Disclaimer: The characters portrayed in this story are those in E L James's Fifty Shades Trilogy, therefore they remain her property. The plot and themes in this story are those of the author. The author is in no way affiliated with James. No copyright infringement intended.

Right, so this chapter was originally a lot longer! I'm sure you'll understand - quite a few emails coming up. However, to not overwhelm you I have split it into two. The next one will follow shortly, I am still working on it seeing as I am adding the chapter after to it. I have no idea if any of that made sense, it did in my head! :P

Once again, thank you for reading, favouriting and following, and for taking the time to review. It means a lot.

I hope you enjoy and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Much Love :) x


Rolling my chair along the carpet to bring it closer to the desk, I perch my elbow on the edge to support my head feeling a little tired. I don't care how long I have to sit here; I will read every God damn message until I find something. At least I hope I find something. If there isn't anything here then I have no idea where else to look, short of hacking into her phone records. I'm not even sure if Christian has the power to do that. I'm probably underestimating him again – that man can do anything once he puts his mind to it, though I don't know if this amuses or scares the living daylights out of me!

Deterring my attention from the screen I reach across to turn on the desk lamp beside me, the overhead not enough for this time of today and to avoid eye strain. Up until this point I hadn't really noticed the time; I should be at home, eating dinner and thinking about maybe snuggling on the couch with Christian before taking a long soak in the tub, to then curl up under the covers…

Keep focused! I have no doubts that he will find me; no doubts at all that he could easily waltz in any minute now, throw me over his shoulder and remove me from the building kicking and screaming. It wouldn't be the first time, and he does seem to think I'm a child. No one should be carried like that if they're over the age of six!

I turn back to my screen, glancing at the picture frame next to my computer - a small photograph of Christian and me on the day of my graduation, the one taken by the photographer. It's not my favourite picture of us together, but it was the beginning. It was seven months ago and life was easy – boring, but easy. I had just met the most insanely handsome man on the planet, given him my virginity and looking into starting something between us. I reach across and trace my fingers over him, his eyes fixed on me in the picture. For all the love in my heart he tests my limits, in more than just a sexual way. I pull the frame down, turning him away from me so I can concentrate. I've never been able to concentrate when he's around, something I can empathise with him on. I move back to my screen, determined to do this. I've come this far, it would be fatuous to fall at the final hurdle.

I scroll back to the start of the first email, making a note to take particular interest into the dates of each one – it might tell me something, or I can at least think of where I was. Was I here or at home? Was I with her when she sent it, or received one?


From: ESCLAVA Personnel

Subject: Warm-hearted Congratulations

Date: 29th September 2011 09:39:02AM

To: Danielle Wilkes

Dearest Ms Wilkes,

I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations to you on successfully obtaining your role in Grey Publishing.

I was thrilled to hear from your mother that you had been offered the position. I knew it would be perfect for you the moment I heard that you shared an interest in publications, and I found out the unfortunate news of Mrs Grey's accident. Being a close family friend, and personal confidante of Mr Grey, I suspected that they would be in need of some additional help during this time.

I hope that your time there is enjoyable, profitable and valued. I am sure under the watchful eye of Mr Grey you will find many doors open for you. Working under the name Grey is an invaluable addition to any résumé.

As a friendly offering I would like to offer some guidance to you. I have known Mr Grey for many, many years now and I have personally been witness to mseveral of his business related issues, and have given delicate and intimate advice to him. If, for any reason, you find yourself in a situation less than perfect, please feel free to contact me. I can help you, should you need it.

I'm here for support should you require it; for both you and your mother.

Well, with this I shall let you get on with your day. I'm sure with it being your first day you have a lot of work to tackle and settle with. I have passed on a small congratulatory gift to you mother, I hope you have received it?

Yours,

E L

N/B: If you are to reply to this message, now or any time in the future, please refer to me solely as 'E' or 'E L'. I understand this is bewildering, however please note that this is an open email account, usable by all senior management.

ESCLAVA Beauty and Holistic Therapies


"I'm sure you're willing to help her, you fucking bitch."

I whisper under my breath as I read, huffing and puffing through the audacity and determination in her writing.

