Putting Adam and his words out of her mind, Melanie stepped out of her office and into the towering glass building, her expression carefully blank. Indifference was the best mask to wear when dealing with difficult men. She had no patience for being left behind, and husband or not, Spencer was going to hear what she had to say.
However, as she walked into the lobby, she immediately noticed an unusual commotion. A large crowd had gathered near the entrance, murmuring in hushed voices. Curious, she moved closer, weaving through the onlookers, and soon discovered the cause of the spectacle—her husband.
Spencer was standing near the security desk, arguing heatedly with the personnel. His voice, thick with authority and impatience, carried across the lobby. By his side, Miss Halley, his dear 'friend', was desperately attempting to de-escalate the situation, her hands raised in a placating gesture to try and pacify Spencer, who was agitated.
Melanie didn't make a move to interrupt. Instead, she glanced at her watch. There was still time before her next meeting. With that in mind, she decided to observe. Perversely, she was pleased with the situation. He was the one who left her behind, didn't he. If he had waited for her, he wouldn't have been in this position. She smiled at the security guards and made a note of their names. They were following the rules to a tee. The deserved a bonus.
"What do you mean she cannot go up without a pass?" Spencer's voice was sharp, edged with irritation. "I am going to be the chairman of this company, and you dare to stop my person?"
His person. What an odd phrasing. Melanie's eyes darkened. If someone had ever asked her who was 'her person' she would have said Spencer. But it seemed, she was not Spencer's person. And why the ambiguous tone? Hadn't he said that Hallie would be his assistant? Why not simply introduce her as one?
The security guard, though clearly uncomfortable, remained professional, shaking his head firmly. "Sir, she can definitely go up. But as per protocol, we need to register her and issue a visitor pass."
"She does not need a visitor pass!" Spencer snapped. "She is with me!"
"I understand that, Sir," the guard responded patiently. "But your access was personally approved by the Chairwoman. As per company policy, only the Chairwoman can make an exception for visitors. If you'd like, I can call her for confirmation."
Spencer's expression darkened further, his frustration nearly reaching a boiling point. "There is no need to call her! She is just a..." He was on the verge of raising his voice and probably saying something when Melanie decided to intervene.
"Mister James." Silence fell over the lobby at her voice. "It's alright," Melanie continued, stepping forward with quiet confidence. "There's no need to call me. I'm already here."
The gathered staff seemed to collectively realize, all at once, that their Chairwoman had been standing among them. There was an immediate reaction—employees hastily stepping aside, heads lowering slightly in deference.
Melanie Collins was well known within the company. She was generous and fair but ran a tight ship. Those who worked under her respected her—and feared the consequences of crossing her.
Spencer turned sharply at the sound of her voice. For a brief moment, Melanie caught the flicker of something like guilt, perhaps in his expression. But the moment passed quickly. He lifted his chin.
"Melanie!" he demanded, his tone almost accusatory. "What is the meaning of this? Are you trying to undermine my authority here?"
She met his gaze coldly, almost tempted to say he had no authority but she kept quiet. "Mister James. Miss Halley does not need a visiting pass."
For a moment, Spencer looked victorious, his posture straightened and he prepared to gloat. ready to throw a smug remark, but Melanie was already turning away from him.
"Miss Halley," she said coolly, shifting her attention to the woman standing beside him. "You can go to HR, submit your documents, and collect your ID card as Mr. Spencer's assistant. It is not done for an assistant like yourself to create a scene on your first day of work. He is your boss."
Halley blinked, surprised at the tone of voice and the silent reprimand. She glanced at Spencer as if seeking protection at the snub she had been dealt. In a single word, she had been shown her position. Spencer opened his mouth, but Melanie was faster as she turned to him and spoke in a low voice," The board members will be here soon. You need to make a good first impression."
Spencer stiffened. His eyes flickered with irritation, but he said nothing. He knew she was right. With one last glance at Halley, he clenched his jaw and nodded at Halley letting her know that he would not be defending her. Halley gave her a look before quickly nodding," Of course, Chairwoman. I'll do it right away."