Nathan narrowed his eyes, his expression skeptical. “You’re saying we let her run her mouth and make a fool of herself just to see what she’s up to?”
Rita nodded. “Exactly. It’s clear she’s been sent here for a reason, and if we force her out now, we might lose the opportunity to uncover the truth. Let her stay—for now. But we’ll keep a close eye on her and whoever is pulling the strings.”
Richard exhaled heavily, his displeasure still evident. “Fine,” he said reluctantly. “But I’m doing this for you, Rita. The moment she crosses a line—”
“She’ll have to answer to us,” Rita finished, her voice firm. “Trust me, Papa. We’ll handle this.”
Nathan exchanged a glance with their father, then sighed. “Alright, I’ll go along with this—for now. But if they think they can waltz in here and take over, they’re in for a rude awakening.”
Rita gave them a small smile before turning her attention back to the front of the room, where Linet and Anita were now laughing and chatting with a small group of employees who had no idea of the audacity unfolding. To the uninformed, it seemed like a perfectly ordinary introduction to a new executive—a deliberate facade that would need to be dismantled piece by piece.
“Let’s not give them the satisfaction of seeing us riled up,” Rita suggested quietly. “We’ll leave early, make it seem like we’re dismissing this as nothing more than noise. If they think we don’t see them as a threat, they might get careless.”
Richard reluctantly agreed, though his discontent was still visible. “Very well,” he muttered. “But mark my words, this Anita won’t last long.”
As the event unfolded, Rita, Nathan, and their father subtly made their exit, their departure as composed as it was deliberate. Linet watched them go, her smug smile only growing wider. To her, the Moreaus’ retreat signified victory—a sign that her audacious entrance had cowed them into silence. She turned to Anita with an approving nod, clearly proud of her orchestrated fantasy.
Meanwhile, Rita led her family into the quiet sanctuary of Nathan’s office. Once the door was closed, the mask of calm confidence slipped, revealing the calculating mind at work behind her composed demeanor.
“I’ll start digging,” Nathan offered immediately, his voice edged with determination. “Someone is definitely backing Anita. No one makes a move like this without leverage—or orders. We need to figure out who it is.”
Richard nodded, his expression dark. “Whoever it is clearly doesn’t understand who they’re dealing with.”
Rita held up a hand, her tone measured. “Let’s not underestimate them. Whoever orchestrated this has confidence—and resources. If we overplay our hand, we could lose the chance to expose them for good.”
Her father studied her for a moment, pride flickering in his eyes despite his frustration. “You’re sharper than I give you credit for,” he admitted. “Fine. We’ll do it your way—for now.”
Nathan smirked slightly, though his own determination was no less fierce. “They won’t know what hit them,” he promised. “Anita and Linet think they’re running the show, but the real game is only just beginning.”
As they began strategizing their next steps, Rita couldn’t help but feel a surge of resolve. Linet and Anita had underestimated her, just as so many others had before. But this time, Rita wasn’t just fighting for herself—she was protecting her family’s legacy.
And she would stop at nothing to uncover the truth.
The hum of chatter filled the grand hall as Linet and Anita reveled in their apparent triumph. The party, intended as a gathering for the company’s employees and executives, had transformed under their influence into a self-serving spectacle. Linet, with her air of faux sophistication, held court at the center of the room while Anita lingered close by, nodding in agreement with every word Linet uttered.
Their bold claims and ostentatious posturing drew the attention of the more gullible employees, who saw an opportunity to curry favor with what they believed was emerging power. Ignorant of the true hierarchy, they cozied up to Linet and Anita with exaggerated compliments and shameless flattery.
“Oh, Miss Linet,” gushed one employee, a middle manager from accounting. “You and Anita have such a commanding presence. It’s refreshing to see leaders like you stepping in to bring fresh perspectives to the company.”
Linet smirked, clearly feeding off the adoration. “Why, thank you,” she said, her tone dripping with false humility. “It’s about time someone with vision stepped up to the plate. The company needs strong, innovative minds—don’t you agree, Anita?”
“Absolutely,” Anita chimed in, her voice smooth yet insincere. “We’re here to shake things up for the better.”
Nearby, a group of junior employees whispered among themselves, their eyes occasionally darting toward Linet and Anita. The mysterious newcomers’ boldness and confidence made an impression on the impressionable crowd, who assumed their authority was legitimate.
