Chapter 19

A sleek car glided into the Maximo Investment parking lot, coming to a stop in front of the building's sleek glass façade. The door swung open, and a slender leg emerged, followed by the rest of Rosie's poised figure. 

She paused, her gaze sweeping the surroundings with a hint of anticipation, before striding purposefully towards the entrance. As she stepped onto the ground floor, a collective murmur rippled through the staff, their eyes locking onto her like magnets. 

"That's her!" A staff member whispered, finger extended in a discreet gesture. The lady beside her swiftly covered her mouth, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

The staff members nearby exchanged weighted glances, their faces a canvas of anticipation and concern. Would Rosie approach the lady, sparking a confrontation? The air was electric with unspoken questions, as all eyes remained fixed on Rosie, awaiting her next move.

As Rosie turned her gaze toward the staff, a radiant smile spread across her face. Unfazed by the whispers and speculative glances, she chuckled softly to herself and continued her elegant stride, her heels clicking on the polished floor. 

The murmurs swirled around her like a vortex, a cacophony of opinions and judgments.

"Isn't she the single mother from Azel Organization?" Someone whispered, their voice barely audible.

"She's the heiress with a dark past?" Another chimed in, their tone laced with intrigue. Some faces twisted in distaste. "I don't like her... her presence is just so…"

Not everyone shared the negative sentiment. A lone voice rose in admiration, "she's a great woman, really making waves."

Meanwhile, others exchanged glances that spoke volumes. "Ugly?" One mouthed, eyebrows raised in surprise. "She's stunning. I adore her."

Rosie stood before the elevator, a knowing glint in her eye. She snickered softly, her expression a mask of amusement and indifference as the whispers continued to swirl around her. Stepping into the elevator, she was enveloped by the silence, a welcome respite from the cacophony.

When the doors slid open on the third floor, Esther, Reginald's secretary, emerged from the office. Their paths converged, and she greeted Rosie with a respectful bow. "Good day, ma'am"

Rosie acknowledged the greeting with a gracious smile, her demeanor unwavering despite the earlier scrutiny. "Is the chairman around?" 

"Yes." Esther confirmed.

"I want to meet him." Rosie said, her tone decisive.

"Okay, ma'am. But–" Esther began, anticipating the need to seek permission from the chairman.

"Don't worry," Rosie interrupted, her confidence unwavering. She knew Esther would likely ask for permission, and if denied, she'd have to return empty-handed. She wasn't about to wait.

"I'll go in," she announced, striding toward Reginald's office without hesitation.

"Ma'am…" Esther called out, rushing to keep up, but Rosie didn't look back. As Rosie burst into Reginald's office without knocking, Esther followed closely, her voice trembling slightly. 

"Ma'am…"

Reginald's gaze lingered on Rosie before turning to Esther. "You can go." He said, waving his hand dismissively.

"Okay, sir." Esther replied, bowing her head before exiting the office.

"Good day, Reginald." Rosie greeted, her smile radiant.

Reginald forced a smile, but it fell flat. "Good day, Wright Rosie, president of Azel Organization."

"How have you been?" Rosie asked, her tone light.

"Won't you be happy if I'm not doing well?" Reginald countered, his eyes glinting.

"Your well-being won't benefit you," Rosie retorted with a grin. "But I'd love to see you alive and healthy while I rule. I want you to obey me soon."

His expression remained impassive. "Okay, let's wait and see."

She nodded, her smile unwavering. She veered toward the sofa, her movements fluid. "If you don't offer me a seat, I'll take one because I deserve it," she claimed. She settled into the sofa, her gaze locked onto Reginald's. "I crashed this meeting uninvited, but I still expect a modicum of respect. After all, I've become president and significantly boosted your profits." 

Reginald chuckled softly, but he said nothing. Instead, he rose from his chair and strolled over to the sofa opposite hers, his eyes avoiding hers. "Why are you here?" He asked, his tone detached.

She took a deep breath, her voice measured. "To discuss with you."

His curiosity piqued, despite his nonchalant demeanor. "What?"

"First, to thank you for sending questions to the reporters," she began. "If you hadn't taken that step, I might never have the confidence to face the public and say all that."

"Second… To warn you–"

"Warn me?" Reginald's interruption was laced with amusement.

Rosie nodded. "Yes. I want to warn you against doing such a thing again. If you try it again, I won't sit back and watch. I'll retaliate, and in a more… Dangerous way."

Reginald's eyes sparkled with challenge. "What will you do?"

Rosie's response was a soft scoff, her lips curling into a sly smile. "A first offense is never as brutal as the retaliation. I'll give you a second chance. Send a mouse, and I'll respond with a snake."

His shocked tone was palpable. "Hun!"

Her smile grew wider. "You know the difference between a mouse and a snake. I don't need to explain how one is more venomous and deadly than the other. You understand what that means, right?"

As she spoke, she rose from the sofa, her movements fluid and deliberate.

"Is this a threat?" Reginald asked, his voice tinged with unease.

Rosie's laughter was low. "I don't know, and I don't care. To me, this is a warning and advice. You're free to label it whatever you want. I… don't give a damn."

Reginald snorted in derision. "Rosie, you're just a woman, an amateur. You can't do anything," his tone dripped with condescension. "Don't think you can waltz in here and lord over me. It's not possible, and you're powerless."

"Don't underestimate me. I'm dangerous and will stop at nothing to see this through with you." Her response was a calm, collected warning. 

His threat was immediate. "I won't back down easily. I'll make sure you step down from that position."

Rosie's grin was unnerving. She bowed her head, then raised it, her eyes glinting. "I'll wait for you to do your worst. Until then, everything will be... peaceful. Stay safe, sir."

Reginald's face twisted in anger. "At the next meeting, I'll make sure no one stands by your side. You'll be dragged down that day."

Rosie's smile never wavered. "I'm eager, but will patiently wait for that day to come. Just be careful not to step on my tail. You can't push me and expect me to watch, okay? Thanks for your time."

With a curtsy, she exited the office, her heels clicking on the floor. Outside, Dominic waited for her, his expression etched with worry.

"Rosie…" He called, his voice laced with concern. "Why did you visit Reginald? What did you discuss?"

Rosie's smile was reassuring. "I just dropped by to warn him and offer some advice."

Dominic's brow furrowed. "Rosie, you need to take it easy. Reginald's not an easy person. He's dangerous."

Rosie's smile softened as she placed her hands on Dominic's shoulders. "Don't worry, Dominic. I know he's dangerous, but I'm not exactly harmless myself. I'm a single mother who's ready to face any challenge head-on. I told you, I want to confront my fears without fear." 

"Okay," he nodded, his expression thoughtful. "What are you planning to do with Archie?"

Rosie's gaze drifted, her mind already calculating the possibilities. "I haven't decided yet. For now, I'll just keep him on a leash. He's under my control, and I can steer him in any direction I choose,"

Her eyes refocused on Dominic, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "His destiny and future are now in my hands. I'm the blacksmith of his fate, and I can shape it to my whim."