“Okay, but..." Erica trailed off, looking down at her dirty clothes.

“Can I use a bathroom here? I need to get changed."

Matthew sprang from his seat and stalked from the meeting room.

"Follow me!" he ordered.

Erica paused to grab the box of snakes, then trotted after Matthew toward the elevator.

All along their route, the various employees milling about kept their distance. They were perfectly aware of what Erica was carrying.

Inside the elevator, Matthew glanced at the box with false casualness.

“So, are you going to take the snakes home and stew them?"

“No! Of course not. I‘ll set them free later, someplace where they belong!" Erica Looked stricken at her husband's suggestion.

Matthew sighed quietly. He really couldn't do anything about her. A moment later, he took out his cell phone, dialed a number, and said only three words.

“Send someone here."

Things were changing at Hilton Group, and the CEO's special assistant area was no exception.

Everyone in the company soon heard about the audacious deeds of Erica, grabbing snakes with her bare hands and bringing them into the office.

Everyone in the office was afraid of her.

Probably none were more afraid than Paige. When she saw the couple approaching, particularly the box in Erica's hands, she suppressed a shiver. To her credit, though, she offered a professional smile as she greeted them.

“Why, hello...Er and Erica!”

Erica smiled back and waved. With terrifying speed she approached

Paige's desk.

"Hi, Paige..."

In unison, the three female employees in the special assistant area gasped and left their chairs, backing away as if they had seen a beast.

But the male employees were more calm, especially Owen. Although he knew about the snakes, his smile didn't flinch, and there was no trace of fear in his demeanor.

Paige and Owen were both Matthew's right-hand men-so to speak. Paige was afraid of snakes, but she was a woman after all.

Owen, on the other hand, had served in the army before, so he was not bothered at all.

Realizing her gaffe, Paige quickly regained her composure and approached Erica again.

“Erica,” she said quietly.