But not everyone in the room was fooled. The seasoned executives, who had spent decades building the company’s reputation and success, watched the unfolding scene with barely concealed irritation. Among them was Mr. Donahue, the head of operations—a no-nonsense man whose reputation for integrity and loyalty to the Moreau family was well known.
As Donahue sipped his whiskey, he leaned toward Mrs. Beaumont, the company’s head of human resources, and muttered, “This is absurd. Who do they think they are, parading around like they own the place?”
Mrs. Beaumont, a sharp-eyed woman with an air of quiet authority, nodded in agreement. “They’re overplaying their hand,” she said. “And the worst part is watching these fools grovel at their feet.”
Across the room, Linet and Anita’s increasingly bold behavior began to spark tension. At one point, Linet turned her attention to Mr. Harrington, the senior vice president of finance. Oblivious to his importance within the company, she waved him over with a dismissive flick of her wrist.
“You there,” Linet called, her tone patronizing. “You seem important enough. Tell me, what does your department even do for this company?”
Harrington’s brow furrowed, and his lips pressed into a thin line. “I oversee the company’s financial operations,” he replied coolly. “Every department’s success depends on our work.”
Linet scoffed, her ignorance on full display. “Oh, numbers. How fascinating,” she said, her sarcasm evident. “But don’t you think the company could benefit from some…creative restructuring? Anita and I have some ideas.”
Harrington’s patience wore thin, and his gaze hardened. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of seeing your credentials,” he said pointedly. “What experience do you bring to the table?”
The tension in the air was palpable as Linet’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Well, I don’t need credentials to see that things could be improved,” she retorted defensively. “Sometimes, it takes an outside perspective to bring about change.”
Anita chimed in, sensing her ally’s discomfort. “Exactly. Fresh perspectives are what this company needs—not the same tired routines.”
The exchange caught the attention of several other executives, who exchanged knowing glances. Meanwhile, the younger employees who had cozied up to Linet and Anita began to fidget, realizing the power dynamic wasn’t what they’d assumed.
The tipping point came when Linet, emboldened by the attention she’d garnered, approached Richard Moreau’s longtime personal assistant, Helen. Linet’s condescending tone made Helen stiffen.
“You must be the one who keeps everything running around here,” Linet said, her smile thin. “I might have some tasks for you soon. After all, someone needs to handle the logistics for my ideas.”
Helen, a woman known for her sharp wit and unyielding loyalty to the Moreaus, raised an eyebrow. “I take my orders directly from Mr. Moreau,” she said evenly. “If you have any suggestions, I suggest you take them up with him first.”
Linet waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, I’m sure he won’t mind. Times are changing, and it’s about time this company started adapting.”
Helen’s eyes narrowed, but she kept her composure. “We’ll see about that.”
The gathering grew increasingly tense as Linet and Anita’s antics offended more senior staff members. The calculated plan to expose their motives had begun to bear fruit. Rita, watching from a distance with her father and brother, couldn’t suppress a small smile.
“They’re digging their own graves,” Nathan muttered, his voice low.
Rita nodded, her gaze steady. “Let them. The deeper they dig, the easier it will be to bring everything to light.”
As the evening wore on, the true nature of the power struggle became evident to those paying attention. Linet and Anita’s desperate grasp for validation began to unravel, their arrogance alienating the very people they sought to control.
When the party finally began to wind down, the whispers of dissent were louder than ever. The senior executives, once silent observers, had seen enough. Linet and Anita’s fantasy was crumbling—and the Moreaus were ready to deliver the final blow.
