Chapter 55: A Handsy Creep

Emily's POV

Soon everyone finished registering. I picked up the list and quickly scanned through it—about one hundred and ten people wanted one-time settlements, while the remaining three hundred plus chose to work.

Seeing this, I nodded with satisfaction.

"Good. Now let's talk about the forty job positions available this time."

I was speaking at the front when Christopher somehow appeared behind me, his hand touching my butt.

But with so many people watching, I couldn't make a scene. I could only suppress my embarrassment and pretend nothing was happening.

I didn't even dare look at him, afraid I'd see that smug, punchable expression on his face.

Strangely enough—what he was doing was clearly inappropriate, yet I felt no anger rising in my chest. Instead, it was like... I was used to it? Or maybe I wasn't actually that opposed to it?

I didn't dare think further.

I even started questioning my own preferences.

Could he have awakened some special desire in me?

My mind wandered while my mouth kept talking.

"These forty positions pay between 12 and 17 dollars per hour, with 17 being the maximum. And I'm not the one setting the final rate—that's up to the person in charge at Martinez BioGroup. If production increases later, the number of positions will definitely go up."

"While you're working, cafeteria meals are 68% off, accommodation is free—you just need to cover basic utilities."

"Those who want to participate, step forward. We'll draw lots in a moment. If you get picked, you start work. If not, go home and wait. When new positions open up, I'll notify you."

Just as I finished speaking and put down the megaphone, I felt someone slap my butt hard from behind, even giving it a couple of bounces.

My face flushed red as Christopher took the megaphone. "I'm the company's owner, and this is Ms. Johnson, who'll be handling HR and business matters. Let me say a few words."

"Ms. Johnson's suggestion was good, but I've decided to add something."

"Aside from the hundred or so who are resigning, we still have three hundred and thirty people here. Having three hundred and thirty people compete for forty spots is too few. I've decided to open up one hundred and sixty-five positions instead. This ensures at least half of you can start working right away."

"The first forty people selected will join this project. Tomorrow I'll take Ms. Johnson to negotiate new business. If we succeed, there'll be more job openings."

"Those who get picked in the remaining slots can enter these positions first, also in order."

Hearing this, I thought it over carefully and couldn't help nodding. Turns out he wasn't completely stupid—he was actually smart.

I really hadn't thought this through. Having three hundred plus people fight over forty positions would've caused a riot.

With his adjustment, everyone found it acceptable. After all, 50% odds meant either you got it or you didn't.

So no one made trouble anymore.

Later Nicholas came to report that of those who secured spots, twenty-eight were from Samuel's camp and twelve from Nicholas's camp.

I heard Nicholas's voice behind me, talking to someone. "See? Ms. Johnson's got skills. Just a few words and she handled everything. She really is an Iron Lady."

"Yeah, not only is she beautiful, she's so capable too..."

My ears perked up, and I couldn't help smiling. Feeling pleased for a second, I instinctively glanced at Christopher—wanting him to praise me too.

Then I realized what I was doing and quickly turned my face away.

Damn bastard, don't think I'll like you just because you're good-looking!

I must be too tired.

The rest didn't need my handling, but I still grabbed the megaphone. "Who threw the first stone at the car? Whoever turns him in first gets two hundred dollars!"

With such a reward, someone soon couldn't resist the temptation and pushed out a Black man.

Samuel looked at him, his expression changing. "Warren, I knew it was you, you..."

I looked at him, my eyes brightening. So this was Warren?

"Good, come with me." I led him upstairs, pausing as I passed Samuel. "You too."

In the conference room.

I stood in front of Warren. "You'll replace Samuel managing his people. Can you guarantee you'll manage them well? I tell you what to do, you do it. Do well, and I'll raise your salary—at least double what you're making now!"

Warren probably didn't expect that instead of punishing him, I'd actually promote him. He seemed stunned for a moment.

Samuel panicked. "Ms. Johnson, I..."

"You what? Did I tell you to embezzle? Did I tell you to cause trouble every day?"

I glared at him without mercy. "I don't care what you want to do. I only want one result—stability, no trouble. If you want to skim money and can do it without me finding out, that's your skill. But you didn't manage that."

"Today's incident was caused by you. If I hadn't handled it well, the company might've been destroyed. And if the person in charge at Martinez BioGroup had seen this and chosen to terminate our partnership, who would cover those losses?"

"Enough. You don't need to say more. Either become a regular employee or pack up and leave. I'll settle your wages in full, not a penny less."

Samuel fell silent.

Warren looked delighted. "Yes, Ms. Johnson. Don't worry, I'll perform well and won't let you down."

I nodded with satisfaction and let them both leave.

The moment they left, Christopher closed the conference room door.

Seeing his mischievous grin, I couldn't help backing up two steps. "What... what are you doing?"

I was already prepared to resist to the death.

After all, this bastard's behavior was unpredictable.

Christopher suddenly started singing, "My love for you hides in corners no one knows. Others can't detect it, but only I know how deep this feeling runs. My longing and affection for you, like emotions I can't hide, I've never been able to control them, can't stop thinking of you constantly."

I looked at him speechlessly, unable to even lift my eyes to meet his.

Too awkward. Even though there were no outsiders, I still felt embarrassed.

After finishing his song, Christopher knelt on one knee and pulled out a delicate little box. "Emily, I like you. Will you be my girlfriend?"

I actually laughed.

"Don't you have any dignified way to show love? Who confesses like you? Like a crazy person."

Christopher stood up looking wronged. "Isn't it a surprise? I designed this carefully."

"Get lost, get lost. I'm busy. I've got a pile of tricky problems to deal with. Where do I have time for romance with you?"

I was now tied to the company. Even if I left, one-third of that 2.5 billion dollars was mine.

Thinking about this, my urge to kill Christopher grew stronger and stronger.

Christopher opened the box. Inside lay a pigeon-egg-sized figurine shaped like a newly hatched chick—a phone charm.