Chapter 10: THE POWER PLAY

CHAPTER 10

THE POWER PLAY

Richard leaned back in his chair after Stella left, a sly smile lingering on his face. He tapped his pen rhythmically on the desk, his mind working through the layers of his plan. Seeing Stella again had stirred something in him—not regret, not guilt, but a sense of unfinished business.

He’d seen the fire in her eyes during their conversation. The Stella he remembered had been softer, easier to manipulate. This Stella was different, and that intrigued him.

Richard had never truly loved Stella, not in the way she had loved him. Their relationship had been convenient—a stepping stone while he was abroad building his career. She had been loyal, nurturing, and willing to sacrifice for him. But when Patricia came into the picture, it had been an easy decision. Patricia was connected, ambitious, and brought with her opportunities Richard couldn’t ignore.

Still, there was something about Stella that lingered in his mind, a thread he couldn’t quite cut. She had a quiet strength, a resilience he hadn’t fully appreciated before. When the opportunity to take over the company arose, he hadn’t hesitated. Not because of Stella—at least, that’s what he told himself—but because it was a chance to solidify his position, his power.

Yet, seeing her today had reminded him of the control he once had. Her anger, her defiance—it was a challenge. And Richard loved challenges.

In truth, Richard’s motives were layered. Taking over the company was his main goal, but the idea of watching Stella squirm under his authority was a tempting bonus. He wanted to see if he could still get under her skin, still make her feel small.

There was also the matter of Patricia. She hadn’t been thrilled when Richard told her about the new role and the fact that Stella worked at the company. Patricia was secure in her relationship with Richard, but she knew Stella well enough to understand that she wasn’t someone to underestimate.

"Don’t play games, Richard," Patricia had warned him the night before. "Focus on the company and leave Stella alone."

Richard had assured her, of course, but his promises meant little. He wasn’t one to let someone else dictate his actions.

As he stared out the window of his new office, Richard made a decision. He would use this position to test Stella, to see how far she could be pushed before she broke. It wasn’t just about power—it was about proving to himself that he still had the upper hand.

What he didn’t realize, however, was that Stella wasn’t the same person he had left behind. And this time, the game he was playing might not go as planned.

That evening, Richard arrived at the luxury apartment he shared with Patricia. The lights were dim, and soft jazz played in the background. Patricia was seated on the couch, a glass of red wine in her hand. Her face lit up when she saw him, but there was a glint of something else in her eyes—curiosity, or perhaps suspicion.

“You’re late,” Patricia said with a small smile, though her tone carried a hint of reproach.

“Work,” Richard replied simply, loosening his tie as he walked toward her. He poured himself a glass of whiskey and sat across from her, exuding his usual charm.

“How was your first day as CEO?” she asked, leaning forward slightly, her perfectly manicured fingers tracing the rim of her glass.

“It was productive,” Richard said, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. “Met the team, reviewed a few files, set some expectations.”

“And Stella?” Patricia’s voice was calm, but her eyes sharpened as they met his.

Richard smirked, raising an eyebrow. “What about her?”

Patricia leaned back, her gaze steady. “Don’t play coy, Richard. You know exactly what I mean. How did she take the news?”

Richard took a slow sip of his whiskey before answering. “She was surprised, as expected. A little rattled, maybe. But she’ll adjust. She’s smart enough to know she can’t fight this.”

Patricia’s jaw tightened. “Don’t underestimate her. Stella isn’t someone who will just roll over and accept whatever you throw at her. And I don’t want any... unnecessary drama, Richard. We’ve come too far for that.”

Richard set his glass down and leaned forward, his expression cool and confident. “Patricia, you worry too much. Stella is inconsequential. She might pout and throw a fit, but in the end, she’ll fall in line. They always do.”

Patricia wasn’t convinced. “She was your fiancée, Richard. You can’t pretend that doesn’t complicate things. I’ve seen how women like her can hold onto grudges. And frankly, I don’t like the idea of you working so closely with her.”

Richard chuckled, the sound low and dismissive. “You’re jealous.”

Patricia’s eyes flared, but she kept her composure. “I’m not jealous. I’m pragmatic. There’s a difference. And you’d do well to listen to me. Don’t play games with her, Richard. She’s not the same naive girl you left behind.”

Richard leaned back, a smug smile on his face. “Noted, darling. But trust me, I’ve got everything under control.”

Patricia stared at him for a moment, her instincts warning her that Richard’s definition of “control” often came with collateral damage. She set her glass down and stood, her voice firm. “Just remember, Richard, I won’t clean up your messes. Not this time.”

As she walked away, Richard watched her with a mix of amusement and irritation. Patricia was strong-willed, and he admired that about her, but he didn’t like being told what to do.

Left alone in the dimly lit room, Richard’s mind drifted back to Stella. Patricia was right about one thing: Stella wasn’t the same woman he had left behind. And that only made the challenge more enticing.