Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

Stella€™s hands shook as she poured herself a glass of water back at her desk. The news hit her like a tidal wave, and no amount of deep breathing could calm the storm raging inside her. Richard wasn€™t just back in her personal life€”he was now her professional superior. How was she supposed to navigate this?

Her thoughts spiraled, dragging her back to the moments in the CEO€™s office. Richard€™s smug expression kept replaying in her mind. Did he orchestrate this? Was this some twisted form of revenge?

"Stella," a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. It was her colleague, Linda.

"Yes?" Stella quickly wiped at her face, masking any signs of distress.

"Are you okay? You look€¦ pale."

"I€™m fine," Stella lied, forcing a smile. "Just a lot to process today."

Linda nodded, her curiosity evident but unspoken. "Well, if you need anything, let me know. Oh, by the way, the new boss has called for a staff meeting in twenty minutes. Conference room."

"Thanks," Stella muttered, her heart sinking. Of course, she would have to face him again€”this time in front of everyone.

As the meeting time approached, Stella reluctantly made her way to the conference room. The chatter of her colleagues surrounded her, but she felt isolated, as if she were walking into the lion€™s den.

Richard stood at the head of the table, exuding confidence and authority. His tailored suit and charming demeanor commanded attention, and the room fell silent as he began to speak.

"Good morning, everyone," Richard said, his tone smooth and polished. "First, I€™d like to express my gratitude for the warm welcome I€™ve received. I€™m honored to take the reins of this company and continue the legacy built by Mr. Johnson."

There were murmurs of approval around the room, but Stella remained silent, her gaze fixed firmly on the table in front of her.

"I believe in innovation, teamwork, and mutual respect," Richard continued. His words felt like daggers to Stella€”how dare he speak of respect when he had shown her none?

The meeting dragged on, Richard outlining his vision for the company while Stella battled her emotions. When it finally ended, she quickly gathered her things and made her way to the door, hoping to escape unnoticed.

"Miss Stella," Richard€™s voice stopped her in her tracks.

She turned slowly, her stomach knotting. "Yes, sir?"

"Stay behind for a moment," he said, his tone calm but firm.

Her colleagues shot her curious glances as they filed out of the room. Stella felt exposed, like a deer caught in the headlights.

When the room was empty, Richard leaned casually against the table, his piercing gaze locking onto hers.

"You€™ve been quiet," he said, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

 

Stella stiffened. "I€™m here to do my job, sir."

"Good," Richard replied, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Because I have high expectations for you, Stella. Very high."

Her hands curled into fists at her sides. "Is there anything else, sir?" she asked, her voice clipped.

"Not for now," he said, his smirk growing. "But don€™t get too comfortable. Things are about to change around here."

Stella turned and walked out, her head held high. But as she reached her desk, she felt her resolve cracking. Whatever game Richard was playing, she wasn€™t going to let him win.

Yet, as much as she wanted to hate him, there was a part of her€”deep, buried, and almost ashamed€”that still felt something for the man who had once been her world.

For now, though, she pushed those thoughts aside. This was war, and Stella wasn€™t about to lose.