The moment the elevator doors slid shut, Camilla was enveloped by an atmosphere of unimaginable luxury.
Only then did she realize that the Banks family's wealth was little more than a child's game compared to that of the Mersace family.
The elevator itself was a masterpiece of engineering.
Its walls were crafted from crystal-clear tempered glass, offering a breathtaking view of the towering headquarters, while intricate gold accents shimmered beneath the soft lighting. Every detail reflected the Mersaces' immense fortune and influence.
It was rumored that the private elevator alone had cost over six million dollars to build.
Moments later, the elevator stopped at the executive floor.
The doors opened.
Ernest stepped out first.
"Miss Pierce," he said, "there's no point going to Mr. Mersace's office."
Camilla frowned.
"Why?"
"He's not here."
She folded her arms.
"Then why bring me all the way upstairs?"
Ernest offered an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry for wasting your time. Mr. Mersace canceled every appointment until further notice. Unfortunately, that has brought several important projects to a standstill."
"And?" Camilla interrupted impatiently.
Ernest hesitated before speaking again.
"He has severe headaches… a swollen cheek… and a persistent toothache."
His words lingered in the air.
Camilla immediately understood what he was implying.
The injuries were the result of the slap she had given Manuel.
A trace of guilt crossed her face.
Ernest noticed.
"If you're willing," he continued, "I'd appreciate it if you could oversee the pending matters until Mr. Mersace returns."
Camilla sighed softly.
"Fine."
She looked directly at him.
"Send every pending document to Charlie and me."
"I'll take care of the company until he returns."
Relief appeared on Ernest's face.
"Thank you, Miss Pierce."
Camilla's POV
Ernest was clever.
Far cleverer than most people gave him credit for.
He knew exactly how to make me work for Manuel without forcing me.
And after what I'd done to Manuel the previous night…
How could I refuse?
I called Charlie over.
Together, we reviewed every document on the executive desk, carefully examining each report and financial statement.
Nothing escaped my attention.
After nearly an hour, I finally understood the company's biggest problem.
The designs weren't the issue.
The management strategy was.
"Miss Pierce," Ernest asked politely, "is there anything I can assist you with?"
I smiled.
"Actually… yes."
His eyes lit up.
"What can I do?"
I leaned back comfortably.
"What exactly am I getting out of this?"
Ernest blinked.
"I'm sorry?"
"How much are you prepared to pay me?"
A grin spread across my face.
He couldn't help but smile in return.
Even in the middle of a corporate crisis…
I still knew how to negotiate.
Returning my attention to the reports, I spoke calmly.
"The company has been performing well overall."
I flipped another page.
"But since last month, you've been relying on emergency architectural concepts for ordinary commercial projects."
I placed another file on the table.
"That's reducing creativity and damaging the company's brand identity."
I picked up the financial statements.
"And these investment agreements…"
I looked at Ernest.
"You're giving away far too much equity."
"The investors are extracting profits while the corporation absorbs most of the operational costs."
I closed the file.
"At this rate, the company is losing nearly twenty percent of its annual profit."
The room fell silent.
No one dared question my analysis.
I turned toward Charlie.
"Notify the Design Department and the Strategic Planning Department."
"I want everyone in the conference room within ten minutes."
"Right away."
Ten minutes later…
Charlie opened the conference room door.
I walked inside.
More than twenty executives immediately rose to their feet.
As my eyes swept across the room…
They stopped on one familiar face.
Anita.
She was seated among the senior executives, watching me with an expression that was impossible to read.
For a brief moment…
Our eyes met.
Neither of us looked away.