C13 To Transfer Her to the Public Relations Department.

Clarissa fidgeted nervously as she stood before Hollis. Shortly after, a knock echoed on the door, and Hollis's deep, calm voice invited, "Come in."

Her eyes darted to the newcomer—Amadea, the woman who had interviewed her three months prior. "Ms. Amadea," she greeted, her anxiety palpable. She stole a glance at Hollis, lounging on the single sofa, then back to Amadea, her mind racing with speculation about the enigmatic man's intentions.

"Director Morgan," Amadea greeted, her white suit accentuating her figure, not diminishing her allure even in Hollis's presence. "What can I do for you?"

Clarissa sensed something off about Amadea's demeanor towards Hollis, as if he were her wealthy benefactor—a fact unknown to Clarissa was that Hollis indeed was Amadea's boss. But Clarissa had been out of touch, having spent the last three years in prison, and the world had drastically changed during that time.

"Do you recognize her?" Hollis gestured towards Clarissa, causing Amadea's expression to sour as she shot Clarissa a covert glare. She remembered Clarissa well; the woman had made a lasting impression.

Amadea's mouth twisted into a forced smile. "Director Morgan, has Clarissa somehow offended you? Please, don't be upset. I'll ensure she's properly guided."

Clarissa picked up on Amadea's protective tone. She had braced herself for a swift dismissal from the notoriously strict Ms. Amadea, but instead, she found herself shielded in front of Hollis, stirring both surprise and gratitude within her.

Amadea's glare at Clarissa was sharp. If it weren't for Clarissa's competence and discretion at work, Amadea wouldn't have taken the risk to defend her. She couldn't fathom how Clarissa, usually so unassuming, had managed to cross the one person she shouldn't have.

Their subtle exchanges didn't escape the scrutiny of the sharp black eyes across from them.

Hollis's gaze settled on Amadea. "Who interviewed her?"

Amadea's complexion blanched, sweat beading on her forehead.

"Hmm?" Hollis hummed, his questioning gaze fixed on her pale face.

"Yes, it was me, Director Morgan. I conducted the interview myself." Amadea internally cursed. She hadn't personally conducted interviews in years—what had possessed her that night?

Regret gnawed at Amadea as she read Hollis's displeased expression. She knew him well enough to recognize his anger.

"You interviewed her? For a cleaning position?" Hollis's brow quirked as Amadea's sweat continued to pour, her body rigid, too afraid to even wipe her brow.

She reported with caution, "During the interview, Miss Jenkins didn't meet the qualifications for other positions at Night Emperor Entertainment, not even as a server..." Amadea hesitated, "But Miss Jenkins herself expressed a desire to work as a cleaner."

Amadea then looked up boldly, "Director Morgan, since Clarissa has been with us, she's been diligent and thorough in her cleaning duties."

Amadea, now in a position where she needn't concern herself with every employee, felt an inexplicable connection to Clarissa. Despite their different worlds, there was something eerily familiar about her. Yet, she couldn't pinpoint what it was.

After her outspoken defense, Amadea cautiously awaited Hollis's reaction.

Perched on the brown leather sofa, Hollis's posture exuded a gentlemanly elegance. "Amadea, transfer her to the Public Relations Department."

Amadea's eyes widened, disbelieving. "Director Morgan, could you repeat that? I didn't quite catch it." Public Relations? Clarissa? She must have misheard.

"I said, an employee as diligent and exemplary as Clarissa deserves a position with better pay," Hollis stated, uncrossing his legs and rising to his full height, his indifferent gaze landing on the dumbfounded Clarissa.

His lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Amadea, you should thoroughly understand the talents of those you employ. You seem unaware that Miss Jenkins possesses a remarkable flair for acting."

Clarissa froze.

Hollis's voice was laced with barely contained ire, "The Public Relations Department needs someone with Clarissa's flexibility—kneeling and bowing are her forte. And as for other skills, like charming men, she's quite adept."

The atmosphere turned icy.

Clarissa's pallor didn't elicit Hollis's sympathy as he savored her look of despair. Could she still remain unmoved?

Hollis couldn't accept that the Clarissa he knew had been reduced to this groveling creature. He needed to see for himself if she was truly as debased as she appeared.

All of Hollis's actions were a test for Clarissa, yet he failed to realize that deep down, he yearned for the defiant woman who once told him, "Since when did Faelyn become your girlfriend? I, Clarissa, will simply walk away from you," not the subservient figure before him now.

He was oblivious to the fact that his relentless coercion of Clarissa stemmed from an inability to accept a harsh truth—he was the one responsible for making her this way!

Hollis had concocted a convenient excuse for his actions. He justified his humiliation of Clarissa by convincing himself that she was responsible for Faelyn's death. He despised her for it.

You can't wake someone who's only pretending to sleep, but even the pretense has to end eventually.

This time, Amadea heard it loud and clear—Director Morgan had instructed her to move Clarissa to the Public Relations Department.

Essentially, the Public Relations Department at Night Emperor was just a catch-all term for princesses, female models, male models, and young heirs.

"This..." Amadea took a quick glance at Clarissa's ashen face and responded, "Understood, Director Morgan." Her extensive experience gave her a gut feeling that there was more to the story between Clarissa and Director Morgan.

She had never seen Director Morgan show the slightest interest in the affairs of Night Emperor Entertainment. Frankly, the entertainment venue was just a minor asset in his vast portfolio, and Director Morgan never bothered with such a trivial part of his empire.

"Clarissa, follow me," Amadea said in a matter-of-fact tone. Clarissa's face was ghostly, devoid of color. Suddenly, she looked up at Hollis with a desperate plea in her eyes. "Please, no. I don't want to go there." The Public Relations Department... was that where Hollis intended to send her?

No!