The office door remained open, and Katelyn, inside, heard everything. While she couldn’t see Zoey’s face, the tone of her voice was enough to reveal her fawning intent.

Katelyn’s expression was stern as she emerged. She acknowledged Vincent with a nod. “Mr. Adams.” Vincent returned the nod and then quickly moved into his office. He had little patience for idle chatter, especially with Zoey.

Disappointment briefly clouded Zoey’s face. She believed Katelyn had intentionally sabotaged her moment. Had Katelyn delayed her entrance, perhaps Zoey might have had a chance to exchange a few additional words with Vincent.

Katelyn caught the brief look of dismay in Zoey’s eyes and met it with an intense, scrutinizing gaze. Historically, her interactions with Zoey had been superficial, limited to occasional dinners after the girl’s exams. When the scandal surrounding Katelyn not really being a Bailey erupted and she faced widespread scorn, Zoey was conspicuously absent, not even reaching out. It was only after Katelyn was thrust into the limelight as Iris, amidst a flurry of negative press, that Zoey reconnected, citing her heavy schedule as an excuse.

Katelyn, perceptive and not easily fooled, recognized the lack of genuineness in Zoey’s excuses. She opted not to call her out, understanding all too well the complexities of human behavior. At the time, enveloped by controversy, few wished to associate with her.

Katelyn steadied her thoughts and addressed Zoey with composure, saying, “The executive office on this floor is off-limits to interns. Even full employees must coordinate with Samuel to meet Mr. Adams.”

“Adams.” Zoey’s complexion whitened. She fidgeted with her clothing hem, then said tentatively, “I’m sorry. I wasn’t aware.”

“It’s your first day, so, understandably, you’re unfamiliar with our protocols. However, ensure this doesn’t happen again. Each organization operates under its own regulations. If you intend to succeed here, you’ll need to abide by them,” Katelyn said, watching Zoey’s reaction carefully.

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Zoey seemed surprised but showed no sign of resentment. Reassured, Katelyn continued, “Moreover, you haven’t officially secured an internship here yet. Concentrate on passing your evaluations first. And within these walls, refrain from calling me your ‘sister.'”

Katelyn understood Zoey’s games but opted to keep them unspoken. She knew that to secure a place in the company, one needed to depend on their own abilities and achievements, not just on relationships.

Zoey pressed her lips together, holding back a surge of annoyance. Katelyn’s remarks were unmistakably directed at her, explicitly barring her from encroaching on the executive suite or engaging with Vincent. Yet, Zoey noticed the office door was slightly open, and her gaze flickered towards it. The rightful source is find?novel.net

“Katelyn, I mean, Miss Bailey, I fully recognize my error. I promise it won’t happen again. Please, don’t kick me out of the company.”

Zoey’s words, trembling with distress and softened by sobs, briefly caught Katelyn off guard. She had yet to say a word in reproach; she had simply clarified the basic protocols of the company.

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