Chapter 65
65
~Elara’s POV
I called my secretary softly, “Please bring in all the team leaders. I want to meet with them in five minutes p>
“Yes, ma’am,” she replied, moving quickly.
I straightened my outfit, took a deep breath, and walked to the meeting room. When I arrived, every leader was there, seated in neat rows. I recognized the usual smirks, the sneers, the same people who had mocked me before, some even whispered, calling me “Lira’s shadow” and “the maid-turned-Luna’s protege.” I ignored them, walking confidently to the head of the table.
“Good morning, everyone,” I said evenly. “I know some of you have your opinions about me. That doesn’t matter right now. What matters is the work we have in front of us p>
They shifted in their seats, some nodding, some still skeptical, but I held my gaze firmly.
“We have a lot to do,” I continued. “Alpha Darlon’s company is collaborating with us for the fashion Met Gala. I will personally be joining the design team, and I want every unit to work together seamlessly. Creativity, commitment, and professionalism are non-negotiable p>
One of the men raised a brow, “And you expect us to suddenly p>
“I expect results,” I interrupted firmly. “Your personal opinions, your past mockery, none of it matters here. You will work together, or you will be replaced. Is that clear p>
They all nodded, some more reluctantly than others. I could feel the tension, but I wasn’t here to argue or explain myself.
“Good. Dismissed,” I said, rising. They bowed politely, the formality of it hiding whatever resentment remained, and I left the room.
Back in my office, I quickly reviewed my schedule. Next on the list was the physical inspection at the automobile company I had been considering investing in. I sent a text to Fridolf: Come pick me up, we’re going to the automobile company.
Within minutes, he arrived. “Ready, ma’am p>
“Yes. Let’s go p>
At the facility, I walked through the production lines, examined prototypes, and spoke with engineers and designers. Every question I had was answered meticulously. The attention to detail, the innovative designs, and the potential for growth impressed me. I scribbled notes, comparing numbers and projecting possible returns.
Finally, I turned to the CEO. “I’ll invest. The amount will be substantial. You have earned it p>
“Thanks so much, Miss Elara,” he said, noting it down.
“Please come for the check on Wednesday p>
On the way, I decided to pick up lunch for Darlon. When I entered his office, he didn’t even look up at first, engrossed in reports and charts.
“Hi,” I called softly, holding the lunch carefully.
He finally looked up from the papers sprawled across his desk, and the moment our eyes met, his face brightened in a way that made my heart flutter. “You’re here! I missed your presence in the office,” he said, setting everything aside and standing. He wrapped me in a warm hug, arms pulling me close as if he never wanted to let go. I felt the steady thrum of his heartbeat against mine, and for a moment, the world outside didn’t exist.
He even pouted slightly, the corners of his lips tugged down in that teasing, almost childlike way that always made me laugh. “I missed you,” he whispered into my hair, his voice low and intimate, making me shiver.
“Should I leave my job and just stay here with you?” I teased, brushing a hand along his chest.
He laughed softly, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Maybe you should,” he said, pulling back just enough to look at me fully, his hands resting on my hips. “Then I’d have all your attention, and I wouldn’t have to fight for a minute of it p>
I smiled, feeling my cheeks warm. “I’m not sure I’d mind that,” I admitted, leaning up to press a gentle kiss to his lips. He kissed me back softly, lingering, and I could feel how much he wanted me there, with him, not just in the office, but in every part of his life.
We sat down to eat together, the quiet clatter of cutlery mixing with soft chuckles. As we shared the meal, I recounted everything that had happened: the tense board meeting, the team leaders’ reactions, the automobile company inspection, and my decision to invest.
“Alpha Darlon, please I added gently, lowering my voice. “About Lira and her aunt… please release them. I’m sure they won’t repeat what they did p>
He considered it, nodding slowly. “I’ll think about it p>
I continued, “And Ronan… he came to me begging for his job back. I gave him one month’s probation, nothing more p>
Darlon pouted slightly. “You shouldn’t have accepted him back p>
“It’s probation, nothing permanent,” I reassured him, “I’ll make sure he doesn’t cross the line p>
He smiled, still watching me closely. “Good. Let me know if he ever tries anything against you. And your investment…Elara… I’m proud of you. You handled everything brilliantly p>
I blushed, warmth spreading through my chest. “Thank you, Darlon. That means a lot p>
Fridolf drove us back home after Darlon finished most of his work, the city lights flickering past the windows. I sat close to Darlon, my hand resting on his knee, heart still tight from the stress of the morning. Even after the boardroom meetings and the automobile inspection, my mind was on Lira and her aunt.
“Darlon,” I began softly, glancing at him. “Please… I know you said you’ll think about it, but… could you release them? I really think they won’t cause trouble again. They just… they made a mistake, and My voice wavered, the pleading coming through despite my usual calm.
He looked at me, his eyes serious, but there was a softness there too. “Elara p>
“I know, I know you’re right to be careful, but please,” I insisted, leaning closer. “It would mean so much… not just to me, but to everyone who’s trying to make things right. I promise I’ll make sure nothing like this happens again p>
He studied me for a long moment, his hand brushing mine reassuringly. Then he reached for his phone. “Fine. I’ll make a call, but only because it’s important to you p>
I bit my lip, holding my breath as he dialed. After a few moments, he spoke in a calm but firm tone, giving instructions to the Commissioner of Police to release Lira and my aunt immediately, making sure everything was handled discreetly and properly.
He hung up and looked at me, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. “Done p>
My relief spilled over. “Darlon! Thank you, thank you so much!” I reached out and hugged him tightly, pressing my face against his chest. “You have no idea how much this means to me p>
He wrapped his arms around me, holding me close. “I know it does. And I’m glad you’re happy p>
We stayed like that for a few moments before Fridolf announced we’d arrived at home. I pulled back slightly, taking a deep breath.
After dinner, we cleaned up lightly together, then retired to our room. Darlon pulled me close to him on the bed, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Rest now. You’ve done enough for today,” he murmured.
I nodded, snuggling against him, feeling his warmth surround me. “Thank you… for everything p>
“You don’t need to thank me,” he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to my temple. “Just sleep. Tomorrow is a new day, and we face it together p>
I closed my eyes, finally feeling safe and at peace.