The meeting continued for nearly an hour.
Victoria presented a proposal for a joint project between their companies.
Everyone in the room listened carefully.
Emily noticed something interesting.
Victoria spoke directly to Alexander most of the time.
But every few minutes—
Her eyes moved toward Emily.
Finally Victoria smiled.
"Miss Carter."
Emily looked up.
"Yes?"
Victoria leaned slightly forward.
"I'm curious."
The room grew quiet.
"How did someone with your background end up working so closely with Alexander Knight?"
Emily remained calm.
"I work hard."
Victoria smiled slightly.
"That's admirable."
But her tone suggested something else.
Alexander spoke suddenly.
"Miss Carter earned her position."
Victoria glanced at him.
"I didn't doubt that."
But Emily understood the real message.
Victoria wasn't just curious.
She was testing her.