Chapter 18

"Welcome again to New York, Miss Clark," Jack said, smiling courteously at me as the car arrived at a huge glass structure.

I was back at the office again in just a number of days

"Emily!" There was a slight sense of comfort when Ben's voice shouted out. With his hands carelessly tucked into his pockets, he approached me with that effortless smile he always wore. "You made it."

I tried to smile as I answered, "Yeah," but I was still feeling overpowered by everything. "I'm here. Again."

Ben laughed and pointed about. "You seem to be in the major leagues now, don't you? You'll get the hang of it, don't worry. I'll show you how to navigate this crowd."

I mumbled, "Thanks," appreciating his easygoing demeanor. The only thing that kept me from feeling like I was drowning in this weird new world was him.

Jack cleared his throat. "We must give a formal introduction. The board has been waiting to meet you."

"The board?"

Ben gave me a quick pat on the back. "Just a group of elderly men dressed in suits. There is nothing to be concerned about. I'll be there to keep you company."

I smiled slightly at him, but I was already feeling anxious. This was not what I was expecting. I wasn't prepared to explain why I, a small-town schoolteacher, had become a part of their world in front of these folks, who had most likely known Henry Monroe for years.

I looked anxiously around at the well-dressed men and ladies seated around me as I sat at the long table. Their eyes were on me, assessing, judging.

Standing at the head of the table, Jack spoke in a polished and easygoing manner. ""As you all know, this is Emily Clark, Henry's daughter and a new significant shareholder in Monroe Enterprises. She will be joining us going forward, and we expect you to show her the same respect as any other member of this board."

I tried to look them in the eyes with an awkward smile, but most of them just gave me curt nods. They didn't appear excited. Ben leaned over to whisper in my ear, "Don't worry, they're always like this. They don't warm up easily."

Silver-haired and stern-looking, one of the board members cleared his throat. "Miss Clark, we've all been following the recent media coverage. You've come into quite the spotlight."

Ben skillfully cut me off as I opened my mouth. "She'll manage it perfectly. Emily's stronger than she looks."

I gave him a thank-you look. Ben appeared to know just when to intervene and when to maintain a lighthearted tone. I would have broken beneath the pressure of their glances without him.

As the meeting progressed, topics including the company's strategies and future were discussed. I pretended to keep up while nodding along, not really understanding most of it. I was mentally worn out when it was all over.

When I returned to the apartment that had been set up for me, I slumped down on the couch and looked up at the ceiling. It wasn't home.

In an attempt to ground myself, I reached for my phone and dialed my mother.

"Emily?" I felt a little better just listening to Margo's voice over the line. "Hey honey, how are you? Have you settled in well?"

I sighed and said, "I'm here. But, Mom, it's all... it's too much. I'm not sure how I'm meant to fit in here."

Margo stopped, then said again, her voice lower. "Emily, you need to be careful. You become a target when you are associated with the Monroe name. You're in a world where people will use you, where they'll want things from you."

I frowned and tightened my hold on the phone. "You think I'm in danger?"

"I'm not sure," she said. "Don't let them manipulate you; you must have faith in yourself."

Under the pressure of everything, I said, "I'll try."

Margo responded, "Good," in a firm voice. "Just watch out, Emily. You have a lot on your plate."

We spoke for a few more minutes before hanging up, leaving me feeling more torn than ever as I stared at my phone.

I was so desperate to hear Sophie's voice that I called her later that night.

She said, "Hey, city girl," trying to sound upbeat but obviously worried. "How are things going? How is New York treating you?"

I rubbed my forehead and moaned. "Sophie, it's... difficult. Here, everything is different. I'm not sure if I belong."

Sophie told me, "You'll find your way. The speed at which things are going bothers me."

"I don't either," I said. "But it's not like I can go back now. It's too late for that."

Sophie paused. "I simply don't want to lose you in the midst of this."

"You won't," I said. "I remain who I am."

However, I had doubts about it being true even while I was saying it.

The day went by quickly, I was out again and I mostly avoided the media craze while attempting to orient myself in this unfamiliar environment. I was worn out by the evening and ready to go to bed. My phone buzzed again after I finished eating.

The security firm had sent out the following message: A break-in occurred. We've secured the building, but nothing was stolen.

My heart fell. Panic swept through me as I sat up and stared at the message. A break-in? I hadn't even been here for a full day, and already someone had gotten inside?

I promptly contacted the security firm to inquire more, but they were only able to assure me that nothing seemed amiss and that there were no indications of forced entry. I was still frightened by the thought that someone had been in the flat.

As I called Ethan's phone, my hands were shaking. He picked up on the second ring.

I blurted, "My apartment was broken into, Ethan."

He paused for a long moment before continuing. "When?"

I paced the room and said, "I don't know. I'm afraid, even though security claimed nothing was taken."

Ethan spoke in a tone that was almost too calm. "It's probably nothing. New York has its risks. Break-ins happen."

I stopped pacing. "You seem completely unconcerned."

With a firm tone, Ethan stated, "There's no need to panic. I'll take care of it. You're safe."

"How do you know for sure?" Frustration brewing inside me, I pressed. "You act as though this is normal."

"Believe me," Ethan stated firmly. "You're all right. There's more going on, but I'll explain when the time is right. Just keep your attention on getting settled."

"Ethan," I remarked quietly, "you're hiding something."

He took a while to reply, and when he did, his tone was abrupt. "Emily, it's complicated. Let me take care of it."

He abruptly cut off, leaving me much more confused and wary than before. What was happening? Why wasn't Ethan more concerned?