Chapter 17
The guard watched Emelia’s flustered state, a trace of disdain flashing in his eyes.
To him, she was just another woman trying to sneak in to gold–dig.
Just as Emelia’s eyes reddened with frustration, teetering on the edge of collapse, a low car engine rumble sounded behind her.
A polished sedan glided to a stop.
The door opened, and a tall, well–built man in an impeccable suit stepped out.
Emelia looked over and her face immediately brightened as if spotting salvation.“Mr. Anderson!” she called out desperately.
Joshua turned at the sound of his name. He saw Emelia stumbling toward him, her face etched with distress.
Reynold Klein, his assistant, looked at the scene in confusion.“Ms. Sutton,” he asked, “what are you doing here?”
Joshua’s gaze rested on Emelia. Without her usual heavy makeup, her face was bare, her hair slightly disheveled. She wore only a loose loungewear with slightly wrinkled edges, clearly having rushed out in a hurry.
The corner of his mouth lifted in amusement as he said, “Ms. Sutton, did Justin kick you out?”
“Mr. Anderson,” Emelia pleaded, clutching at his sleeve like a drowning person grasping at their last hope.“My brother is in trouble inside. Can you take
me in? I need to save him.”
Joshua’s teasing smile vanished instantly when he saw Emelia’s desperate expression.
His eyes grew sharp and serious as he immediately understood the situation was more critical than he’d imagined.
He turned slightly and gave Reynold a meaningful look.
Reynold stepped forward and told the security guard, “She’s with me.”
The guard hesitated, panic flashing in his eyes. He opened his mouth to question them, but one look at Joshua’s stern expression made him swallow his words. He could only watch helplessly as the two hurried through the entrance.
As they disappeared inside, the guard regretted his earlier disdainful look at Emelia.
He silently prayed she wouldn’t hold his rudeness against him when she came out.
Emelia stayed close behind Joshua as they moved quickly toward the elevators.
The elevator door opened, and they slipped inside. Emelia’s hands trembled as she frantically pressed the button for the 36th floor.
06.59
