CHAPTER 7: Her Return

Yurich Group.

Merely a month ago, Erin was ousted by her manager and Uncle Roger from the office. However, today, she stood alongside Orion and Mr. Arvesso's assistant, Jorge, ready to make a bold return. Orion, pledging to assist her in securing the highest position within the Yurich company, had convinced her to take this audacious step—a decision aligned with her strategic move to marry him.

"I'll inform you of my payment when the time comes. One thing is certain—I do not need money. The Yurich Company remains yours," she recalls Orion asserting.

Jorge is there as a representative of the Arvesso Family, and Orion is acting as Erin's bodyguard. Orion explained his plan to Erin, assuring her that he wouldn't mess with how the Yurich Company ran. He believed getting involved in office matters was pointless because Erin would be in charge in the future.

To ensure that Erin wouldn't be bothered by Jenna or Uncle Roger and to maintain Orion's constant presence, he decided to assume the role of a bodyguard assigned to her by the Arvessos. Erin believed her family didn't recognize Orion because he never intervened in Mr. Arvesso's office affairs. However, a few individuals did recognize him as Drew Walton's bodyguard from the past.

"You have nothing to worry about. Everyone knows me as a bodyguard, not the rich kid kissing Mr. Arvesso's arse," Orion reassured Erin.

As they headed to the lobby, the building guard confronted Erin.

"Miss Erin, I was informed by Miss Jenna that you're not allowed to enter the Yurich building," the guard stated.

"If you don't want to lose your job, you'd better back off. The board is expecting us," Assistant Jorge threatened.

"But I'm just doing my job. Miss Erin, you know I'm just doing what Boss Roger told me," the bodyguard reasoned, scratching his head.

"Erin is your future boss! She's with me as a representative of the Arvessos. Our name is on the expected guest list, so back off!" Assistant Jorge declared emphatically.

They were on the verge of preventing their entry when Orion shot them sternly. Undeterred, they continued walking until they reached the front of the elevator. Erin couldn't help but notice that Orion exuded an air of confidence and purpose. Inside the elevator, he leaned in, his whispered words sending a shiver down her spine, almost causing her knees to buckle.

"Don't worry. I'll ensure no one lays a finger on you."

She gasped after feeling his warm breath. 

"You'll gonna need this." Orion attached an earpod to her ear. She didn't know what it was for, but she didn't have the strength to ask because she could feel her hair standing on end every time they got close. She tightly closed her eyes as she strongly felt his breath on her nape while he held her ear for the earpod.

When the elevator opened, she hurriedly stepped out to get away from Orion's body. Outside, she was surprised to see her father's lawyer waiting there.

"Miss Erin!" he greeted her. "Where's Mr. Arvesso?"

"I'm Assistant Jorge!"

The lawyer shifted his gaze to the man with her, who showed no emotion.

Assistant Jorge continued, "Unfortunately, Miss Erin and I were the only ones sent because Miss Erin will be the family representative. We reviewed the documents, and the 'will' allows Miss Villaverde to represent the Arvessos if needed."

'Family…' Erin swallowed hard at this revelation. Did the Arvesso family genuinely accept her? Another pressing question in her mind was whether the lawyer recognized Orion.

"Ah, yes! You're the one Mr. Arvesso mentioned who would come today."

As they headed to the board meeting, the lawyer and Assistant Jorge delved into some details. Erin felt a knot of nerves in her stomach as she walked. Spotting her manager, Mrs. Robles, in the hallway, Erin locked eyes with her and glared. Removing this woman from her position was now a priority when she returned.

It wasn't a matter of pettiness. Mrs. Robles allowed team members to engage in questionable behavior, and she betrayed Erin to Mr. Yu—an act Erin couldn't forget. If Mrs. Robles could do that to her, she could unquestionably do it to others as well.

"What's that woman doing here?" Jenna inquired upon spotting Erin. 

The woman stood by her office, and as the witch prepared to approach, Erin waved at her cousin and entered the board meeting, leaving Jenna in shocked disbelief with parted lips.

Ten other attendees surrounded her uncle at the far end of the long table. Erin took her place in the chair marked for "Mr. Niel Arvesso," ensuring she implicitly conveyed the message. In this setting, she embodied Niel Arvesso.

Uncle Roger's gaze shifted toward Orion, who stood behind Erin. "Who is that man?" he inquired.

"He's my bodyguard," Erin responded succinctly.

"I don't recall you being capable of hiring a bodyguard," Uncle Roger remarked.

