Cathy's face shifted through a range of colors, her usual confidence faltering for a moment. Cathy had been hired into the Great Wall Group by Vincent Norman himself. Her background was a mystery to most, but because of Vincent’s backing, no one dared challenge her, not even Daniel or Ken. She had built a reputation for getting her way in the company, occasionally making things difficult for others without facing any repercussions. But this Miranda? She had the audacity to stand up to her? Cathy pointed a finger at Emily, her voice trembling with indignation. "So, you finally admit it, huh? All those architecture awards, the whole famous designer act—you've been plotting this from the start. You just wanted to catch the boss's attention, didn’t you? You think I don’t know?" Emily smiled coolly. "If you already know, then why bother asking me?" Cathy clenched her fists. "Fine. Let’s see if you’ve got the guts to admit it in front of him. If you want your ID badge, make Vincent come get it for you!" Before Emily could respond, a voice rang out from the doorway. "I didn’t know the HR manager here had such a big ego. You really need Vincent to personally ask for an ID badge?" It was Steven, Dylan’s right-hand man. As Dylan was trusted by Vincent, Steven carried a fair amount of influence within the company. Cathy’s eyes narrowed. "Well, well, Miranda's charm works wonders, doesn’t it? Not only does she have something going on with the boss, now she’s got his assistant wrapped around her finger, too?" Steven’s face darkened. "That’s crossing a line, Cathy." "Crossing a line?" Cathy sneered. "Tell me I’m wrong, then. Why else would you be defending her so much?" "You—" Emily stopped Steven with a light touch on his arm. She stayed composed, addressing Cathy. "It’s just an ID badge, and yet you're demanding nearly ninety thousand dollars for it? Forget it, Steven. Let Dylan know that I can’t afford the price of admission to the Great Wall Group. I’m sure they’ll find another designer to finish the project." With that, she turned on her heel and walked out. Steven shot a seething glare at Cathy before rushing after Emily. "Miranda, wait!" Emily, walking briskly in her heels, didn’t get far before Steven caught up. "Don’t be upset. Dylan sent me to tell you that Vincent’s doing better. He’ll be discharged from the hospital this afternoon."Emily stopped, her expression unreadable. Steven awkwardly rubbed his neck. "About Cathy…" "Steven," Emily interrupted, her voice calm but firm, "What’s her background? Vincent might be recovering, but I find it hard to believe he’s unaware of what Cathy is really like. He’s not a fool." Steven hesitated, then lowered his voice. "Honestly, I don’t know much myself. She joined suddenly, catching everyone off guard. Human resources used to be entirely Dylan’s responsibility, but then it was handed over to Cathy." Emily frowned. "Even you don’t know her backstory?" Steven glanced around before whispering, "I’ve only heard bits and pieces. Apparently, Cathy had some connection to Vincent’s wife." Emily was taken aback. "To his wife?" "Yeah, at least that’s what people say. Vincent’s wife passed away in the same fire that injured him. Cathy was working as a hotel staff member at the Hilton when it happened. She’s the one who called the ambulance and got his wife to the hospital. Even though they couldn’t save her, Vincent has been grateful ever since and brought Cathy into the company out of respect for that act." Steven sighed. "Vincent wanted to repay her, but Cathy’s gotten greedier over time. She’s not content with her high salary; she tries to control everything, and it's rubbing everyone in the company the wrong way." Emily’s eyes darkened. "Does Vincent know about all this?" Steven shook his head. "Probably not. His health has been fragile for years. He’s in and out of hospitals, and most of the company’s day-to-day operations fall on Ken and Daniel. Vincent’s only recently been well enough to get involved in the luxury apartment project. Dylan keeps a lot off his plate to make sure he rests." Emily nodded thoughtfully. "I understand." Steven leaned in closer. "But listen, if you told Vincent about this, I bet he’d fire Cathy on the spot. We’d finally get a better work environment around here." Emily shook her head. "First, I don’t have that kind of sway. I’m just a designer. Second, I’m not even an employee of the Great Wall Group. I have no right to interfere in your company’s internal matters, let alone tell Vincent who he should or shouldn’t keep around. However, Cathy’s presence is clearly affecting staff morale. Maybe you can relay that to Dylan. This kind of behavior, no matter the reason, shouldn’t be tolerated." Steven nodded enthusiastically. "Got it!"Feeling emboldened by her words, Steven knew he’d now have the confidence to report Cathy’s actions to Vincent and Dylan. Emily had essentially handed him the green light. When Emily returned to the office, Ken was lounging at his desk, sipping tea. He took one look at her empty hands and knew immediately that things hadn’t gone well. "Let me guess, Cathy gave you trouble again?" Ken said sympathetically. "Don’t let her get to you. She’s not worth the headache. Dealing with her just brings down your standards." Emily laughed softly. "You’re right. You saw it coming." Ken chuckled. "Anyway, the revised designs for the luxury apartments are already with the team. There’s not much left for me to do today. I’m so bored!" Emily raised an eyebrow, catching a glimpse of his desktop background. "Is that your girlfriend?" Ken, in the middle of taking a sip of his tea, nearly spit it out all over his computer screen. He burst into laughter, pounding the desk. "My girlfriend? No way, that’s Janet Norman! She’s a huge celebrity!" "Janet?" Emily frowned in confusion. "I didn’t recognize her." In her mind, Janet was always the sweet, princess-like girl who dressed in flowery gowns. But Ken’s wallpaper showed her in a daring black bunny outfit, bold and seductive. Ken grinned. "Yeah, she’s really made a name for herself these past few years. And guess what? She’s Vincent’s little sister."