pushes off the desk. “For now, focus on keeping Kingston from walking away. I don’t care how you do it.”

I exhale slowly. “Alright.”

I turn to leave, but his voice stops me.

“Emma.”

I glance back.

His expression is unreadable. “If anyone contacts you—anyone you don’t recognize—tell me immediately.”

I hesitate but nod.

As I walk out, my mind spins with more questions than answers.

*

Back in my office, I sit at my desk, tapping my pen against my notebook. Something isn’t adding up.

Why would Kingston want out of a deal that benefits them? Who sent me that message? And why does Alexander seem like he’s keeping secrets?

A knock on my door startles me.

“Come in.”

Nina steps inside, shutting the door behind her. Her usual bright expression is gone.

“We need to talk.”

I frown. “What’s wrong?”

She hesitates, then lowers her voice. “I heard something about you.”

I tense. “About me?”

She nods, moving closer. “Some people in the office think you’re in over your head. That you should quit before things get… messy.”

A chill runs down my spine.

“Who said that?”

Nina bites her lip. “I don’t know exactly. But I overheard a conversation near the break room. Someone said you should ‘take the hint before it’s too late.’”

My stomach twists.

First the messages. Now this?

I force a smile. “Well, that’s dramatic.”

Nina doesn’t smile back. “Emma, I’m serious. I don’t know what’s happening, but I think you should be careful.”

I nod slowly. “I will.”

But in my gut, I know one thing for sure—whoever wants me gone isn’t going to stop.

*

The rest of the day passes in a blur. Meetings, phone calls, paperwork.

By the time I leave the office, it’s almost 8 PM.

I step outside, breathing in the cool evening air. My car is parked a block away. I start walking toward it when I notice something—

A black SUV parked across the street.

The same SUV I saw yesterday.

My pulse jumps.

I tell myself it’s a coincidence. But when I turn the corner, my stomach drops.

Another black SUV is parked further down.

I pick up my pace, glancing around. The street is quiet, mostly empty. My car is just ahead.

Just as I reach for the door handle, a voice stops me.

“Emma Clarke.”

I spin around.

A man in a dark suit stands behind me. Mid-forties, expensive watch, calm expression.

I clutch my keys. “Who are you?”

He smiles slightly. “Someone who wants to help.”

I don’t move. “Help with what?”

His eyes flicker toward the black SUV. “You’re in a dangerous position. If you’re smart, you’ll walk away from Hayes Global before it’s too late.”

A cold weight settles in my stomach.

“So you’re the one sending me those messages?”

His smile fades. “I’m not the only one who thinks you should leave.”

I exhale sharply. “Why?”

He tilts his head. “Because you’re digging into things that aren’t meant for you.”

I swallow hard. “Like what?”

The man doesn’t answer. Instead, he steps closer. “This is your only warning. Leave the company. Or you’ll regret it.”

My grip tightens on my keys. “I’m not going anywhere.”

His expression darkens. “Then I hope you’re ready for what’s coming.”

Without another word, he turns and walks away, slipping into the black SUV.

I stand frozen as the car pulls away, disappearing down the street.

My hands are shaking.

I should be scared. Maybe I am.

But more than anything—I’m angry.

Who do these people think they are? Why are they trying to push me out?

I don’t have all the answers yet.

But I will.

And whoever is behind this?

They’ll wish they never tried to scare me away.