"But you need to be careful. Don't actually let the security guards throw you out. You're not exactly young anymore, you know-it wouldn't do you any good."

Emily Blair turned and gave Emma George a glance.

Emma looked a little dazed, lost in her own thoughts.

"It's late," Emily said gently. "Take a shower and get some rest. Whatever's on your mind, leave it for tomorrow. I'm heading to my room."

Over the next few days, Emma was noticeably quieter. The blow she'd suffered had left her withdrawn; she rarely spoke and didn't go out to hang out with her friend, Ms. Gomez, anymore. Most of the time, she just sat on the living room couch, staring blankly at the television.

Emily could tell by the way Emma looked at the screen that she wasn't really watching her mind was somewhere else entirely.

Emily wished she could keep an eye on her, but work called. She had to leave on a three-day business trip.

As she packed her suitcase, she reminded Emma, "If you decide to go see Isabella Austin's parents, let me know first. I'll arrange for someone to go with you. Don't sneak off on your own and let yourself get yelled at or-worse-hurt, without even standing up for yourself."

Emma's reply was barely above a whisper: "I haven't decided if I'll go."

"If you're not sure, just keep thinking about it," Emily said, slipping on her shoes. "But promise me you'll stay put. I'll be back in three days."

Before she left, Emily couldn't help but glance back at Emma. She looked so defeated-it was impossible not to worry.

She stopped at the door, offered a few more words of comfort, and finally left.

This trip was for an autonomous vehicle project—a major bid hosted by Vanguard Automotive at an industry conference in Ashworth. Discussions would focus on the future of self-driving technology.

Emily's goal was to build relationships and gather intel. She brought along Elizabeth Wilson, a few senior managers, and her assistant.

The moment they landed, Vanguard Automotive's people whisked away her luggage and drove her to a private resort.

Vanguard had gone all out, booking the entire resort for the event. Every company got two villas.

The villas were nestled halfway up a scenic hillside. The ride up was beautiful, with a gentle breeze and lush views. While the capital up north was already heading into winter, Ashworth—further south—still enjoyed warm, vacation-worthy temperatures. Elizabeth Wilson stuck her head out the window, taking a deep, satisfied breath.

"I could almost forget I'm here for work. This feels like a real vacation-look at these mountains, that waterfall! If this isn't a holiday, I don't know what is."

"Mrrrow-"

Elizabeth nearly jumped out of her skin and yanked her head back inside. "Oh my god! I take back what I just said!"

Emily looked out the window and chuckled. "Really? After all these years, you're still afraid of cats? Weren't you just watching cat videos yesterday? Looks like you're a lot braver online."

"Cats are adorable, I admit,” Elizabeth said, hugging her arms and shivering in mock severity. "But if you'd ever been bitten by one-like I have-you'd be scared, too." "Lucky for me, I haven't."

Elizabeth risked another peek and immediately slammed her eyes shut.

"Oh god, they're everywhere-every breed, every color="

She kept her eyes squeezed tight. "This isn't a vacation, this is a trial by ordeal. Someone save me..."

The driver from Vanguard glanced back and explained, "This resort is actually cat- themed. There are cat-shaped sculptures and buildings all over the hillside. All the cats here are rescues gentle and friendly, never aggressive. Don't worry, Ms. Wilson. They even have their own little villas and aren't allowed inside your accommodation unless you invite them. And if you'd rather not, there are plenty of activities inside the villas to keep you entertained.”

Elizabeth nodded mutely, still clutching her arms, clearly unconvinced.