CHAPTER ONE

Charlotte dropped the file on her desk a little too hard. A few people looked up, but she didn’t care. At least not at that moment.

Her chest felt tight, her head pounding with frustration. She’d been holding it in since the meeting, trying to stay calm, but she was done pretending.

Nathan Bryant had finally succeeded in pushing her over the edge.

He stood there in front of everyone, his voice cold as usual, and said, “I think someone more efficient should take over this project.”

‘Her project!’

The very same project she’d worked late nights on, skipped lunch for, and barely slept because of. And just like that, he’d handed it over to Matt. 

He gave no explanation. He didn’t even so much as show a hint of remorse. Just his usual blank, and unreadable expression, acting like he hadn’t just embarrassed her in front of the whole team. Again!

She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. “More efficient? Really?” she muttered under her breath.

She pushed her chair back and stood up, pacing. Her pulse was racing too fast to just sit still. She could feel everyone’s eyes flicking her way, pretending not to watch but absolutely watching.

She didn’t care… She was angry — not just because he dismissed her, but because he did it so easily, like she didn’t matter at all. 

Like she was invisible.

Charlotte pressed her hand to her forehead, exhaling sharply. “I swear, one more word from that man…” she murmured.

She caught herself staring at his office door from across the room. For a split second, she imagined walking in there and giving him a piece of her mind.

But she didn’t move. She just stood there, breathing hard, trying to let the fire in her chest cool down before she did anything crazy.

She sank back into her chair, staring blankly at the monitor in front of her. ‘How did it even get here?’

She wasn’t always this angry. A month ago, she actually liked her job. She’d been happy, hopeful — maybe even a little too hopeful.

But that was before he walked in and changed everything.

Before the tension.

Before the coldness.

Before she learned what kind of man Nathan Bryant really was.

Her fingers brushed the edge of the file again as she let out a tired sigh.

It all started the day he arrived…

****

“Char…. Charlotte, please, tell me this isn't morning.”

Jaina’s sleepy voice came from somewhere under the blanket. Charlotte, halfway through her makeup, turned from the mirror and laughed softly.

“It's not just morning, " she said. “ It's Monday morning,” she emphasized.

Jaina groaned, rolling over until she was wrapped up under the blanket like a sausage roll. “ My head's pounding. Why did you let me drink that much?”

“Because you said, and I quote, 'This is my healing era.’ Then you called your ex and cried for about twenty minutes before passing out afterwards.”

Jaina groaned again, dropping her head back dramatically. “ Kill me now.”

“No time,” Charlotte said, slipping into her heels. “I've got work, but maybe later.” 

“How do I look?” Charlotte asked, looking at the mirror one last time before picking up her bag and the other things she needed for work.

“Gorgeous as always, queen,” Jaina said, propping on one elbow, still half asleep. “You've got that look again.”

“What look?”

“The promotion-might-actually-happen-today look.”

Charlotte smiled without turning. “ Maybe. Mr Harrison said he'd talk to the board this week “.

“ And when he does, they'll realize you're the only person in that company who actually does her work,” Jaina said, pulling the blanket closer. “You deserve it, Char. 

Charlotte didn't respond right away. She looked distant for a second, holding onto the fragile hope she had. The company has been shaky recently, with rumors of huge debts and meetings held behind closed doors.

She sighed deeply at the thought of everything going to shit. Still, she wanted to believe this would be her season.

“Coffee?’ Jaina asked, yawning.

“No,” Charlotte said quickly. “ You nearly set my kitchen on fire the last time “.

“That was the toaster’s fault, I promise you I got better “.

Charlotte grinned. “ Sure”.

****

Traffic was light that morning. But her thoughts weighed on her. She stepped into the office feeling a bit down. ‘Not today,’ she told herself, straightening up and forcing a small smile.

She walked past a few desks, greeting her co-workers warmly. “ Morning guys,” she said, her voice light. 

A few smiled back at her, and some just nodded, too busy to give her their full attention. Then she spotted Matt by the coffee machine. 

Matt was one of the few people at work that Charlotte genuinely enjoyed being around. He had this calm and easy energy that made the office feel a little less heavy. They weren't exactly close outside of work, but they had an understanding.

“Hey Matt,” she called softly.

He looked up and grinned. “ Morning Charlotte. Excited for today?”

“Yeah.. I guess,”  she said. And with that, she headed to her desk, taking more deep breaths to calm herself.

By noon, the company-wide email came in:

“EMERGENCY MEETING - ALL STAFF REQUIRED “

Everyone filed into the conference room, whispering among themselves.

Charlotte sat near the back, her heart pounding. Mr. Harrison, her boss, stood at the front with two board members. He looked tired.

“I'll keep this brief,” He began. “As of next week, the company will officially be under new ownership. Bryant Holdings has acquired us.”

The room went silent, and Charlotte felt her heart drop.

Mr. Harrison continued, “This was the best option to avoid bankruptcy. I know this is sudden but please understand, it's necessary for the company's survival.”

No one said a word. Some people exchanged nervous and confused glances and the others just stared at the floor, processing what this meant for them.

After the meeting, Charlotte waited until the room was almost empty before stepping forward. “Uhmm Sir, about….. the promotion?”

He gave her a small, kind smile. “ I haven't forgotten, Charlotte, you've earned it. I'll speak to the new CEO when he arrives. Don't worry too much.”

She nodded, trying to smile back. But something in his voice sounded off, like really off and she couldn’t help but shake the feeling that it was about her.

A week later, he arrived.

Nathan Bryant.

The name had been whispered around the office so many times, you’d think he was a god. But in a sense, he kind of was. A man known for rebuilding broken companies and breaking anyone who stood in his way. He didn’t have a bad image, but it wasn't exactly good either.

That morning, the atmosphere was strangely quiet and heavy.

Charlotte sat at her desk, pretending to work, though her focus was gone. She could feel the tension and nervousness in everyone.

Then, at exactly 9:00 AM, the elevator door opened, and he stepped out.

Tall. Dark suit. Unreadable expression. It was like his presence alone changed the air, making it tighter and  practically suffocating.

Mr Harrison walked beside him and another unidentified man followed, slightly behind. 

“Could be his personal assistant” Charlotte thought to herself.

“Everyone please welcome your new CEO”. Mr Harrison spoke.

There was a polite applause, somewhat scattered than anything. Nathan only nodded, scanning the room. His gaze was eerily sharp and dead steady, like he saw everything and judged it silently.

Charlotte sat a little straighter. Even the sound of breathing felt too loud.

He began to speak, in a calm but firm voice. “ Good morning. I don't believe in long speeches, so I'll keep this short..”

And that was when it happened.

From the back of the room, a nervous intern carrying a tray of coffee stumbled. The tray tilted, pouring its contents right on the floor.

Hot coffee splashed across the floor and even onto the edge of Nathan Bryant's suit.

The room froze.

No one moved. No one breathed.

The intern’s eyes went wide, hands trembling. “ I..I'm so sorry, Sir, I didn't..” 

Nathan didn't say a word. He just looked down slowly, then he lifted his eyes to the trembling boy.

Even without a word, the intern and everyone present knew that he was in grave danger.