Hiding in the Devil's Bed (by Malea Cox) novel Chapter 20

“Madam, watch out,” the crowd gasped in alarm. Even Aaron hadn’t expected Henry would attack Amelia in public. Amelia’s face went pale, but before she could react, a female secretary darted in front of her desk and caught the ashtray.

“Madam, are you alright?” The other secretaries were in a frenzy and they surrounded Amelia with worried looks and frantic questions.

Amelia took a deep breath to steady herself. Though her face still showed her fear, she was unharmed. She turned to look at the woman who had shielded her. It was Brooke, Landon’s bodyguard.

She was tall and athletic, exuding a heroic spirit, looking every bit like a soldier on the battlefield.

Feeling a wave of security wash over her, Amelia nodded and said, “Brooke, thank you.”

“I’m just doing my job,” Brooke replied and stepped back without so much as a flicker of emotion on her face.

Henry jabbed a trembling finger in Brooke’s direction and stammered, “Y–you’re protecting her?”

“It is my duty to protect Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley,” Brooke answered, her tone icy was enough to cut through steel.

“Well, well, you guys are amazing.” Henry slammed the door and stormed out.

d unyielding, but her sharp gaze on Henry

It was clear he had a deep fear of Brooke, though the reason remained a mystery to Amelia. She wasn’t about to question it.

Landon had assured her that Brooke would keep her safe. That was good enough for her.

Aaron, meanwhile, was sweating bullets. The last thing he wanted was for Amelia to be scared off on her first day. Wiping his cold sweat, he said, “Mrs. Kingsley, please don’t let today’s incident bother you. With Brooke around, Henry won’t dare do that again.”

Amelia nodded and instructed, “Bring me the documents that need my signature.”

“Right away,” replied Aaron.

Henry had been a festering problem in the company for a while a thorn no one could seem to remove. That Amelia had the authority to deal with him gave everyone a glimmer of hope.

But at the same time, whispers of doubt began to circulate. ‘Mrs. Kingsley has zero work experience. Can she really steer Kingsley Group in the right direction?‘

The senior executives and managers filed in one after another throughout the day, each presenting their documents for Amelia to sign. However, she didn’t sign a single one, focusing instead on forming an impression of each person.

Kingsley Group’s operations were massive, and Amelia wasn’t about to risk making a wrong call. She intended to take everything home and consult with Landon first.

By the end of the day, those who’d initially been optimistic about her leadership were scratching their heads. ‘What’s her deal? Does she even know management?‘

“I’ll review today’s documents and give you all my decisions tomorrow,” Amelia announced, stacking the files and handing them off to Aaron before calling it a day.

Not long after, rumors about her background swirling within the company. Someone had dug up her past, and the gossip spread like wildfire.

A clerk whispered, “Did you hear? CEO’s wife was engaged to Zachary before, but then she dumped him and slept with Mr.

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Chapter 20

Kingsley.”

Another clerk replied, “Seriously? So that’s how she got this position. Shame for her.”

“She doesn’t look like she knows the first thing about running a business.” Someone else joined the chat.

Another clerk uttered his guess. “Oh my, is this some scheme? Maybe she’s trying to get her hands on Kingsley Group’s secrets and pass them off to Zachary while Mr. Kingsley’s in a cona.”

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Amelia could hear every snide remark, whether whispered or spoken outright. But she didn’t care. She knew those were baseless rumors, and time would prove her worth.

“Mrs. Kingsley, are you taking these home to consult Mr. Kingsley?” Aaron asked tentatively as they left.

Amelia nodded and answered, “Actually, I’m not completely clueless about business, but I’d rather not risk burning through your boss’s fortune on day one.”

“Could I… maybe sit in on it?” Aaron asked hesitantly, a hopeful glint in his eye.

“Man, it’s been three months since Mr. Kingsley went under. I really miss hearing his voice, thought Aaron.

“Nope.” Amelia shut him down firmly.

What Aaron didn’t know and couldn’t know was that Amelia had an uncanny ability to hear Landon’s inner thoughts. She figured it was some kind of gift granted after her rebirth. But if word ever got out, she’d be labeled a freak in no time.

“Well…” Aaron sighed, holding the stack of documents like a wounded child. “Mrs. Kingsley, you’re so stingy. You’re hogging

Mr. Kingsley all to yourself.”

The voice, though raspy with age, carried enough force to rival a hurricane. Amelia’s heart sank, and she thought, ‘Did Henry stir up trouble at home? Oops, I’ve dragged Gloria into my mess.”

Amelia said with a faint smile, “They’re here for me. If I hide, they won’t leave. Besides, everyone’s got a few unreasonable relatives. I’m used to it.”

Brooke stepped out of the car, cool and composed, falling into step behind Amelia.

Seeing the scene, Amelia’s blood boiled. Five against one? That’s shameless.

“Gloria, I’m home,” Amelia called cheerfully, her radiant smile completely ignoring the tense atmosphere.

Gloria froze for a second and asked, “You’re home so early? Isn’t it still work hours?”

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