Chapter 18

The atmosphere in Wellington Holdings felt unusually charged that morning. Conversations hummed through the sleek, modern hallways, but an air of expectation hung around. Jake stepped into the boardroom, moving with intention, his gaze scanning the expressions of the executives gathered around the gleaming mahogany table. Each face reflected a range of emotions from anxiety to pure curiosity.

Mason, Jake’s diligent assistant, was already present. Holding his tablet, he leaned forward, briefing two department heads with a calm yet authoritative demeanor. The slight crease on his forehead suggested the pressure of the day’s agenda. Jake acknowledged Mason with a nod before taking his position at the head of the table.

Amelia made her entrance moments later, her heels clicking decisively against the tiled surface. Her expression conveyed professionalism, but Jake detected a faint trace of frustration in her eyes. He understood something was troubling her, yet he knew better than to inquire in front of the group.

“Good morning, everyone,” Jake initiated, his deep voice cutting through the soft chatter. “Let’s begin. Mason, please present the financial projections for this quarter.”

Mason stood up, radiating quiet assurance. His movements were fluid and deliberate, as if he had rehearsed this numerous times. “Thank you, Mr. Wellington,” he started, his voice steady.

He tapped his tablet, illuminating the screen at the front with various charts and graphs. “As of this quarter, our revenue from the hospitality sector has risen by 12%, mainly due to the success of our international expansions. However, the technology division is lagging significantly. We’ve pinpointed a few reasons for this slowdown, including delays in product introductions and a deficiency in innovation within core areas.”

Amelia observed Mason closely, admiring his meticulousness. His presentation was flawless, and his understanding of the data impressive. She made a mental note to monitor him—not from a place of distrust, but because his keen intellect could be crucial in navigating the challenges the company faced.

As Mason concluded his presentation, Jake leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Well done. I want you to arrange a meeting with the heads of the tech division. I need a comprehensive analysis of their issues and suggested solutions by the end of the week.”

Mason nodded, already typing on his tablet. “Understood, sir. I will get that organized.”

After an hour, the meeting came to a close, and the executives departed one by one. Amelia lingered, arms crossed, as she waited for Jake to finish collecting his notes.

“You seem preoccupied,” Jake remarked without glancing up, his tone casual yet perceptive.

“Is it that noticeable?” she responded, a slight smile appearing on her lips.

“Only to someone who knows you well,” he replied, finally meeting her gaze. “What’s bothering you?”

Amelia hesitated, her fingers tapping lightly on the table's edge. “It’s Catherine. And Beatrice. And… my father,” she confessed, her voice soft yet infused with frustration.

Jake placed his notes down and leaned back in his chair. “Let me guess. They’re up to their usual manipulations?”

“They’re always plotting,” she sighed. “But it’s more than that. My father refuses to take a stand. He’s aware of everything they’re doing, yet he pretends like it’s not his concern. It’s infuriating.”

Jake scowled, his jaw tightening. “He’s meant to protect you, not stand idly by while they undermine you.”

“I know,” she replied, her voice laced with bitterness. “But he won’t. And I can’t compel him to.”

Jake reached across the table, his hand lightly brushing against hers. “You have more strength than all of them put together, Amelia. Don’t allow their small-mindedness to drag you down.”

She offered a faint smile, withdrawing her hand. “I appreciate that, Jake. Thank you.”

********

Later that day, Amelia got back to her office to discover a cream-colored envelope waiting on her desk. The bold handwriting on the front was unfamiliar, but her name was clear.

Frowning, she opened it and extracted a single sheet of paper. The note was brief but unsettling:

Stay away from Wellington Enterprises if you care about your career.

Her heart raced as she read the message once more, the words searing into her memory. She crumpled the paper in her fist, anger simmering beneath her calm facade. She knew exactly who was behind it.

Without a moment's hesitation, she marched into Jake’s office, slapping the note onto his desk. “She’s escalating,” she said, her voice quaking with restrained fury.

Jake picked up the note, his brow furrowing as he read it. “Catherine?”

“Who else could it be?” Amelia shot back, pacing the room. “She’s attempting to intimidate me, Jake. She believes she can frighten me into stepping aside.”

Jake’s jaw set, his eyes darkening. “She won’t get away with this. I’ll have security review the footage. If she—or anyone associated with her—was in this building, we’ll find out.”

********

That night, Amelia sat in her apartment, gazing out the window at the sparkling city skyline. The note rested on the table beside her, a bitter reminder of her ongoing struggle.

Her phone buzzed, breaking her from her thoughts. A message from Jake.

Security’s on it. Don’t let her shake you.

Amelia quickly responded. She’s trying, but it won’t succeed.

She set her phone down, her gaze returning to the window. Her reflection looked back at her, a woman who was weary yet resolute.

“This isn’t finished, Catherine,” she murmured to the empty room. “Not by a long shot.”

********

At the Wellington estate, Catherine lounged in the grand study, a glass of wine in her hand. Beatrice reclined across from her, a self-satisfied smile on her face.

“She won’t survive,” Beatrice said, her tone oozing with satisfaction.

“She’s tougher than she appears,” Catherine replied, swirling her wine. “However, she has vulnerabilities. We just need to keep applying pressure until she collapses.”

Beatrice raised an eyebrow. “And what about Jake?”

Catherine’s lips curved into a predatory grin. “He’ll come to regret ever aligning with her.”

Beatrice chuckled softly, lifting her glass in a mock toast. “To Amelia Rodriguez’s downfall.”

*******

Amelia came to the office early, resolved to stay one step ahead of Catherine’s plots. Mason was already at his desk, typing furiously on his laptop.

“Good morning,” Amelia said, pausing next to him.

Mason looked up, offering a courteous smile. “Good morning, Ms. Rodriguez. How can I help you today?”

“Just checking in,” she replied. “You’re always the first to arrive.”

He chuckled lightly. “It’s a habit. Besides, there’s usually something that requires attention.”

Amelia nodded, appreciating his dedication. “Keep up the excellent work, Mason. Jake is fortunate to have you.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” he said, returning to his tasks.

Later that afternoon, Jake summoned Amelia to his office, his face serious as he handed her a file.

“What’s this?” she inquired, opening it up.

“Video surveillance from yesterday,” Jake explained. “Catherine didn’t leave her residence, but someone related to her did.”

Amelia examined the still images, her stomach knotting. The man in the video was unfamiliar, but his connection to Catherine was clear.

“Who is he?” she questioned.

“An old acquaintance,” Jake answered. “Security is looking into it, but we must proceed carefully. Catherine isn’t naïve—she’ll have concealed her traces.”

Amelia shut the folder, her determination strengthening. “Then we’ll seek another method to reveal her.”

Jake agreed, his gaze intense with resolve. “We will. Together.”