ACCEPT MY RESIGNATION LETTER

I was still processing the fact that Nicole was pregnant when Steven's voice cut through my thoughts. "Alexa, bring Nicole some water," he instructed, his words snapping me back to reality.

I raised an eyebrow. "Me?" I asked, pointing to myself, "Yes, you, Alexa, do you have a problem?" Steven replied, his tone dismissing. I shot him a look, but he seemed unfazed, expecting me to comply without question.

I forced a smile as I replied, "Of course I have no problem, I will go right away." These two were really treating me like a maid.

“Here, it's warm water Mrs Hales.” I said as I handed Nicole the glass. Nicole's eyes widened in horror as she took the glass from me. "Ouch!" she gasped, clutching her hand and recoiling. "Alexa, you've burned me!" she accused, her voice filled with pain and anguish.

The interviewers looked at each other, unsure of how to react. And then a rush of accusations flew through the air.

"She is indeed a mistress?" shouted someone from the audience. "Trying to harm the wife as soon as she finds out she is pregnant, what a heartless woman."

“Imagine some were worshipping her for taking care of the twins, maybe she mistreated the poor kids.” Another screamed and most agreed, Steven looked at me with anger in his eyes. 

However before I could defend myself. The twins, Michael and Michelle, sprang to their feet, dressed in matching blue trucks. "That's not true! Mom isn't ruthless!" Micheal shouted, his small fists clenched at his sides. Michelle nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with tears. 

Michelle's tiny finger pointed accusingly at the reporter who had called me names earlier, her face set in a fierce expression. "Don't bully Mum! It was a mistake, right Mum?" she asked, seeking confirmation. When I nodded, she beamed and skipped over to my side. She slipped her small hand into mine, offering silent support.

"Don't judge easily, sir. My mum is the kindest person, it was a mistake." Michael's words were laced with maturity, he looked up at the reporter with an earnest expression.

There was a rise of voices now, everyone confused, an interviewer stepped forward, microphone directed at the children. "Why do you two call her mum?" he inquired, confused by their bond with me. Although I was constantly photographed with the twins before, I had never publicly acknowledged them as my children. Steven always told me to keep our life private. 

Nicole coughed loudly and she suddenly clutched her stomach, her face contorting in what looked like pain. "Steven, I am not fine," she declared, her voice weak and trembling. "I don't think I can go on with the interview." She raised a hand to her forehead, her eyes fluttering closed as if she might faint at any moment. "I need to lie down," she murmured.

The interview came to a halt as Nicole retreated, bodyguards escorted Michael and Michelle out of the room. 

I remained frozen in my spot, watching everything unfold. A small smile crept onto my face, I had not expected the twins to defend me. I let out a soft sigh, feeling a warmth in my chest. "At least some of my efforts have not been wasted." 

"There you are!" Slyvie shouted across the hall, waving wildly. "Hurry up, it's time for the general meeting!" she called out, already making her way towards me.

I stood there, frozen. "What, why? A meeting right now? Isn't that a bit sudden?" I asked. "Wasn't the interview enough?" I muttered under my breath, wondering what else the day had in store for me. 

Sylvie's eyes sparkled with determination. "I think they intend to catch us off guard, but we are surprisingly ready," she said with a confident smile. "Mr. Kaleman just sent in the signed documents, and Lala has approved them. I don't know what magic you wielded to have Mr. Kaleman agree this fast." she said, her voice filled with confusion. "Let's get back what's ours and leave this company penniless!" she exclaimed as she fist pumped.

I walked into the boardroom, my eyes landed on Nicole, who was sitting in my usual spot. Instead of making a scene, I kept my cool and instructed the assistant to bring in more chairs.

When all the executives filled the room Steven's assistant stood up, he started with greetings before he officially began.  "We have a lot to discuss today," he said, his voice booming across the room. "First, let's welcome our president, Mr. Hales, and congratulate him on officially getting the position." The executives applauded politely, their faces a mix of genuine and forced smiles.

“Before we start the meeting, there is an announcement we would like to make.”

The room fell silent, the sudden announcement hanging in the air. "We would like to discuss a change in administration," Steven's assistant continued. "As of today, Mrs. Hales is our new Executive Director." The executives exchanged surprised glances, some looking like they had been genuinely caught off guard. "And because of the rumors that may damage our company reputation, we wish Miss Jones would be kind enough to step down from her position." The implication was clear. Steven was pushing me out, and Nicole was moving in. 

The silence in the room was heavy. I surveyed the faces around me, executives who had benefited from my efforts, men and women who had been offered contracts by me. 

When Hales Enterprises was on the brink of bankruptcy. I had personally sought out wealthy investors, convincing them to buy shares in the company. And now, these same executives sat in silence, watching as I was denounced by Steven. 

Steven's assistant wrapped up the announcement, his tone professional. "A decision on Miss Jones new position will be discussed soon," he said, pausing briefly before adding, "Feel free to ask any questions." The room remained quiet, with most executives hesitant to be the first to speak up, unsure of the new power dynamics at play. It seemed no one wanted to go down with me.

I stood up, my voice firm. "There is no need for that," I said, my eyes locked on Steven. "I don't want a new position. President Hales, please accept my resignation letter. It is signed and approved by HR, and it was submitted three months ago. My probation period is over, and as of today, I am no longer an employee of Hales Enterprises." The room fell silent, the executives exchanging shocked glances. Nicole's smile faltered, and Steven's expression sour.