Chapter 13: Untitled

Chapter 13

The next morning, Stella arrived at the office with her head held high. If people wanted to stare, whisper, or judge, let them. She was done shrinking.

As she settled at her desk, a company-wide email notification popped up on her screen.

Subject: Emergency Management Meeting – 10 AM

From: Richard Montgomery, CEO

Her stomach tightened. This wasn’t just any meeting—it was a strategic session with the senior management team. And she hadn’t been in one of those since the leadership change.

Stella exhaled, steeling herself. Whatever Richard was planning, she wasn’t about to be caught off guard.

At precisely 10 AM, she entered the glass-walled conference room, where the company’s top executives were already seated.

The conference room was alive with tension. The board members sat in their designated seats, some flipping through documents while others exchanged quiet whispers. At the head of the table, Richard exuded authority, his presence alone commanding attention. He tapped his fingers lightly against the polished mahogany surface, waiting for everyone to settle.

Then, the doors opened, and Stella walked in.

Her low-cut hair framed her face, her expression unreadable but poised. Clad in a fitted black blazer and pencil skirt, she moved with confidence, despite the nerves bubbling beneath the surface. She knew this meeting wasn’t just about corporate strategy—it was a test.

Richard’s smirk deepened as he watched her take a seat at the far end of the table. He leaned back slightly, assessing her.

“Glad you could join us, Miss Stella,” he said smoothly.

She met his gaze without hesitation. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

A murmur rippled through the room. Patricia, seated beside Richard, crossed her legs and studied Stella with mild amusement, though there was an edge to her stare. Stella took a seat at the far end, ignoring the curious glances.

Richard cleared his throat, commanding attention. "Good morning, everyone. As you know, we are restructuring key areas to improve efficiency. Today, we’ll be discussing role realignments and leadership adjustments."

A murmur rippled through the room. Stella sat straighter.

Richard continued, his gaze sweeping the table. "Some of you will take on expanded roles, while others may find their positions shifting. We need leaders who can handle pressure, adapt quickly, and execute without hesitation." His eyes landed on Stella for a fraction too long.

Her pulse quickened. Was this a veiled threat?

Patricia leaned forward. "Let’s start with operations. Mr. Adeyemi, your team will now oversee logistics and procurement. Marketing will report directly to the board. As for administration..." She let the words hang.

Richard folded his hands. "Stella, given your background and tenure, I’m considering placing you in a more strategic position.". A few eyebrows raised. Stella’s? They narrowed.

He continued, "You’ll be assisting me directly as Chief Executive Liaison. You’ll oversee high-level projects and be involved in key decision-making processes."

The air in the room shifted. People exchanged glances. The offer was prestigious—more responsibility, more exposure. But the underlying message was clear: Richard wanted her within reach, under his watchful eye.

Patricia’s fingers tapped against the table, her expression unreadable.

Stella’s mind raced. Accepting would put her closer to Richard’s control. Declining could mean career stagnation—or worse, an excuse for him to push her out. She locked eyes with him. His smirk was subtle, but it was there.

Game on.

She inhaled. "I appreciate the opportunity. I accept."

A flicker of surprise crossed Richard’s face before he masked it with a nod.

"Good," he said smoothly. "We’ll discuss expectations later."

The meeting proceeded with standard business discussions, but the real battle was happening in the subtle exchanges between Stella and Richard. He challenged her on reports she had prepared, questioning her numbers, forcing her to defend her work.

But Stella held her ground.

Every time Richard tried to shake her, she responded with calm precision, proving she knew her work better than anyone in the room. Some of the board members, initially skeptical, began to take notice.

As the meeting continued, Stella knew one thing: She had just walked into the lion’s den. And she had no intention of being devoured.

As people filed out, Richard remained seated, watching Stella gather her documents.

“You held up well in there,” he said, amusement laced in his voice. She didn’t look up. “I always do.” Richard chuckled. “We’ll see about that.”

Stella glanced at him then, her eyes steady. “I’m not the woman you left behind, Richard. Keep underestimating me, and you’ll regret it.” Patricia, standing near the door, arched an eyebrow at the exchange. Richard’s smirk faltered for a fraction of a second. But then, he recovered, leaning forward with an unreadable expression. "We'll see,” he murmured.

As Stella walked out of the room, she felt the weight of what had just transpired. The game had officially begun. And she wasn’t about to lose.