E L L EHis jaw clenched, as he gave me a deathly glare. "Are you trying to call me incompetent? Don't you forget that I handed that company over to you, Child. And I know know best, I've been in the game way before you were born and I know exactly how this works. You've only just stepped into the field. Don't tell me how to run a business, and don't come crying to me when you can't fix it. You're the CEO, deal with it.""Deal with it? You want me to deal with it. Well, it's easy for you to say when you're retired. You don't commend me for all the hardwork I put into the company for five years without break. The little time I decided to have to myself, because I was fucking exhausted, is what led to this mess. A mess, which I'm going to have to clean up, alone. Without anyone's help.""You're not alone, honey." Mum interjected, but I ignored her."You want me to deal with this shit now that there's a problem. I can't fucking believe you, Dad. You didn't even tell me when I came back
E L L ETwo Weeks Later"I can't believe you're going through with this." I gritted out, looking at three of my biggest shareholders. No matter how hard my family and I had tried, two weeks wasn't enough to time to get the company back on it's feet. "What do you mean? They offered me an unbelievable deal, and I'd be crazy to say no. Not only that, the company is not making any money, and the board is losing confidence. They are starting to think the company is a sinking ship. We've lost one shareholder, and a lot of customers. It's not ideal. So, yes, I'm going through with it. There's no point wasting more time and resources on a sinking ship." Mr. Browne said, and the other men nodded in agreement. "This is unbelievable. You're selling the shares, and you don't even care. My father built this company, and you want to throw it all away, just like that." My words didn't seem to have any effect on them, as they still stood their ground. "Elle, it's been difficult, and there's noth
E L L EI took another swig of wine, as I adjusted my glasses, trying to make more researches about this new company.It was a Saturday morning, and if just finished with my laundry and took a shower. I was putting on just a old baggy T-shirt. It was Sebastian's.That was the only thing of his I had carried with him after our divorce five years ago, and for some reasons, I couldn't seem to let go of it. But, it was just a T-shirt anyways. I was definitely not wearing it because it reminded me of the times we had spent together.Nope.Not at all.I was wearing it, because I was a busy woman and couldn't be bothered to wear an actual shirt.That's right.I was just wearing the t-shirt and nothing else.I had a whole day to myself, and I planned to spend it on researching about this new competitor.It's not like I had anything else to do.I poured myself a glass of wine, and sat back down in front of the computer.My glasses were starting to slide down my nose, and I pushed them back.I
E L L EThe day of the party had arrived, and I was a ball of nerves.It was not like me, and the Elle I was before would not have been so worried.I had a reputation.The Ice Queen.I was fierce, and strong.But, for the past two weeks, my reputation had gone down the drain. The media were not having a good time with me.They made fun of me, and laughed at me.It was like a circus.A circus, and I was the main attraction.My father and mother were devastated.They hated the fact that the media was talking about me. They hated the fact that there were lies and false accusations.But, first I had to put a face and name to this woman and finally see what the hype is all about.The launching was held in a huge luxurious hotel, and the place was packed.Everyone was dressed in their best, and I could feel eyes on me the moment we walked inside."You know, I'm not going to lie. You do look really fierce and hot. If I wasn't in love, I would have totally gone for you." Giovanna commented as
E L L EThe party was in full swing, and everyone was having a great time.They were getting their products, and enjoying the rest of the evening.While, I was in a corner, seething with anger."What do we do now?" Gio asked."There is nothing we can do.""Elle, this is serious. You cannot sit here, and not do anything. That woman is evil, and she's planning something. You have to do something.""What? What exactly am I supposed to do, Gio? This is beyond me. It's bigger than I imagined.""You are Elle freaking Marino, the woman who has taken over the business world, and has left her mark. Do not let that bitch win.""Follow me," I said to Gio as we walked towards the shelves of the newly launched cosmetics products, and stopped.I got eye shadows, foundations, contours, lipsticks and eyeliners. I got the relaxers, took out my card and paid for them.The attendant handed me my receipt and I thanked her."What are you doing?""Just wait." I told her, as we walked to the nearest exit.T
E L L EA FEW MONTHS LATERLife was not going the way I wanted it to go.Everything was falling apart.I could see the look on my father's face, and how defeated he was.The company was losing clients, and sales were getting lower each day.No one was buying our products, and the market was dominated by Emory's company.It was not like the clients were complaining.It was the opposite.Everyone was happy, and satisfied with their purchase.But, there was no comparison.Rome Beauty had taken over, and there was no stopping them.Everyone was excited about the launch of the new product.An eye shadow palette, and it was selling out.In fact, they were launching a whole new line of eye shadow palettes. They were the talk of the town and everyone was excited.Everyone except, me.I was angry and frustrated.We'd worked hard and tried so much to maintain our status.But, it was like a huge slap in the face.We were losing.And, it hurt."Elle, I need you here, please." My father spoke, and
