Ouch.

"Clear."

Emily chose to shut her mouth and not ask any more questions. The general manager appreciated the new employee's quick wit and even walked her to the department, where Emily was given a name badge and a service door access card.

The guards entered the girl's data into the base and gave permission to visit the upper floors of the building, where the offices of all small and large bosses were located.

Among whom was him. Mr. Justin Evans, the head of Number 30 at Pharaoh Publishing House.

At least that is what was written on the golden plaque that hung on the massive door in front of which Emily was standing.

The girl took a deep breath, knocked, and opened the door. A spacious waiting room with a huge pyramid-styled aquarium appeared before her eyes. In the corner there was a leather sofa, a couple of armchairs, and a table.

"Hello. How can I help you?" a melodic and pleasant voice asked from somewhere on the side.

Emily turned her head and saw the secretary - a sweet girl with a benevolent smile, dressed in a business suit.

"I'm going to Mr. Evans."

"What is this regarding?" the secretary's smile stopped being cute as soon as Emily closed the door behind her and went inside. "He isn't accepting visitors now."

"Are you sure? Because he told me to be at his briefing in ten minutes." Emily glanced at the huge clock on the wall behind the secretary and cursed to herself. Almost fifteen minutes have passed.

"You must have messed something up," the secretary replied in the tone usually used to talk to children or the mentally ill people, "Mr. Evans is NOT accepting anyone. He gave this order as soon as he arrived at the office."

"I didn't mess anything up. I need to see your boss."

In fact, I absolutely do not need and do not want to, she thought, and would rather not be in his office at all.

The secretary at the table was also not eager to let the unknown visitor to her precious boss.

"And you try to call him or go. In general, just ask about it. Then both of us will definitely not be fired for not following orders from our superiors."

Disguised in a polite tone, the threat worked on the secretary immediately.

The girl threw an irritated glance at Emily, picked up the communicator, pressed a couple of numbers, and cooed in a gentle voice, "Mr. Evans, I have here...," looked inquiringly at the uninvited visitor.

"Miss Hayes," Emily prompted.

"Miss Hayes, who came to see you," the secretary repeated the girl's name as if it was a curse. "Okay, I get it. I will let her in now."

Emily smirked inwardly at herself, but outwardly portrayed exquisite nobility.

The secretary hung up and muttered, "Go."

"Thanks," Emily nodded, but the receptionist didn't even look at her.

Hmm, the number of "friends" in the new job was growing exponentially. But she has not even started her duties yet!

The girl took a deep breath and pulled on another heavy door.