"Please refrain from insulting Mr. Arvesso's fiancée!" warned Assistant Jorge. "Exercise caution with your words as they reflect upon the entire Arvesso Family!"

Uncle Roger fell silent, unable to formulate a response to Assistant Jorge's warning. It became apparent why Jorge was renowned as the youngest and most talented individual in the business world. His education in law from America and a business course in London further solidified his impressive reputation.

"We cannot allow him in this room," Uncle Roger insisted.

Anticipating his objection, Erin nodded at Orion, signaling him to leave. He left the room without uttering a word, acknowledging Erin's understanding of her uncle's uncompromising stance.

"Alright! Since all members are here. We may now start the discussion," declared Uncle Roger. 

He proceeded to narrate the past year's events, addressing inquiries about the company's declining profits since his father's tenure. It was no surprise to her that Uncle Roger's management had shortcomings. The conversation then shifted towards the imminent change in the board members.

"We're eyeing the chairman position," declared Assistant Jorge confidently.

"This is absurd! I won't allow an outsider to take the helm of this company!" Uncle Jorge retorted vehemently.

"Outsider? Last I checked, you're no longer the chairman, and that's precisely why we're here," countered Assistant Jorge. "Furthermore, Miss Villaverde is no outsider; she's the daughter of the previous chairman. Does everyone seem to forget that?" he added, the lawyer emphasizing the familial connection.

She observed Uncle Roger's frustration, finding satisfaction in his visible discomfort.

"Don't smirk, baby girl..."

Orion's voice in her ear startled her. Glancing at the door, she saw him standing seriously outside the glass door. He appeared like a vigilant bodyguard, keenly observing the surroundings. That explained why he had agreed to stay outside—he could monitor the ongoing events through an earpiece.

Assistant Jorge continued, "The Arvesso family is designating Miss Villaverde for the chairman position. The company will soon be under her leadership, so why postpone the inevitable?"

Erin swallowed hard, caught off guard by the revelation.

"This is absurd! I won't stand for it!" exclaimed Uncle Roger.

"Hah! Is this coming from the chairman, who experienced a 10% performance drop?" Erin retorted. "No offense, just stating the facts."

The other board members exchanged uneasy glances.

"You can't allow this!" Uncle Roger insisted.

Erin observed an employee approaching Orion, a woman with a smile directed at him. Orion appeared preoccupied, which clarified why he readily consented to step out of the boardroom. This action irked Erin.

"You don't have the authority to decide if I'm allowed or not! That's precisely why we have a board with members making such decisions!" Erin asserted firmly.

"Should you choose not to accept Miss Erin Villaverde, feel free to pack your bags and head home! The Arvessos command a substantial 65% share of this company. If you're feeling snarky about it, we'd be more than willing to acquire your shares. We don't intend to make things difficult for you, but fostering resentment might not bode well for your future."

Uncle Roger's lips curled at Assistant Jorge's pointed retort. "Does anyone dare question us?" he asked, scrutinizing each member who couldn't meet his gaze. "None! Then, we don't have a problem," concluded the assistant.

After the meeting, Uncle Roger received a day to vacate the chairman's office. Erin, engulfed in a myriad of emotions, expressed gratitude towards Orion. Just a month ago, she encountered significant challenges. Yet, here she stands—not only making a triumphant return to the office but also being handed ownership.

"Erin!" Jenna intercepted her as she exited the room. "I don't know what spell you cast on Mr. Arvesso to win him over! Did you sell yourself to him?!" Jenna's loud accusation aimed to expose their boss as morally compromised echoed across the entire floor.

Erin crossed her arms. "Why? Is that your preferred method for getting what you want?"

"You bitch! This isn't over!"

"Yeah, Jenna, this isn't finished. I look forward to escorting you out of your precious little office one day. Ciao!"

Her cousin walked away, and it was probable that her uncle had already informed Jenna about the altercation. 

Orion turned to Erin, reflecting on her entire encounter with her former friend.

"So, where to?" he asked, locking eyes with her.

"Where? What do you mean?"

"I'm your bodyguard. I'll follow you wherever you go."

Her mind briefly froze at his words. "I thought it was just here in the office?"

She had assumed their boss-bodyguard charade was limited to the workplace.

"No, baby girl. Bodyguards protect their princesses 24/7. That father-daughter duo will easily find out if I leave you alone. So, where to?"

Oh no! Erin struggled to find the right words. Did this mean she was stuck with him all the time?