The following day, Linet and Anita arrived at the company in their usual flawless style—dressed to impress, with impeccable makeup and hair. They had spent the night strategizing their arrival, determined to set the tone for how they would be treated from then on.As they stepped through the glass doors of the company lobby, heads turned. The employees, who had only heard rumors about Anita’s new role and Linet’s possible involvement, were taken aback. The office, usually buzzing with a casual energy, fell into an almost hushed atmosphere as they walked in, both of them exuding an air of superiority and power.Anita, who had always been keenly aware of the importance of first impressions, took a slow, deliberate walk towards the elevator, her heels clicking on the polished floor with each step. Linet, following close behind, matched her pace perfectly, her eyes scanning the room as if measuring each employee’s worth.The receptionist, who had been busy answering the phone, looked up a
Rita’s patience had worn thin, the sting of Linet’s insults festering deep inside her. She had been calm, composed, and controlled until now, but something snapped. Her hand moved faster than she could think, and with a sharp, resounding crack, her palm collided with Linet’s cheek.The sound of the slap echoed through the office, leaving a stunned silence in its wake.Linet’s head jerked to the side, her hair flying with the force of the blow. For a moment, she was frozen, her eyes wide in shock, as if she couldn’t comprehend what had just happened. The employees standing around them watched in disbelief, some whispering to each other in hushed tones while others simply stood there, too stunned to move.Linet’s hand instinctively went to her face, her fingers tracing the spot where the slap had landed, and then, with a growl of fury, she snapped.“You bitch!” she yelled, her voice venomous. Without thinking, Linet lunged at Rita, shoving her hard in the chest. The force of the push se
Rita stormed into Harry’s office, her eyes burning with fury. She barely glanced at the secretary as she marched straight past her, the sharp click of her heels echoing through the hallway. She didn’t knock, just opened the door wide and let herself in, slamming it behind her.“Harry,” she snapped, her voice laced with frustration. “The company’s management needs a serious revisiting.”Harry was sitting behind his desk, a half-smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he watched his sister pace back and forth, her movements sharp and tense. He leaned back in his chair, doing his best to remain calm, though he couldn’t help but feel a little amusement bubbling inside him. Rita was adorable when she was angry, her cheeks flushed, her lips pursed in that familiar, fiery expression."Rita, calm down," Harry said, his tone soothing. He leaned forward slightly, trying to keep the situation under control. He had seen her like this before, and he knew it was just a matter of time before she'
That evening, Rita stepped out of her car and took a deep breath of the cool night air. The soft lights of the lounge glowed warmly in front of her, and inside, music drifted gently through the windows. She had chosen this spot intentionally—quiet, familiar, and far away from the chaos of the company drama. She needed a break, and there was only one person she could truly relax around: her longtime friend, Janet.Janet was already waiting at a cozy corner booth, waving enthusiastically the moment she saw Rita. With her ever-vibrant energy and sassy charm, Janet was the kind of friend who made the weight of the world feel lighter—at least for a while.“Girl! You finally made it!” Janet said, getting up to hug her. “I was beginning to think you chickened out on me.”Rita chuckled softly, easing into the seat across from her. “I needed a breather. Work’s been… a mess.”Janet arched a brow playfully. “That serious? Come on, spill it.”The waitress arrived and took their orders. Janet orde
Rita’s heart raced as the doctor’s words echoed in her ears, a melody she had longed to hear for years. She was pregnant. After endless nights of silent prayers and hidden tears, the universe had finally answered. She imagined the joy lighting up James’ face as she shared the news, a spark to revive their crumbling marriage.Clutching the ultrasound picture close to her chest, Rita hurried home, her heels clicking against the dusty path leading to the farmhouse. The faint smell of freshly tilled soil lingered in the air. For the first time in months, her footsteps felt lighter, her lips trembling into a smile she could no longer suppress.“James!” she called as she pushed open the front door, her voice filled with eager anticipation. The house was strangely silent. The curtains, partially drawn, cast eerie shadows across the living room.Her instincts urged caution, but excitement propelled her forward. She headed to their bedroom, her mind rehearsing the words she had longed to say.
