Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 81

"Mr. Galeana, you're too kind. Having Ines on board is nothing short of a godsend. She's taken a lot of weight off my shoulders. Even our ever-so-picky Ms. Young can't stop singing her praises." Jaime was well aware of Ines' value to Hunter, therefore, he made a point to highlight her merits.

"Oh? Ms. Young, as in the infamous workaholic Amelia Young?" Hunter raised an eyebrow, seemingly familiar with Jaime's reference.

"That's her. Amelia is a tough cookie, but she's always held Ines in high regard. We have a bunch of top-notch talents at our firm, Mr. Galeana. Would you consider a partnership?" Jaime asked gingerly.

To his surprise, Hunter agreed in a heartbeat, "Sure, why not? You guys can give it a shot this year."

With that, he cast a casual glance at Ines. Jaime took the hint, extended a hand to Hunter with a grin, "Thanks for your trust, Mr. Galeana. Here's to a successful partnership."

Ines felt a shudder run through her.

Hunter shook Jaime's hand, "To our success."

Thereafter, Hunter and Jaime had a long chat while Ines stood quietly on the sidelines, holding back her anger. "I almost forgot, we're here to celebrate tonight. Let's drop the business talk. Ines, feel free to mingle. We don't need you here." Hunter seemed to consider Ines a stranger.

Ines found his tone grating, the irony in her smile deepening.

"Well, if that's what Mr. Galeana suggests, I'll take my leave."

Nodding briefly, Ines walked away. The banquet hadn't officially started. She headed for the balcony to get some fresh air. Just as she stepped out, Emma followed, snidely remarking, "Ines, I thought you were some big shot. Turns out you're just a bean counter."

"How narrow-minded. No wonder you've been stuck in the same place for so long. If you spent less time chasing men and more time improving yourself, you wouldn't be in this mess." Ines retorted with a derisive laugh.

She realized that being a pushover would only encourage Emma to push her boundaries. The best way to handle it was to fight fire with fire, to send Emma packing. She might have a cool demeanor, but she was in no way a pushover. She had avoided arguing with Emma before, fearing that her scandalous past would tarnish the Meyer family's reputation. But after coming clean with her mother-in-law, she was reassured that they were not afraid of any rumors.

Emma's face changed. The old fearless Ines was back, leaving her speechless. Emma glared at Ines, "What the hell are you talking about? I'm good at my job."

A smirk tugged at Ines' lips, "Are you out of your mind? Even a barmaid wouldn't brag about her work skills."

"I'm the PR Manager." Emma corrected.

"So, you're in a hurry to tell me you're a high-class barmaid?" Ines rubbed her temples, coldly retorting.

Emma held her head high, "Ines, you're talking nonsense."

Stoner knew Emma. He had once been interested in her but refrained due to her status. He gave a nonchalant smile, "I'm sorry if I've embarrassed you, Ms. Galeana. I'm aware she's a married woman."

"No way, she can't possibly be married." Emma whispered incredulously.

She spoke softly, but Stoner was close enough to hear her. His interest piqued, "Do you know her, Ms. Galeana?"

Emma glanced around hesitantly, sparking Stoner's curiosity. He eagerly asked, "What do you know, Ms. Galeana?" Emma feigned reluctance, then leaned in to whisper, "Well, Mr. Farrar, I think we're close enough for me to share this. I wouldn't tell anyone else. The woman you saw isn't a married woman. She's just a fresh college graduate who came to interview for a hostess position at our company not long ago."

"She was charming and likable, and I was considering hiring her. But I heard she didn't have a good reputation. Apparently, she had a sugar daddy in college. I decided to not hire her. I couldn't risk tarnishing our company's reputation."

"Really? Someone told me she was married." Stoner's eyes lit up.

Emma shrugged, "I'm not sure about that. My information comes from reliable sources. Maybe someone's tricking you."

"That wicked woman, she's totally out of line." At this point, Stoner was blinded by malicious thoughts swirling in his head, fooled by Emma into believing it was Amelia who had tricked him.

With that, he excitedly strode off in the direction Ines had left. Watching Stoner's confident swagger, Emma's lips curled into a cold, sinister smirk.