9.

"Emily, come in and close the door." Although Miranda's voice was as soft as a pleasant breeze, on a hot summer's night, it sounded harsh and threatening to the nervous Brit's ears.

"Care to explain…" continued Miranda without looking up from the papers she was studying.

"I…I…" Emily stammered, shivering unconsciously.

"…why the photos of the Delaney photoshoot have not arrived yet? I thought I had made it perfectly clear how important it was to keep to the schedule on this project." Miranda continued.

Emily opened her mouth but no sound came out this time. This was clearly not the question she had been anticipating.

Miranda was watching her with feigned interest. The iciness in her blue eyes seemed to have reached new levels.

"You know what? Your explanation would just bore me to tears. Leave this to me, and next time try to do your job, the way I've asked you. That is all."

Emily turned to leave.

"And Emily…" the redhead halted, turning to face Miranda again. "Ye..Yes, Miranda?"

"Tell her to keep the dress."

With a nod Miranda finally dismissed the Brit and buried herself, once again, into her paperwork.

Emily was smart enough not to pretend that she did not know to whom Miranda was referring.