It's all false. Everything about her is false! In my mind I can imagine her lying on a ridiculous velvet chaise lounge, barking orders at one of her minions to type whatever spurts off her vicious, serpent tongue. Her platinum fakery blinding under dim chandelier lighting, while her latest sub feeds her grapes in between each audacious order. The last time I heard anything he was called… Isaac? I can't visualise that any of them last for a substantial period of time; surely they'd grow sick of her demeaning and sickening lifestyle? What Christian and I have had was kinky fuckery; it was fucking to begin with, but became love. We still had vanilla, even from the very beginning. What she does is sick. She gets her kicks out of beating people and then abusing their bodies in other ways.

Why would she go by her initials?

I toy with the logical side of me and the pessimist lurking in the back of my mind; the pessimist who second guesses everything relative to that fucking bitch. On one hand her reasoning seems somewhat plausible; if it is an open account then others may, inadvertently, read messages intended for someone else. But surely it would make more sense to draw attention to whoever the email is intended for in the subject line? That's where I fall short of logic, turning into a detective scowling through her motives.

Unless she knew? Maybe she knew we would monitor the system for her name? If she's only ever using her initials then there is a lesser chance of any attention being brought to her.

"That's why she's using her Esclava account!" I mumble, a light-bulb shining bright and heavy over my head like halo.

But why hasn't this flagged up before? How could security miss this trick? It's not the most ingenious plan in the world!

"Christian… if you're keeping things from me again!" I trail off, ideas of ripping his balls off and putting a complete halt to any more Grey's popping up in my mind. Somewhere I have hopes that he'll hear me, using some of his freaky ass mind-reading crap.

I come back out of the message, heading to the latest one and scrolling back to the bottom, saving time in the long run from having to head back and forth to read them. There are several emails here, by the looks of it each and every one with her 'E L' title. How long is it going to take to read all of these? Glancing at my watch I know I don't have much longer until he puts two and two together and comes out with my office!

Come on Grey, time to find out what this bitch is up to!


From: Danielle Wilkes

Subject: Thank You

Date: 29th September 2011 10:03:49AM

To: ESCLAVA Personnel

For the attention of E L,

I cannot express my gratitude and thanks to you enough for suggesting me for this role.

I was surprised to even hear about a possible vacancy. I had been religiously combing through the newspapers and internet for work in publishing for several months and hadn't come across anything for Grey Publishing. Did Mr Grey personally ask for your input in finding someone, because I do not think the position was publicly advertised?

I shall bear that in mind, though I hope that there will be no need for your inclusion. From what I have seen so far Mrs Grey is approachable and welcoming, so I am sure that if any problems arise then I can bring it to her attention. Also, I am under the impression that this is her company? In that instance Mr Grey's involvement would be valueless.

Thank you for the watch; it is beautiful however, I do not hesitate to assure you that it was unnecessary but gratefully received. You have done so much for both my mother and I already, especially in offering to cover our finances while we get on our feet again. My mother and I are grateful for everything.

Thank you once again.

Yours,

Danielle

Danielle Wilkes

Assistant Editor, Grey Publishing Ltd.


From: ESCLAVA Personnel

Subject: Clarification

Date: 29th September 2011 10:14:57AM

To: Danielle Wilkes

Dearest Danielle,

I am glad that are finding Mrs Grey to be so friendly and welcoming, however heed a small warning that she is not the owner of the publishing house. The rights and control of the company are solely in Mr Grey's name. He may be married to her but that does not automatically denote that she is in charge, simply because she works there. I have found that Mrs Grey is quick to jump to conclusions, assuming that everything her husband owns is hers by right.

You are correct that no vacancy was publicly advertised.

Mr Grey was not initially looking for anyone to step in while his wife recovers from her bout in hospital. However, I took the initiative to help with the process of finding someone for him. I suggested you for the role simply because I have heard a lot of wonderful things about you from your mother. How fortunate was it for her to begin work with us just a few weeks before this? It appears fate was worked wonders for all of us.

There is no need to thank me; I am thrilled to have been able to help yourself and Samantha. The watch was just a little something to celebrate your first day.

Yours,

E L

ESCLAVA Beauty and Holistic Therapies


I doubt it was just fate that brought all of this together.

