Tamed by the Vengeful Billionaire

CHAPTER 1

EMERALD SANDOVAL

[YOU WILL KNOW NO PEACE, and I will ensure that. I'll make your life a living hell. I promise.]

I scrutinize the text word for word to ensure my eyes aren’t deceiving me. However, one thing is constant each time I read it: the voice. I can feel her yelling in my head. Lindsey, that's her name—I learned.

Her last name is Hayes, but I can call her Trouble since Drama Queen sounds cliché. That, and the fact that I’d be crowning her something. The word queen doesn't quite fit her. She’s pretty, yes, and must come from one of the most affluent families in the city, but why is she hell-bent on making my life a living hell? Hasn't she done enough already in a single day?

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Six hours earlier.

“You’re the greatest,” Alicia squeals excitedly on the other side of the call, barely seconds after relaying the news about my minor achievement.

“It’s not a big deal, Alicia. Besides, I’ve won it three times in a row. I’m kind of used to it,” I tell her, earning a round of scolding.

“Emerald Sandoval, are you kidding me? Winning employee of the month back-to-back, in one of the biggest hotels in New York! We’re talking about The Galaxy. That, my friend, isn't something you can refer to as a minor achievement. Girl, take time and appreciate yourself.”

Well, well. That’s Alicia for you. She can be your brother, sister, mother, father, best friend, or even your therapist. Right now, I'm not sure which role she’s playing, because I swear she sounds just like my mother…or father…whatever. The important aspect is that she's the most supportive friend I have ever had.

If I'm being fair to myself, she has a point. I have been working my ass off ever since I got this job seven months ago. In that period, I don’t think anyone has taken more extra shifts than I have. I need to make more money than a typical waitress, which means there's so much to be done.

“Emerald, your lunch break is over.” Cecilia walks into the break room, where most of the workers take turns to grab something to eat.

“Your tables won’t attend themselves.” She adds.

Fifteen minutes have never felt like two seconds, especially when I’ve spent most of it yapping with my best friend on the phone.

However, complaints won't get me anywhere either. The chief of staff has always been strict about time management. Winning employee of the month back-to-back doesn't put me above the rules.

“I have to go, Alicia. Duty calls,” I say in a hushed tone, just as Cecilia’s back disappears. If she came to fetch me for the second time, I would be in trouble. It wouldn’t matter how many times I’ve won the employee of the month. Work does continue around here.

I walk to one of my tables wearing a smile, as it is my obligation. Cecilia believes that frowns scare patrons away. If she catches so much as a wisp of it, there is no telling what ‌repercussions might follow.

“Good afternoon, sir…ma’am.” I greet the middle-aged patrons before me. The man places his hand on the woman's and smiles. The woman giggles in response. I can feel their connection.

I would tell them to get a room, but they're probably going to do so after this. They are seated on either side of the table. The woman has a bright smile, and if I knew her well, I’d tell her she’s glowing.

They remind me so much of my parents. The love, care, and affection they portray have been constant for as long as I’ve lived. I can sternly call them my role models. That's how love is supposed to be, isn't it?

The only difference is that they can't afford lunch at this luxurious hotel. Yet.