Turnaround Ceo

Dami’s POV

I flipped through the last of the documents on my desk. Being CEO was everything i had worked for, but the endless meetings and signatures were starting to wear on me.

I exhaled, pulling my hair into a neat ponytail just as a knock sounded on the door. "Come in,” I muttered, eyes still on the papers.

A throat cleared. That scent, and those careful footsteps. Axel. Even when I wished I didn’t, I knew him instantly.

“What is it?” My voice came out sharp, like a blade scraping glass.

“The reporters are outside for the interview. They want to meet the new boss,” he said. His voice had a soft, defeated edge that made me chuckle.

I lifted my gaze, locking on his. “How does it make you feel?”

He shifted, eyes dropping to his shoes as if they were suddenly fascinating. “I don’t feel good about it.”

“You should feel worse, Axel. You’re far too relaxed for a man who lost everything.” I reached for my compact and dabbed at my lipstick, not giving him another glance.

“Can I leave? I have other things to attend to,” he said, his tone turning rude, which only stoked my anger.

I snapped the compact shut and gave him a look that made him flinch. “You’re not leaving. We’ll face those reporters together. The whole world will see what you are now.”

His jaw dropped. “No! You can’t do that. I will be a laughing stock. The humiliation you give me is enough. Please don’t make it public.”

I laughed, the sound bitter. “You don’t want the whole world to know? Let me take you down memory lane. Remember when we were still married and I couldn’t speak? Your sister told the reporters during your party, and I was tagged the CEO’s mute wife. I’m sure you remember.”

“That was in the past, Miss Winter. Please don’t do this to me.” His voice cracked.

“Oh darling,” I said with a cool smile, “I don’t wish to. I just want you to taste your own medicine, to know how it felt. Maybe in your next life you’ll learn how to treat women better.”

His shoulders sagged, fists clenching at his sides. He looked like a man about to crumble. I smiled inwardly. Good. Now he knows.

The door swung open and Sophia stepped in. “Dami, the reporters are waiting now. Let’s go.” Her gaze slid to Axel on the floor. “What’s he doing down there?” She rolled her eyes.

I shrugged like I didn't care. I had been waiting for this day for a long time. “Axel, grab my bag and follow me.”

He hesitated, but when I gave him a piercing glare. He picked up the bag and trailed behind us.

Outside the conference room, the air buzzed. Cameras flashed in our faces, the popping sound like fireworks. Microphones were thrust toward me, reporters calling my name. Axel flinched at every flash, trying to angle his face away.

“We have confirmed you’re the new CEO,” one reporter shouted over the din. “Trusted sources say this used to be your ex-husband’s company and he now works for you. How did you achieve that?”

I kept my expression ice cold, the click of cameras echoing as i turned to Sophia who gave me a supportive glance. “My ex husband here used his company as collateral for a loan he couldn’t repay. I saw the opportunity and bought it. That’s all.”

Another microphone shot forward. “Don’t you think it’s unfair to do that to the man you once shared everything with?”

I let a sharp laugh slip, turning my eyes to Axel. “He treated me like trash, he deserved it. I used to be the CEO’s mute wife now i'm the CEO myself. I don’t care how anyone feels about it.”

A murmur rippled through the crowd. “This is a turnaround case. You’re now the turnaround CEO. Congratulations, Miss Winter,” one of them said.

I gave a small, controlled smile. “Thank you.”

They backed off, the flashing slowly dying as my staff looked on, whispering. Axel’s eyes were glassy, humiliation etched into every line of his face.

“You all should get back to work!” I snapped. They scattered instantly with a chorus of “Yes, ma’am.”

I turned to Axel. “Get me and Sophia lunch. Add a bottle of red wine, the usual restaurant. Tell them to send me the bill, and don’t stay too long.”

He gave no reply, only a stiff nod before leaving. Sophia and I returned to my office. She collapsed on the couch and kicked off her heels. “God, I’m so tired. My feet hurt.”

I chuckled. “You’re not used to heels. You can still dress corporate and rock sneakers. You don't have to be too hard on yourself.”

She shook her head. “No, I want to look presentable as your PA. Maybe later, though.”

“Your choice,” I said, leaning back.

She tilted her head. “You really did Axel dirty. That man will be depressed by now. You shouldn’t have dragged him along. I feel sorry for him.”

I rolled my eyes. “Do I look like I care? And the way you defend him is annoying. Stop it.”

Hands up, she said, “Sorry. Mouth zipped.”

“Tomorrow is the meeting with the investors, right? Is the presentation ready?”

“Yes. I didn’t sleep last night, but I’m sure the contract will be awarded to us,” she said, her confidence making me smile.

“Thank you, Sophia. For everything. I don’t take it for granted.”

She placed a hand on my chest with a soft smile. “Anything for you, my love.”

The door clicked again. A tall figure stepped in, a dark-grey suit, a faint cologne of danger. In his hands was a bouquet of flowers. "Hello, love,” Doman said with his charming smile.

Sophia’s head snapped toward me, then him, eyes narrowing. Oh no. I hadn’t told her about Doman. Not in a week. Her lips parted. “What the hell?”

And that’s where the room went silent.