Moving through the next message I see a leap in time from the previous. So it isn't a daily occurrence then?


From: ESCLAVA Personnel

Subject: Hearing Great Things

Date: 28th October 2011 15:52:13PM

To: Danielle Wilkes

Dearest Danielle,

I have heard great things from your mother that you are now an Acting Editor?

Samantha informed me that Mrs Grey has been taking some time out from the office and you have shown yourself as competent in taking the lead. I was under the impression that she would have returned to work full time by this point, seeing as her accident was relatively minor.

If you keep this up, proving yourself and making it known that you are interested in launching a career for yourself in the great Grey empire, you will well be on your way to great things. Mr Grey is well known for promoting within and setting up his key players for wonderful things.

I hope you are well?

Yours,

E L

ESCLAVA Beauty and Holistic Therapies


From: Danielle Wilkes

Subject: Some truth

Date: 28th October 2011 15:59:34PM

To: ESCLAVA Personnel

Dear E L,

I have been taking on more responsibility here for the past few weeks; Mrs Grey has been in and out of office for a while now, surrendering control to me in her absence. I have proven myself and fully intend on making it known that I am here to stay and want to succeed.

I hope someday to go on to become a senior editor, or maybe even editor in general. A few rumblings around the office are that Mrs Grey may take a step back from working, maybe to start a family.

I am well thank you, I trust you are too?

My mother told me about your kind gesture. It came as quite a shock considering the amount needed for the deposit. I have thanked you countless times but I do, sincerely, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have no idea how I will ever be able to pay you back.

Yours,

Danielle

Danielle Wilkes

Assistant Editor, Grey Publishing Ltd.


From: ESCLAVA Personnel

Subject: I'm sure something will crop up.

Date: 28th October 2011 16:07:11PM

To: Danielle Wilkes

Danielle,

As ever I am happy to help you both. Your mother is a valued employee of mine and you are both wonderful company to keep. It is nothing to help out someone who is worth a lot to me. Whether it is employment or, in this case, a substantial deposit to secure a home, I am excited to think that you can come to me for help.

I am sure that at some point there might be a time where I will need your assistance. I do not expect monetary retribution at all.

Children on the horizon? I am sceptical over that – Mr Grey has previously expressed his concerns over having children with Mrs Grey. Please, keep your ear to the ground on this and report to me if you find anything? I would imagine Mr Grey would tell me himself, but being as busy as he is I cannot always manage to get him to sit still for long enough a period to have a lengthy discussion.

I am very well, all the better for hearing such wonderful things.

Yours,

E L

ESCLAVA Beauty and Holistic Therapies


Bribing them with money?!

"She is something else!" I exhale, emptying my chest of exasperation.

I skim the next few emails, all of them about her giving them something…

Giving her mother a raise; covering the repairs on Danielle's car; paying off the remainder of her student loan...

All she's done since the off is bribe them; keeping them sweet while all along she is sucking them into her web.


From: Danielle Wilkes

Subject: Help Needed

Date: 2nd November 2011 15:13:58PM

To: ESCLAVA Personnel

Dear E L,

I am in need of some help.

I think I've screwed up.

Earlier, in the staff meeting, I made some unruly comments to Mrs Grey. I pushed myself for a more senior role, which didn't go down well with her. Right now I am in Shit Street and need some help.

How should I tackle this? I really don't want to lose my job because of this.

I hope you can help. I remember you telling me you have ways of helping me where Mr and Mrs Grey are concerned.

Yours,

Danielle

Danielle Wilkes

Assistant Editor, Grey Publishing Ltd.


More senior role? You were after my fucking job!

I think back to that day - the meeting in the conference room, telling them about my pregnancy and running to Christian for comfort.

Did Elena know about our baby before Christian let it slip?


From: ESCLAVA Personnel

Subject: Dinner Tonight.

Date: 2nd November 2011 15:41:32PM

To: Danielle Wilkes

Danielle,

Meet with me for dinner this evening and we shall discuss it. Come by the salon after you finish.

I am sure that it is not as bad as it seems and we can sort this out. Mrs Grey has a fiery temper, but I am sure that after she has calmed all will be well.