Rita stumbled out of the farmhouse, the bitter taste of betrayal lingering in her mouth. The cool evening breeze kissed her tear-streaked face, but it offered no comfort. Her heart was shattered, and her mind was a chaotic whirlpool of emotions. The world she had sacrificed everything for had turned its back on her, leaving her alone in the dark.She walked aimlessly, her heels digging into the dirt road as the sound of distant laughter from the house echoed behind her. Her mother-in-law, Linet, and even James, now all strangers to her. Rita clenched her fists, trying to suppress the sobs rising in her throat. She wouldn’t cry for them, not anymore.The small bar at the edge of town came into view. Its dim neon sign flickered faintly, barely illuminating the cracked walls and rusted door. Rita had never set foot in such a place before, but tonight, she didn’t care. She just needed something—anything—to numb the pain.Inside, the bar was dimly lit and crowded with locals. The smell of
The morning sun painted the sky with hues of orange and gold, but its warmth barely reached Rita’s heart as she sat by the roadside, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. The events of the past 24 hours felt like a cruel blur. Her body ached from the cold night under the bridge, and her spirit was bruised from the betrayal she had endured. But as the dawn broke, so did a spark of determination within her.For the first time in years, Rita allowed herself to think about the life she had left behind, the life she had hidden from James and his family. She had walked away from luxury, wealth, and a powerful family name, all in pursuit of love and simplicity. But that love had proven to be nothing more than a mirage, leaving her stranded and broken.No more, she thought. No more hiding. No more sacrificing herself for people who didn’t deserve her. It was time to reclaim the life she had abandoned.Rita looked around, spotting a woman sweeping the dusty roadside in front of a small kios
As Rita was ushered into the mansion, she was overwhelmed by the sight that awaited her. The grand foyer, adorned with crystal chandeliers and intricate carvings, was decorated with fresh flowers. The dining hall was transformed into a festive space, with a long table laden with sumptuous dishes. The aroma of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and exotic spices filled the air.The staff had prepared a feast fit for royalty a testament to how much they adored her. Rita’s heart swelled with gratitude, but a pang of guilt lingered. She had left all of this behind, and yet they welcomed her back without hesitation.Her mother, elegantly dressed and radiant as ever, appeared at the top of the staircase. Her eyes filled with tears as she descended, her steps quickening until she reached Rita. “My darling girl,” she whispered, pulling Rita into a tight embrace. “You’re home. You’re finally home.”“I’m so sorry, Mama,” Rita choked out, her voice breaking. “I shouldn’t have left. I shouldn’t
That evening, Rita stepped out of her car and took a deep breath of the cool night air. The soft lights of the lounge glowed warmly in front of her, and inside, music drifted gently through the windows. She had chosen this spot intentionally—quiet, familiar, and far away from the chaos of the company drama. She needed a break, and there was only one person she could truly relax around: her longtime friend, Janet.Janet was already waiting at a cozy corner booth, waving enthusiastically the moment she saw Rita. With her ever-vibrant energy and sassy charm, Janet was the kind of friend who made the weight of the world feel lighter—at least for a while.“Girl! You finally made it!” Janet said, getting up to hug her. “I was beginning to think you chickened out on me.”Rita chuckled softly, easing into the seat across from her. “I needed a breather. Work’s been… a mess.”Janet arched a brow playfully. “That serious? Come on, spill it.”The waitress arrived and took their orders. Janet orde
Rita stormed into Harry’s office, her eyes burning with fury. She barely glanced at the secretary as she marched straight past her, the sharp click of her heels echoing through the hallway. She didn’t knock, just opened the door wide and let herself in, slamming it behind her.“Harry,” she snapped, her voice laced with frustration. “The company’s management needs a serious revisiting.”Harry was sitting behind his desk, a half-smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he watched his sister pace back and forth, her movements sharp and tense. He leaned back in his chair, doing his best to remain calm, though he couldn’t help but feel a little amusement bubbling inside him. Rita was adorable when she was angry, her cheeks flushed, her lips pursed in that familiar, fiery expression."Rita, calm down," Harry said, his tone soothing. He leaned forward slightly, trying to keep the situation under control. He had seen her like this before, and he knew it was just a matter of time before she'
Rita’s patience had worn thin, the sting of Linet’s insults festering deep inside her. She had been calm, composed, and controlled until now, but something snapped. Her hand moved faster than she could think, and with a sharp, resounding crack, her palm collided with Linet’s cheek.The sound of the slap echoed through the office, leaving a stunned silence in its wake.Linet’s head jerked to the side, her hair flying with the force of the blow. For a moment, she was frozen, her eyes wide in shock, as if she couldn’t comprehend what had just happened. The employees standing around them watched in disbelief, some whispering to each other in hushed tones while others simply stood there, too stunned to move.Linet’s hand instinctively went to her face, her fingers tracing the spot where the slap had landed, and then, with a growl of fury, she snapped.“You bitch!” she yelled, her voice venomous. Without thinking, Linet lunged at Rita, shoving her hard in the chest. The force of the push se