E L L EThe next morning, I got a call from Avery."Elle, something crazy happened last night. Check your WhatsApp, I sent a picture to you."I did as she said and went to my WhatsApp."Holy shit. Same thing happened to me, Avery. I have this small gash on my face and reddish patch.""What are we going to do? Should we sue them or something? I knew something was definitely off with their products, it was too good to be true. There must be a dangerous chemical in their products that's harming our skin. This isn't right.""I'm going to do a little digging, Avery. We need to find out what is in their products.""Elle, they're launching another line. A skincare line. Can you imagine what could happen to everyone? To us? This is ridiculous. And, to think they'd release another line after damaging the skin of people who bought their other products. That's ridiculous. Do you know how many women will buy that product? Millions. That's what's going to happen, and we're just going to stand and
E L L EI invited Daniel out to have lunch with Giovanna and I, while we discuss how everything goes.He arrived ten minutes late, already having an apologetic face as he approached our table. Daniel has been my friend for the longest time, and he's one of the sweetest guys I know."I'm sorry for being late, ladies. You know how New York traffic is.""It's okay, Daniel. You're not that late. Come, join us." I said and gave him a smile."Thanks.""Do you know Giovanna?" I asked and they shook hands."Nice to meet you, Daniel.""Nice to meet you, too. How have you been, Elle? It's been a while.""It's okay. I'm fine. You?""Yeah, good. So, what's up? Is there a problem?""Yes, there is. And, it's not a small one.""Okay. What is it?""Well, remember when we were at my house and I showed you the product samples from Rome Beauty?""Uh-huh.""Well, they did something really fucked up.""Like what?""They hurt a lot of people.""What? How?""I have no idea. All I know is, a lot of people ar
L A N AI sat in front of the three men I trusted so much and paid a hefty sum for their services. I knew they were the right men for the job, and they were willing to do whatever it took.Emory has been waiting for her chance to take down her arch nemesis, Elle, and now she finally had her chance.But these men just had to ruin it for me.They bowed their heads in shame, looking like a bunch of pathetic fools. My anger was beyond controllable. I could barely keep my shit together.I've had a perfect plan, but the damn men ruined it."What happened?" I asked calmly, though it was more like a threatening question."We’re sorry, mistress. She escaped before we could get a hold of her.”I stood to my feet, walking towards them and glaring into their eyes."How did she escape? I gave you guys all the necessary information and resources. How did she manage to escape? You're supposed to be the best, but you failed. You failed me.""Mistress, please forgive us. It wasn't our fault.""Not you
E M O R YONE MONTH EARLIER My stiletto heels clicked as I walked majestically towards the restaurant. I was putting on a shimmery red dress and silver heels, feeling superior and on top of the world.My make up was well done and my body was banging in this dress. Childbirth has been the worst thing to happen to me, but all thanks to my doctor who prescribed a pack of ozempic for me, and now, I'm finally back to the way I used to be.I'm the queen, and everyone is going to kneel before me.My C-section scar has healed perfectly, leaving just a faint mark. I'll be able to get it removed once I get enough money.I took multiple drugs to stop my boobs from producing more milk, to stop my hormones from going crazy and I finally feel normal again.The only downside is that my hair has started falling.My hair was a beautiful, luscious, silky mane and it's one of the reasons why people loved me. But, my hair is no longer healthy.I blame that damn baby for sucking the life out of me and ma
E L L EMikhail and I sat side by side on the dining table. My parents and brother were across from us.It was awkward, and no one spoke for the first couple of minutes.My dad cleared his throat."So, how long have you been seeing my daughter, Mikhail?"Mikhail finished chewing his food and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Six months now, sir.""And, what do you plan to do with my daughter in the future?""Dad!" I scolded."What? Am I not allowed to ask these questions? You're my daughter.""I know, but, Dad.""Mr. Marino, with all due respect, I plan on marrying her. I love your daughter so much, sir. I would do anything for her. Anything. And, if she'll have me, I would be the happiest man in the world."My heart skipped a beat and my stupid brother wriggled his eyebrow, giving me a smirk."Are you sure about that?" My dad asked."Positive. I would like to have your blessing, sir. I know I'm not good enough for her. I know I can never deserve someone like her. But, I promise that I'