I look forward to seeing you.

Yours,

E L

ESCLAVA Beauty and Holistic Therapies


From: ESCLAVA Personnel

Subject: Has the dust settled?

Date: 3rd November 2011 11:23:02AM

To: Danielle Wilkes

Danielle,

How are things at work this morning, now that the storm has passed a little?

As I reminded you last night, keep your head down and do whatever is asked. She can be difficult but in time she caves in. However, it would be easier to resolve this issue if I knew exactly what the incident was over. I am planning on meeting with Mr Grey soon and hope to bring this to his attention, if I know everything then the quicker this will be resolved.

Yours,

E L

ESCLAVA Beauty and Holistic Therapies


From: Danielle Wilkes

Subject: From bad to worse.

Date: 3rd November 2011 12:03:44PM

To: ESCLAVA Personnel

E L,

Things are no better this morning. The only positive is that Mrs Grey isn't here. Her assistant, Hannah, was called this morning and told that she was working from home today.

I'm still in a lot of bother. To say I've had my knuckles rattled is an understatement. I'm no longer allowed to submit files without being checked beforehand, and I'm not selected as the 'Acting Editor' in her absence any more.

As I said yesterday it was nothing. I just suggested that I was capable for more senior roles within the company. I irritated Mrs Grey by insinuating that I was capable of carrying out her job. Nothing more.

I hope you can have words with Mr Grey and work this out for me. I doubt talking to Mrs Grey myself would do me any favours.

Thank you once again,

Danielle

Danielle Wilkes

Assistant Editor, Grey Publishing Ltd.


From: ESCLAVA Personnel

Subject: I will try.

Date: 3rd November 2011 13:02:47PM

To: Danielle Wilkes

Danielle,

I will try to sort this out for you. Mr Grey can be easily swayed if you know which buttons to press. I know him intimately enough to easily tackle this on your behalf.

If that's all then I'm positive this will be a five minute operation.

I will contact you with whatever progress there is.

Yours,

E L

ESCLAVA Beauty and Holistic Therapies


Intimately.

I feel bile rise in my throat from the anger swirling inside me. If only it was possible to legally find some way to rid her from our lives. Permanently.

If she was run over by a bus tomorrow I would throw a party. I would stand at her graveside and laugh until I can't stand up straight. I would never have thought it possible to think so ill of someone to the extent of wishing them harm, but Elena fucking Lincoln pushes her luck.

The only solace I find from this is that Danielle didn't tell her about Blip. Christian takes full ownership for that one!

I quickly skim over the last few emails to check how many more there are and find just a few. Glancing at my watch I check the time – 18:47PM. I'm surprised I've made it th-

"Mrs Grey."

Shit.

Rolling my chair a little to the side, moving out from the hidden security of my computer screen I meet his eyes. His hard blue staring at me, scowling even.

"Taylor."

I nod my head to him, adjusting my position to match his. It's obvious to everyone that he's had some form of military training in the past, simply from the way he stands: feet shoulders width apart, hands clasped together in front of him and his head held up high.

"Mrs Grey, we're here to escort you home."

"We?"

As I mumble out of confusion Ryan and Sawyer enter into my office, moving to flank him on either side. It's like looking at clones, each of their suits too similar to be made from different stores. Even their hair looks the same, though Taylor pulls off the buzz cut more successfully than the others.

"Ma'am." Sawyer, standing to Taylor's left greets me with a single twitch of his head. Ryan mimics him, but avoids eye contact.

"Where is he?"

"Mrs Grey, we've been sent here to escort you home." He repeats, everything he's saying rehearsed and reeking of Christian Grey.

"As I've told Christian, I will return home when I'm ready." I resume back to the task in hand, moving closer to my computer and ignoring them.

Adjusting his stance Taylor edges forward slightly, gaining my attention again.

"Mrs Grey. You are to return home, now."

"And I –" He cuts me off, his eyes boring into mine and stinging them a little from his arrogance.

"Mr Grey is insistent that you are to come home now. He has given us permission to use force, if necessary."

"Force?!" I squeal, slumping back into my chair. "He's ordering you to man handle me?!"

"By whatever means possible."