The following day, Linet and Anita arrived at the company in their usual flawless style—dressed to impress, with impeccable makeup and hair. They had spent the night strategizing their arrival, determined to set the tone for how they would be treated from then on.As they stepped through the glass doors of the company lobby, heads turned. The employees, who had only heard rumors about Anita’s new role and Linet’s possible involvement, were taken aback. The office, usually buzzing with a casual energy, fell into an almost hushed atmosphere as they walked in, both of them exuding an air of superiority and power.Anita, who had always been keenly aware of the importance of first impressions, took a slow, deliberate walk towards the elevator, her heels clicking on the polished floor with each step. Linet, following close behind, matched her pace perfectly, her eyes scanning the room as if measuring each employee’s worth.The receptionist, who had been busy answering the phone, looked up a
Nathan narrowed his eyes, his expression skeptical. “You’re saying we let her run her mouth and make a fool of herself just to see what she’s up to?”Rita nodded. “Exactly. It’s clear she’s been sent here for a reason, and if we force her out now, we might lose the opportunity to uncover the truth. Let her stay—for now. But we’ll keep a close eye on her and whoever is pulling the strings.”Richard exhaled heavily, his displeasure still evident. “Fine,” he said reluctantly. “But I’m doing this for you, Rita. The moment she crosses a line—”“She’ll have to answer to us,” Rita finished, her voice firm. “Trust me, Papa. We’ll handle this.”Nathan exchanged a glance with their father, then sighed. “Alright, I’ll go along with this—for now. But if they think they can waltz in here and take over, they’re in for a rude awakening.”Rita gave them a small smile before turning her attention back to the front of the room, where Linet and Anita were now laughing and chatting with a small group of
The boardroom hummed with anticipation as the employees eagerly awaited Nathan’s big announcement. The air was electric, the kind of tension that preceded monumental changes. Rita sat quietly beside her father, Richard Moreau, whose expression betrayed a rare blend of pride and composure. Nathan, standing at the podium, glanced at his sister, silently reassuring her that everything would go as planned.But just as Nathan opened his mouth to speak, the sound of the doors swinging open echoed across the room. Heads turned toward the interruption, and the atmosphere shifted abruptly. Strutting in with an air of unearned confidence was none other than Linet, the governor’s daughter. Her heels clacked against the polished floor, her movements unapologetically bold. By her side was another woman, younger and less familiar—Anita, whose sharp eyes scanned the room as if she owned it.Gasps rippled through the audience, followed by murmurs of confusion. Linet, oblivious to the tension in the r
Before Rita could respond to Margaret’s veiled threat, a calm voice interrupted the unfolding scene. “Margaret,” the voice said, firm but composed, “I think that’s enough.”Everyone turned to see Daniel, a marketing analyst who rarely drew attention to himself. His presence was unassuming, yet in this moment, his confidence filled the room, commanding respect. Daniel walked toward Rita’s desk, his sharp blue eyes locking onto Margaret’s with an unyielding determination that immediately silenced her.“Why do you find it necessary to humiliate a colleague in front of everyone?” he asked, his tone even but cutting. “This is a professional workplace, not a tabloid.”Margaret’s lips parted in surprise, her usual arrogance faltering under Daniel’s scrutiny. “I don’t know what you mean,” she replied, though her voice lacked conviction. “I was simply addressing the concerns circulating within the office.”“Concerns that you’ve clearly fueled,” Daniel shot back without hesitation. “Let me remi
As she settled at her desk, the whispers turned into outright ridicule. A group of employees near the coffee station exchanged exaggerated laughs, their voices deliberately loud enough for her to hear.“Must be nice to have someone open doors for you,” one of them said, her tone mocking. “I wonder what it costs to get that kind of service.”“Probably more than we make in a year,” another replied, his laughter echoing through the room.Rita paused, her fingers hovering over her keyboard. She glanced up, her sharp eyes scanning the room. The laughter died down, but the smirks remained. She could feel the weight of their judgment pressing down on her, the sting of their words cutting deeper than she cared to admit.Taking a deep breath, Rita stood and walked toward the coffee station, her heels clicking against the tiled floor. The group fell silent as she approached, their smug expressions faltering under her unwavering gaze.“Good morning,” Rita said, her voice calm but firm. “I couldn
The office buzzed with its usual morning rhythm: phones ringing, keyboards clicking, and murmured conversations floating through the air. Yet, as Rita stepped into the building, it was as if time itself hesitated to catch its breath.Dressed impeccably in a bold red dress that radiated confidence, Rita strode past the rows of desks with a radiant smile on her lips. She exuded an air of triumph, a stark contrast to the defeated figure some had expected after the previous night's ordeal. Heads turned as she made her way to her desk, her poise unshaken by the whispers that rippled through the office.Margaret, seated near the corner office, froze mid-sentence when her eyes landed on Rita. The blood drained from her face, leaving her with a pale, almost ghostly complexion. She had been certain that the events of the previous night would leave Rita broken, disheveled, or better yet—missing entirely. How could she possibly be standing here, grinning as if nothing had happened?Rita's eyes l