E L L ETwo Weeks LaterThe nightmares hadn't stopped.It had been two weeks since the incident, and the bruises and cuts were healing, but the memories were still there.The feeling of helplessness and the fear were still haunting me. Anytime I close my eyes, the scene flashes in front of my eyes, making me wake up in the middle of the night, panting and sweating.My therapist had prescribed a few sleeping pills to help me cope, but they were no use.I had a lot of restless nights.The man in the black suit was always there.Waiting for me.I was scared, but I knew the pills were supposed to help. So, I continued taking them.I was staying at my parents' house as my house was currently being renovated and repaired.The security was also beefed up.I was lucky to have survived that.The moment my mom saw the condition I was in from the hospital, she had broken down when she was told what happened. She became even more overprotective and she and my dad with Variant decided that I was
E L L EI heard a beeping noise and a faint sound of footsteps. It felt like I was floating, and the beeping was getting louder and louder.My body felt numb, and my eyes were heavy. It was cold, and the sheets were rough.I didn't know where I was.The beeping was too loud, and the footsteps were getting closer and closer. My eyes fluttered open and I winced at the bright lights, before closing them again.My head was pounding and throbbing painfully, as if it was about to explode. My mouth was dry, and my lips were chapped. I could taste the blood in my mouth and it made me nauseous.The footsteps stopped, and the voices were clearer."Is she going to be okay?""What's wrong with her?""When is she going to wake up?"I opened my eyes slowly, adjusting to the bright lights and looked around. I was in a hospital room. The beeping sound was coming from the machines and the footsteps were doctors and nurses.I could see people standing near the door, their voices low.I tried to speak,
E L L EThe day I wasn't looking forward to finally arrived. The end of our mini vacation.Mikhail and I were in his car as we drove out of the mini heaven and back into the city.He looked calm, but I knew he wasn't looking forward to this any more than I was.My new car has been moved to my house the previous day, I would rather sit in the car with Mikhail than drive behind him. At least, I get to enjoy passenger princess benefits.Mikhail had one arm resting on the steering wheel and his other hand was holding mine, our fingers intertwined.As much as I hated to leave the house, the mini vacation had given me and Mikhail the space and time we needed. I didn't think it was possible for our bond to become even more stronger, but it did. Everyday with him feels like the first, of not just falling in love with him, but also discovering new things about him.Who would've imagined that the man who couldn't get his eyes off of me and I the same at the gala was mine and now, I get to live
E L L EI was watching Mikhail swim, his shirtless body glistening as the sunlight hit him.God, he looked gorgeous.I was sitting by the pool, and my eyes were glued to him, as he swam laps. I was wearing a sexy two piece bikini and Mikhail couldn't keep his eyes off of me. I knew exactly how to distract him.Ever since we had that talk last night, I could sense the difference in his behavior. He was more open and affectionate, which was good, but the fact that Lana had already tried to call him twice today, meant she wouldn't give up.He blocked her number right after though, and I suggested he came out for swimming to help him take his mind off of things since it was one of his favorite things to do. But, every time he went underwater, he would lift my legs and touch them.He swam closer to me, pulling my legs up so he could stand between them, and I wrapped them around him. His hands wrapped around my ass and he squeezed, causing a soft moan to escape my lips."Mm. You drive me c
E L L EI don't know what I was thinking, probably that Mikhail never had an ex. It was funny, really. It just never crossed my mind that he has been with other women before, that he was once in love with another woman and probably wanted to spend the rest of his life with them too.It never occurred to me, that he'd had other relationships.And, the thought of him being in love with someone else, being so intimate with another woman, made me feel nauseous.It shouldn't matter. He had an ex-girlfriend, and so what? We both had past relationships, but knowing that he has had someone in his life before me, made me feel uneasy. What made me feel more uneasy was the fact that it was the same woman we saw at the restaurant. That woman screamed trouble, and her confronting Mikhail and also calling him now, meant she had no intention of giving up.And, the fact that Mikhail didn't want to tell me who she was, just made things worse.I wasn't mad at him for not telling me, but I was curious,
E L L EI looked at Mikhail as he slept soundly, his hands holding mine as if he was scared of losing me even in his sleep. I felt safe, protected, and loved.My love for him grew deeper and stronger, and I knew it wasn't something that could be taken lightly.We've been dating for five months, and every single day, he showed me that he truly loved and cherished me. It feels like I've known him forever and I wondered where he was all my life. He wasn't the type of guy who'd not only say sweet nothings, he was the kind of guy who'd show his love, prove his love.And, that was why I was falling deeper and deeper for him.The way he'd take care of me, shower me with gifts, and make sure I was comfortable and satisfied.The way he'd drop by the office and have lunch with me, bringing me my favorite meals.The way he'd make sure to check up on me after work, no matter how busy he was. It was a type of love I've never experienced before. Not while dating Sebastian, not even when I became h