Chapter 14

The city's hum felt louder as Amelia and Jake entered Wellington Holdings the next morning. The sleek glass façade of the building mirrored the rising sun, casting elongated shadows onto the busy streets below.

For Amelia, returning to the office felt like entering a lion’s den. The aftermath of the wedding party lingered around her like a second skin, and she understood that every interaction today would resonate with the events of the previous night.

Jake, however, radiated his typical self-assurance, his stride deliberate as they walked into the grand lobby. “Just remember,” he whispered, his voice calm and steady, “stay alert. Catherine and Ronald will be scrutinizing your every move.”

“I’m aware,” Amelia responded, straightening her posture. She had no intention of backing down—she had her own ambitions to fulfill.

*******

The elevator ride to the executive floor was quiet, save for the gentle hum of the machinery. Amelia glanced at her reflection in the shiny metal walls, adjusting her blazer. Jake stood next to her, his expression inscrutable as he typed out a message on his phone.

As the doors opened, they were met with the familiar sight of the active office floor. Employees moved efficiently, their voices subdued as they shared updates and transported files.

However, as Amelia and Jake exited the elevator, a palpable hush enveloped the room. Heads turned, eyes lingering just a fraction too long before shifting away. The murmurs began almost instantly.

“Isn’t that Amelia Rodriguez?”

“She’s back? After everything?”

“Did you hear what transpired at the wedding party?”

Jake leaned in closer, smirking. “You’ve got their notice.”

“Just what I needed,” Amelia muttered, her lips tightening.

As they walked toward the conference room, they passed Catherine’s assistant, a young woman named Fiona, who barely masked her disdain. “Ms. Rodriguez,” Fiona said tersely, her tone laden with contempt.

“Good morning, Fiona,” Amelia replied smoothly, refusing to rise to the provocation.

Jake shot Fiona a pointed look before guiding Amelia ahead. “Forget her,” he said once they were out of earshot. “She’s merely another pawn in Catherine’s game.”

“I’m fully aware,” Amelia stated, her voice resolute.

******

The conference room was already filled when they arrived. Ronald occupied the head of the table, his expression calm yet distant. Catherine sat next to him, her polished facade concealing the frustration brewing beneath. Several board members and senior executives occupied the other seats, their quiet conversations halting as Amelia and Jake entered.

Ronald’s eyes met Amelia’s for an instant, his gaze unreadable. “You’re late,” he remarked, his tone frosty.

Jake raised an eyebrow. “We’re actually on time.”

Catherine’s smile lacked warmth. “How thoughtful of you to join us. Let’s begin, shall we?”

Amelia took her seat, purposely selecting a spot across from Catherine. The atmosphere was heavy with tension as the meeting commenced, with each agenda item addressed with deliberate formality.

As the hours passed, Amelia couldn’t shake the sensation that every word spoken had a hidden meaning. Catherine’s remarks were sharp, her subtle barbs at Amelia disguised as professional critiques. Ronald remained largely silent, his attention fluctuating between the reports and the individuals present in the room.

During a break, Amelia stepped out onto the balcony next to the conference room. The cool breeze was a refreshing change from the stifling tension inside.

Jake joined her shortly after, offering her a cup of coffee. “How are you managing?”

“Okay,” she replied, though her tightened jaw suggested otherwise.

He observed her for a moment before leaning against the railing. “Catherine's using underhanded tactics, but she’s predictable. She’s trying to shake you.”

Amelia acknowledged him with a nod. “And it’s working.”

“Don’t let her notice that,” Jake said with conviction. “You have just as much right to be here as she does—actually, more. You're not here just to fill a spot, Amelia. You're here to win.”

His words ignited a spark of resolve within her. “You’re right,” she said, straightening her posture.

When they reentered the conference room, Amelia was prepared. As Catherine launched into yet another veiled attack on her business skills, Amelia calmly interjected with a sharp response, substantiating her claims with solid data.

The atmosphere in the room changed noticeably. Board members who had previously doubted Amelia began to nod in agreement, their interest piqued by her assured delivery. Even Ronald appeared taken aback, his eyes narrowing as he observed her.

By the time the meeting concluded, it was evident that Amelia had regained lost ground.

******

Later that afternoon, Amelia found herself in the office kitchen, pouring a cup of tea. She was alone, or so she believed, until Catherine’s voice pierced the silence.

“You’re quite the performer,” Catherine said, her tone oozing with sarcasm.

Amelia kept her back to her. “And you’re quite the fraud.”

Catherine chuckled, a chilling and humorless sound. “You honestly believe you can just stroll back in and take what’s mine?”

“I’m not here for you,” Amelia replied, finally turning to confront her. “I’m here for what I deserve.”

Catherine advanced a step, her heels echoing on the tiled floor. “You’ll come to regret this,” she murmured, her eyes narrowing.

Amelia met her stare unflinchingly. “We’ll see how that plays out.”

*******

Meanwhile, Ronald sat in his office, replaying the day’s events in his mind. He couldn’t deny that Amelia had impressed him in the meeting—poised, articulate, and resolute.

Yet her presence served as a constant reminder of everything he tried to escape. He gazed at the pile of papers on his desk, but his thoughts kept returning to her.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. It was Ethan. “Sir, your next appointment is in ten minutes,” he informed.

“Thank you,” Ronald responded, though his tone was distracted.

As Ethan departed, Ronald leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. The fissures in his carefully maintained life were becoming wider, and he wondered how much longer he could hold everything together.

*****

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Amelia and Jake got ready to leave for the day. The office had cleared out, leaving an unsettling silence behind.

“I’d say today was a success,” Jake commented as they stepped into the elevator.

“It’s just the beginning,” Amelia said, her voice soft but determined.

Jake glanced at her, a glimmer of admiration in his gaze. “You’re stronger than you realize, you know that?”

She remained silent, but his words resonated in her mind as they exited the building.

From the shadows of the parking garage, Catherine watched them depart, her expression inscrutable. Beside her, Beatrice appeared, worry etched on her face.

“What’s the plan now?” Beatrice asked.

Catherine’s lips twisted into a frigid smile. “Now, we tighten the grip.”