CHAPTER 5
Emily turns back slowly, her eyes narrowed with suspicion. "A contract?" Emily repeats, her voice laced with skepticism. What could I possibly do for you?" She crosses her arms, waiting for his explanation with a mixture of curiosity and distrust. "I'm listening," Emily says, her gaze unwavering.
Richard Sterling smiles, a genuine, almost charming smile this time. "Let's not discuss business in the middle of the street," Richard Sterling says smoothly, gesturing towards a nearby café. "Allow me to buy you a coffee, and I'll explain everything. It's a rather…unconventional arrangement, but I believe you'll find it quite interesting." He pauses, his eyes twinkling. "And potentially very lucrative."
Emily hesitates for a moment, weighing her options. The offer is tempting, but something about Richard Sterling still makes her uneasy. However, curiosity wins out. "Alright," Emily says, trying to sound nonchalant. "A coffee sounds good. But I'm paying for my own."
She follows him towards the café, her senses on high alert,As they walk towards the café, Emily keeps a close eye on Richard Sterling. She notices the way he holds himself, the subtle arrogance in his posture, the practiced charm in his smile. But she also sees a flicker of something else, a hint of desperation in his eyes, a vulnerability that he tries to mask. "He's hiding something," Emily thinks, her mind racing. "This isn't just about a contract; there's something more going on here." She vows to pay attention to every word he says, every gesture he makes, searching for clues to his true agenda. ready to bolt at the first sign of trouble. "Let's hear what this is all about," Emily thinks, steeling herself for whatever Richard Sterling has in store.The bell above the door chimes as Richard Sterling and Emily enter the café, and a wave of murmurs washes over the room. All eyes turn towards them, drawn by Richard Sterling's unmistakable presence. People whisper and point, their gazes a mixture of awe, curiosity, and speculation. Emily feels a flush creep up her neck, acutely aware of the stark contrast between her own humble attire and Richard Sterling's impeccably tailored suit. "This is awkward," Emily thinks, feeling self-conscious under the scrutiny of the crowd. Richard Sterling, however, seems unfazed, his smile widening as he basks in the attention.
Despite the unwanted attention, Emily steels herself and follows Richard Sterling to a small table in the corner. She pulls out a chair and sits down, her back straight and her gaze fixed on Richard Sterling. "Alright," Emily says, her voice firm. "Let's get down to business. What is this contract you're talking about?" She ignores the whispers and stares, determined not to be intimidated by the situation. "I'm not interested in playing games," Emily adds, her eyes challenging him to be honest. "So tell me, what do you want?
Richard Sterling waves to a passing waitress and orders two coffees, his eyes never leaving Emily's. "Alright, ," Richard Sterling says, leaning forward conspiratorially. "Let me be frank. I need your help." He pauses, allowing his words to sink in. "There's a situation…a delicate situation…that requires someone with your…unique skillset." He smiles, a knowing glint in his eyes. "And I'm willing to pay handsomely for it."can I get to know ur name?
Emily raises an eyebrow, surprised by the seemingly innocuous question. "You don't know my name," Emily replies, her voice flat. "You fired me. Richard Sterling, right? Or have you forgotten already?" She watches him closely, trying to gauge his reaction. "Why are you asking me that?" Emily adds, her suspicion growing. "Are you trying to play some kind of game?"
Richard Sterling chuckles softly, a flicker of embarrassment crossing his face. "My apologies," Richard Sterling says, his tone contrite. "Sterling Corp is a large organization, and I meet many people. Please, forgive my lapse in memory." He pauses, his eyes regaining their intensity. "But that doesn't change the fact that I believe you are the right person for this task. Your…integrity…is what caught my attention."
Emily scoffs, unimpressed by his apology. "Spare me the excuses, Mr. Sterling," Emily says, her voice laced with skepticism. "I'm not interested in your flattery. I want to know what this contract is about and why you think I'm the right person for it. Cut the games and tell me the truth, or I'm walking out of here,my name is Emily." She leans back in her chair, her arms crossed, waiting for him to finally reveal his hand.
The waitress arrives with their coffees, interrupting the tense silence. She places the cups on the table, carefully avoiding eye contact, and scurries away. Richard Sterling takes a sip of his coffee, his eyes still fixed on Emily. "Alright, Emily," Richard Sterling says, setting down his cup. "You want the truth? Here it is. I need you to find someone." He pauses, his expression becoming serious. "Someone who's disappeared."
Emily raises an eyebrow, unimpressed by his explanation. "So, let me get this straight," Emily says, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You're a billionaire, and you can't afford to hire a private investigator or go to the police? You need *me*, a former cleaning lady, to find someone who's disappeared? That's the best you've got?" She takes a sip of her coffee, her eyes narrowed in disbelief. "I don't buy it, Mr. Sterling. There's something else going on here. What are you really hiding?"
Richard Sterling sighs, running a hand through his perfectly coiffed hair. "Alright, alright," Richard Sterling says, his voice laced with exasperation. "You're right, it's not that simple." He leans forward, lowering his voice. "The person who's disappeared is my daughter, Clara. And the police…well, let's just say I have reasons not to involve them right now.