Ch7 - Final goodbye

This would be Lena’s last day at the villa. The next morning, she packed a few clothes and essentials into a suitcase, dressed herself in a formal business suit, styled her hair neatly in a half-updo, and put on a pair of comfortable white shoes. She wore no flashy jewelry, but her look was sharp and professional.

"Ms. Carrington, how do you feel about everything right now?"

"Your employees are facing layoffs and unpaid wages—will you take full responsibility for them?"

"Why are you here alone? Where is your family?"

"What are your current assets? Will your personal wealth be used to repay the company’s debts?"

The reporters' questions were blunt and relentless. They had been camped outside her villa since early morning, with even more swarming outside her company building. Flashbulbs flashed continuously as financial and entertainment journalists all vied for a comment. Even some small creditors and clients had been pushed to the back of the crowd.

Lena kept her sunglasses on to shield her emotions, relying on the security personnel to push through the crowd and make it into the building.

Today was her final day at the office, and no matter how she felt about it, she had to face it with accountability. The office was thick with a gloomy atmosphere, and hundreds of eyes turned to her—the same people she had worked alongside, whose gazes showed disappointment, resentment, and even a touch of sympathy. The more senior employees understood that she shouldn’t be the only one facing this alone.

"I still need my paycheck for the mortgage," someone muttered under their breath.

"Me too. I heard Winfield Group is hiring. Maybe worth a try."

"Poor thing, her family just pushed her out on her own."

"You’re so naive, actually feeling sorry for the capitalist."

"Yeah! This could all be an act—putting her in the spotlight to gain sympathy, while she still lives it up after this blows over. Meanwhile, we’re left to toil away."

The whispers reached Lena’s ears. She fought to keep her expression neutral. She couldn’t blame the employees for thinking this way, but the weight of it all was hard to bear. She removed her sunglasses, set her expression, and addressed them solemnly, “I promise to take responsibility. I’m already working with lawyers to ensure that everyone’s rights are protected as best as possible.”

Her words didn’t surprise anyone; they were expecting these formal, well-rehearsed assurances. No one’s expressions changed.

"And how exactly do you plan to guarantee that?” one employee asked, hand raised.

People held their breath at the audacity of the question, though it voiced what many wanted to know. The room filled with hushed murmurs.

At that moment, the head of accounting, Elly, stepped forward. "Everyone, please settle down. The company has filed for bankruptcy protection, not bankruptcy itself. Based on our assets and liabilities, we’re working on a debt restructuring plan. Any cash generated will first go toward overdue wages, so please be assured."

Despite the company’s billion-dollar debt, its assets—particularly its land holdings—were still substantial. Rival developers were already eyeing these prime properties.

Lena understood the competitors’ interest, but her mind drifted to Alaric's recent offer to help her. The room had quieted down again, and Lena shot Elly a grateful look.

After her assistant had tearfully said goodbye, Lena took a slow walk through the now-empty office. In her own office, she leaned against her desk, lost in thought, until a knock on the door snapped her back to the present.

"Come in."

“Lena.” Elly entered.

"Why are you still here? Everyone else has left."

Elly adjusted her thick-framed glasses and handed her an envelope. "I have something for you."

The envelope felt light, containing only a few sheets of paper. Lena assumed it was a final summary. "Alright, thanks, Elly. You should get going too; security’s almost done for the day."

Elly seemed reluctant to leave. “Just… remember to open it.”

"Yes, I will," Lena assured her.

Elly nodded, but her expression stayed strained as she walked out, glancing back several times. Lena figured she was just sentimental about the company; after all, she’d been there since its founding, over fifteen years ago.

Lena went up to the rooftop and leaned against the railing, closing her eyes as she let the evening breeze wash over her. This was the only place where she could relax, even if just a little. She had grown with this company, just like Elly had. She especially loved this rooftop—even though it was only twenty floors up, her parents would panic every time they saw her up here, worrying about the low walls and fearing accidents.

After half an hour, she headed back down, switched off the lights, and said her final goodbye to the company.

As she checked her phone, she saw that today’s news was flooded with headlines about Carrington Group. Just as she was about to turn off notifications, one headline caught her eye:

"Exclusive: Following a Series of Setbacks, Heir of Bankrupt Group Seen Contemplating Suicide on Rooftop!"

Lena’s forehead tightened as she clenched her jaw. Absolutely outrageous!

---

Meanwhile, across town, Zayn noticed his boss chuckling at his phone for almost a full minute. Unable to resist, he finally asked, “Boss, what’s going on?”

Alaric tossed the phone onto the table, “Look at this—it’s hilarious.”

Zayn peeked at the screen, his eyes widening as he read the sensational headline. “W-what?! Isn’t that serious? She’s a good person!”

Alaric rapped his knuckles against Zayn’s forehead. "You’ve only met her a few times, and you think she’s a ‘good person’?”

Rubbing his forehead, Zayn replied, “That’s not the point. Aren’t you going to check on her?”

“What?” Alaric crossed his arms. “Out of everyone, she’s the least likely to do something like that. Anyone else in the world—maybe—but her? Absolutely not.”

He said it so assuredly, as though he were talking about himself.

“Besides, why would it be me going to check on her? Who do you work for, again?”

“Well… it just seemed like you care about her a lot. I mean, last time…”

“Let me be clear," Alaric raised a brow. "Last time was just because she came in with me. If anything had happened to her, it would have been inconvenient for me too, alright?”

Zayn blinked, wondering if he’d read too much into it.