Chapter 20: The office warning

Chapter 20: The office warning

The next day, Emma was at her desk early, sorting Cole’s files before his morning meeting. She thought it was going to be a normal day. She should’ve known better.

The elevator dinged and Chloe stepped out, dressed like she was about to walk a runway. She didn’t glance at anyone else. She came straight for Emma.

"Emma,” Chloe said in that sugary tone she always used when she was about to insult her.

Emma stood up politely. “Good morning, Ms. Chloe.”

Chloe’s eyes narrowed. “What did I tell you yesterday?”

Emma blinked. “About?”

Chloe leaned in, lowering her voice. “Not Ms. Chloe. I told you, soon-to-be Mrs. Harrington. Don’t make me repeat myself."

“Right. Sorry,” Emma said quickly. “Good morning, Mrs. Harrington.”

Chloe smiled like she had just won something. “That’s better.”

Before Emma could sit down, Chloe placed her bag on the corner of the desk and started scrolling through her phone like she owned the space.

Emma tried to keep typing, but Chloe wasn’t moving. Finally, Emma asked, “Did you need something?”

“Yes,” Chloe said, snapping her phone shut. “I need you to understand a few things. Let’s call this a little chat between women.”

Emma stayed quiet.

Chloe tilted her head, studying her. “You’ve been working here how long?”

“For some months,” Emma answered.

"Hmm. That’s long enough to learn some rules.” Chloe crossed her arms. “First rule, you work for Cole, not with him. There’s a difference, don’t start thinking you’re on the same level.”

“I don’t,” Emma said simply.

“Good.” Chloe’s nails tapped against her arm. “Second rule, you don’t get too comfortable. Men like Cole are in high demand. I’ve been by his side long before you showed up, and I’ll still be there long after you’re gone.”

Emma opened her mouth to reply, but Chloe cut her off with a sharp smile.

“And third rule, don’t mistake his silence for interest. He’s a very private man. He doesn’t talk much, but that doesn’t mean he cares what you think. You’re just background noise.”

Emma felt her chest tighten, but she didn’t let it show. “Noted,” she said again.

Chloe laughed softly. “You say that word a lot. But I wonder if you actually understand.”

At that moment, Cole’s office door opened. He stepped out, his eyes landing on the two of them. His gaze lingered on Chloe. “What are you doing here this early?"

Chloe turned to him instantly, her demeanor softening. “I just missed you,” she said sweetly. “I thought we could have breakfast together before your meetings.”

Cole’s gaze shifted briefly to Emma, then back to Chloe. “I don’t have time.”

You never have time,” Chloe pouted. Then, as if remembering something, she slid closer to him. “But that’s okay. I’ll wait. I wanted to check in with Emma anyway. Just girl talk.”

Cole’s brow furrowed slightly. His eyes flicked toward Emma, questioning.

Emma forced a polite smile. “It’s fine.”

He looked at Chloe again and said flatly, “Don’t keep her from her work.”

Chloe gave him a bright smile. “Of course not.”

He walked toward the elevators without looking back.

The second he was gone, Chloe turned back to Emma, her smile fading. “See what I mean? He doesn’t care what you say or do. He doesn’t even notice. That’s why you shouldn’t try too hard. It’ll only embarrass you."

Emma clenched her hands under the desk. “I’m just here to do my job.”

“Keep it that way.” Chloe leaned in closer, her perfume overwhelming. “Because if I even get the hint that you’re stepping out of line, I’ll make sure you’re gone from this building before you can pack up your little stapler.”

Emma swallowed. “Understood.”

Chloe smirked, grabbed her bag, and stood up straight again. “Good girl. I like women who know their place.”

Then she added, almost casually, “Oh, and don’t get too excited about tomorrow’s lunch. It’s not just a date, it’s a statement. People will see us together, the way it’s supposed to be.
Remember that when you’re typing away in your corner.”

She gave Emma one last sharp, smug look before strutting down the hall.

Emma sat back down, staring at her computer screen. Her hands shook, but she forced herself to keep typing. Chloe’s words clung to her, heavy and unshakable.

By lunchtime, the office was buzzing with people heading out. Emma thought Cole would skip lunch again, he usually did but then his office door opened.

“Emma,” he said.

“Yes?” She looked up from her desk.
“Cancel my two o’clock call. I’ll be out.”
“Noted,” she said, pulling up his calendar.

Before she could ask anything else, Chloe appeared out of nowhere, looping her arm through his. “Ready, darling.”

Cole’s jaw tightened. “You don’t need to come.”

“Oh, don’t be silly. Of course I do.” Her eyes flicked to Emma. “Emma, tell him how good it looks when he’s not always working through lunch.”

Emma forced a smile. “A break is always good.”

“See?” Chloe said tugging on his arm. “Even Emma thinks so.”

Cole didn’t respond, but he let Chloe lead him toward the elevators.

Emma tried to breathe, focusing back on her screen, but Chloe’s voice rang out again, sweet but sharp.
“Emma! Why don’t you join us? You could use a break too.”

Emma froze, fingers hovering over the keyboard. “Oh, no, I couldn’t”

“Nonsense.” Chloe’s smile widened. Her tone left no room for argument. “Come along. It’ll be fun.”

Emma shook her head quickly. “Really, I have work”

Chloe tilted her head, eyes narrowing. “Work will still be here when you get back. It’s lunch, not a holiday.”

Cole stopped walking, glancing back at Emma. His expression gave nothing away. “Fine. Let’s go.”

Emma blinked. “I… really, I shouldn’t”

“You should,” Chloe cut in, her hand still looped around Cole’s arm. “Don’t be shy, Emma. It’ll be nice for you to see how Cole and I spend time together outside of this office.”

Emma forced a thin smile. “That’s kind of you, but”

“No buts,” Chloe said firmly. “You sit here all day typing. You’ll waste away if you don’t take a break. Isn’t that right, darling?” She looked up at Cole like she’d already won.

Cole’s jaw tightened. He looked at Emma again, his voice calm but sharp. “Get your bag.”

Emma’s throat tightened. “But…”

“Emma,” Cole said, more firmly this time.

She swallowed, glancing from his unreadable face to Chloe’s triumphant smile. She knew she couldn’t win. Slowly, she stood up and reached for her bag.

“There we go,” Chloe said brightly. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

Emma pressed her lips together, staying silent.

As they headed toward the elevators, Chloe kept up her cheerful chatter. “This will be so much fun. The three of us. Like family already.”

Emma’s stomach turned, but she said nothing. Cole didn’t either. He just pressed the elevator button, his jaw still tight.

When the doors slid open, Chloe tugged Cole inside first, then looked back at Emma. “Come on, Emma. Don’t keep us waiting.”

Emma stepped in, clutching her bag close, wishing she could disappear.