_Chapter 005

Valerie's POV

~~~~~

A WEEK LATER

Heads turn the second I step into Mourningale International.

Not out of respect—out of curiosity.

When I take the elevator to the Executive floor, there are two ladies behind me. Both are silent when I walk in. Now they're whispering, one of them even saying my name.

I close my eyes, waiting patiently for the elevator's ding.

Once it comes, I waltz out without looking back. I head straight for my office—or rather, my former office. During the weekend I'd gotten an email. I’ve been demoted from Draven’s Executive Assistant.

I'm only here to pack my shit and take it to my new post as HR support.

Sure enough, this floor isn't quiet either. People cut me a plethora of looks. Some pitiful. Others mocking. Most are disdainful, eyeing me from head to toes like I'm trash.

“I heard she and the COO finally got a divorce.” A man mutters to his female colleague as I stride past them.

She chuckles. “You say ‘finally’ like you've been waiting for it to happen.”

“Hmph. It was only a matter of time anyway,” he scoffs. “Maybe she's been fired. Serves her right for thinking she can climb her way to the top by sleeping with the company's owners.”

“Yeah, but did you see her replacement? I…” the rest of their conversation filters off until I can't hear them again.

I ball my fists, keeping my head high.

My eyes land on the door at the end of the brightly lit hall. Draven's office. And beside it is another door with the words ‘Executive Assistant’ written boldly on a golden card.

Just when I get in front of my old office door, it swings open. Naomi walks out with a small box containing familiar items I recognise as mine.

She pauses, taking me in with a crooked smile. “Oh, Val,” her eyes meet mine. “You're here. Good.”

She's glowing brighter than ever in a sleeveless cream top and a knee-length black skirt. Her lips are lined with lipstick darker than her heart.

I force a smile that doesn't reach my eyes. However, the second I stretch my hands toward the brown box—she lets go.

“Oops.”

The box crashes with a loud thud on the marble floor. I hear something heavy break and jerk back, my shoulders squaring. Muffled laughs echo behind me.

“Oh, Val.” Naomi places a hand in front of her mouth. “I'm so sorry.”

I don't even spare her a glance, squatting to pick up the items. I'm in the middle of grabbing a glass pendant Draven gave me months ago. My palm barely clutches it when a foot presses hard against my hand.

A sharp gasp escapes my mouth as the glass shatters, biting deep into my palm. Warm blood wells instantly, slipping between my fingers.

I lift my head in time to see Naomi with an icy smirk.

“You really shouldn't be so clumsy.” She mutters. “That looks like it's worth more than you.”

When she finally pulls her foot away, I stumble back. The pain stabs through my arm as more blood drips out of my palm. Tears sting the back of my eyes but I blink them back.

Instead, I glare straight at her. “What the fuck is your problem with me?”

“I have no idea what you're talking about.”

“No, you do,” I rise to my feet, not tearing my eyes off her for even a second. “You've won. You took my child. My marriage. My name. What else do you want—”

She cuts in with a scowl. “Can you not make a scene?” After giving me a nasty look, she harrumphs, brushing past me. Her heels crunch hard on the rest of my stuff. “Excuse me.”

I don't know how long I stand there. What I do know is that while I'm there, multiple scenarios play in my head. I think of attacking her. Or maybe barging into her new office and thrashing the place.

But I know that's dumb.

They'll easily have a case to make against me. To not only fire me but fling me behind bars. I can't afford either of those—so I suck it up, rubbing my injured palm like that should soothe the pain or erase the crimson droplets.

“Hey, everyone!” A voice chirps the moment I start picking up my stuff again. “Head downstairs to the lobby. The CEO made an impromptu visit and is calling for an urgent general meeting.”

I halt, glancing over my shoulder as the sound of people scurrying for the elevators fills the hallway.

The CEO?

In my three years of working here, I've never crossed paths with the man. He leaves most of the company's operations in Draven's care. The one time I thought I was going to meet him as Mrs Mourningale… he left before we could.

That should've been my first red flag for this forsaken family.

After successfully packing up everything into the small box, I get back on my feet. Draven can step out of his office any second and I sure as heck don't want to ruin my day further.

So I skip finding my new office and hurry to the nearest elevator.

*****

Just like I expected, the lobby is packed by the time I get there. I clutch my box to my chest, avoiding people's eyes as I manoeuvre to the front.

From this angle, I'm able to spot an elevated stage—people gathering in front of it. Early morning sunlight spills through the tall glass walls.

The thought of coming face-to-face with my ex's father chokes me up.

‘He’s definitely the proverbial tree the apple never fell far from,’ I shake my head. ‘And calling for such a big meeting like this? What does he think this is? Buckingham Palace?’

Hopefully, I'll get my answers any second. Then I can hide in my office until closing time.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” a voice booms, gradually bringing decorum. “The CEO would like to address you briefly. So—without further ado…”

I squint at the stage. A man ascends the steps, adjusting his form-fitting suit before facing the crowd. I blink for a couple of seconds… until something familiar hits me.

Time comes at a snail's pace, my mouth parting a bit. That aura. The confidence. The sharp silver grey hair.

Those… eyes.

My blood runs cold. It can’t be him…

Before I can begin comprehending what my mind was trying to process, the CEO swivels his head. In a heartbeat, his piercing golden gaze locks on me.