Chapter 2: The Offer
The next morning, Emma was certain she would be fired.
Instead, the hotel manager practically bowed when she arrived.
"Mr. Moretti wishes to see you."
Her stomach dropped.
An hour later, she sat inside Moretti Global Headquarters.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked Chicago.
Everything felt unreal.
Vincent entered without an entourage.
"You look disappointed to be here," he observed.
Emma forced a nervous smile.
"I assumed this meeting would end badly."
He almost smiled.
"Do you know what my mother said about you?"
Emma shook her head.
"She said you reminded her that goodness still exists."
Silence lingered.
Vincent slid a folder across the desk.
Inside were medical reports.
Her father's.
Hospital debts.
Insurance denials.
Emma's blood froze.
"You investigated me?"
"I protect those connected to my family."
"I don't want charity."
His dark eyes met hers.
"This isn't charity."
"What is it?"
"A position."
He explained that Isabella wanted Emma to become her personal assistant and companion.
Someone who wasn't motivated by status or fear.
Someone genuine.
The salary was enough to erase her debts.
To pay for Daniel's treatment.
To secure her sister's education.
Emma stared at the contract.
"This changes everything."
"It could," Vincent replied.
"But only if you choose it."
"Why me?"
He looked toward the city skyline.
"Because when everyone else calculated consequences, you acted."
Emma thought of her father's tired smile.
Of overdue notices.
Of sleepless nights.
Slowly, she signed.
May you like
Life had offered her an unexpected door.
For once, she stepped through it.
