ColeI sat at the head of the long, mahogany conference table, fingers slowly massaging my temples as the voices of the directors continued to fill the boardroom.We had been at this private board meeting for hours—no, more than that. We started last night, and now it was early morning, yet the debate continued like we had all the time in the world."This is insane," I muttered under my breath, keeping my face composed as I glanced at the dozen directors still bickering over clauses and projections. They weren’t just talking—they were arguing, dissecting every detail of the proposed merger and expansion into the Asian tech market.It wasn’t a decision we could make lightly. Not when billions of dollars were on the line. Not when this deal had the power to change the direction of the company. It was the kind of decision that even I, as CEO, couldn’t close the folder on and walk away from.We had taken breaks, long recesses filled with coffee, and weary glances at the clock. I had flown
SkylarI wasn’t in the mood for work. Not even close. As I pulled my hair into a messy ponytail and grabbed my blazer off the chair, I couldn’t help but ask myself,‘Why is my life always like this?’One moment, I feel like I’m finally standing on solid ground—things look bright, hopeful, even exciting—and the next, it all comes crashing down again. Like a wave that pulls you in and then slams you into the rocks. I was so tired of it. Tired of the ups and downs. Tired of the people who kept hurting me.After my confrontation with Ivana yesterday, I had to admit that her betrayal hurt me more than I cared to admit.I couldn't even think straight and had to march right over to Ethan’s office, ready to face him too. I didn’t care about the rumors swirling through the company. Let them talk—I wanted answers. But when I got there, I was told Ethan had already left the company.Great. Just great.And of course, with his exit, the office gossip only got worse. The whispers had returned like
EthanThe look on Skylar’s face was absolutely priceless. That precise moment—when her proud little world crumbled in front of the entire board—was the kind of moment you want to frame and hang on the wall. I sat at the judge's table, the presentation room buzzing with whispers and shocked gasps, but I kept my face stoic. Calm. Authoritative. Inside, though, I was practically giddy.She didn’t see it coming. That was what made it so perfect. Skylar McLair—the supposed design prodigy, the “dark horse” with her so-called originality—exposed as a common plagiarist. Her jaw slack, her hands trembling on the table, trying to defend herself in a voice that lost all its usual fire. The mighty had fallen, and I was the one who clipped her wings.None of the directors dared object when I finally stripped her of her position. The committee just nodded, some even murmured agreement.No one still objected when I gave Skylar's position to a junior staff member like Ivana who didn't even have qu
Skylar"Skylar McLair."Ethan's voice was calm, but each word felt like a slap across my face. "The entire board of directors and I are very disappointed in you."I turned toward him as my heart began to race. There was a pin-drop silence in the room, the kind that only came before a storm.He sat there, his expression unreadable as he announced in a cold voice,"As the managing director of this company, I cannot—will not—tolerate this injustice. For stealing and presenting your colleague's work and attempting to pass it off as yours, you will be removed as the lead designer for this event."The floor beneath me felt like it gave way. But he didn’t stop there."Additionally, for bringing the company this kind of shame and disgrace, you will be stripped of your position as the Senior Creative Manager, and Ivana, in turn, will become the acting Senior Creative Manager."No. No, this can't be happening."What?! Ethan, no! You can't do that! She's lying!" I finally managed to scream, my v
SkylarI stood there, still as a statue, my heart thudding in my chest, hands lightly clenched at my sides. Everyone in the conference room was staring at me, but I couldn’t understand why. Ethan, who had been smiling earlier, suddenly cleared his throat.I looked at him, waiting for feedback, hoping maybe he had questions or minor suggestions—something to fine-tune the work I’d spent so many nights agonizing over."Skylar," he began in a sharp voice, "What exactly is the meaning of this? Did you come here just to waste everyone’s time?"I blinked, confused. A low murmur started somewhere in the back of the room."Excuse me?" I asked politely, furrowing my brows. "I'm... not sure what you mean. I spent a great deal of time creating this design. If there’s anything you feel needs improvement, I’m more than willing to make the necessary corrections."Ethan let out a short, dry scoff that sent a wave of unease through me."Corrections?" he asked mockingly. "Why would I correct a plagiar
SkylarThe past few days rushed by like a blur. With each ticking second, the pre-launch event for the biannual collection drew closer. I could feel the pressure mounting, but I didn’t let it weigh me down. Instead, I poured myself into my work with everything I had. This wasn’t just another jewelry design for me—it has to be the one. I wanted to create something that would leave a mark, something timeless, something people would talk about long after the event.I barely had time to look up from my work, but now and then, I caught glimpses of Ethan around the company. He still worked here, obviously, but ever since Mrs. Popeye, the sharp-eyed and all-business representative from the headquarters, had arrived to oversee things, Ethan had completely backed off. He no longer came close, never tried to chat or talk to me outside work hours, and most importantly, he couldn’t interfere with my work anymore. That alone gave me peace of mind.Finally, I could breathe. With Ethan out of the
Skylar It wasn’t until Ivana stepped out of the office that I finally reached for my phone,and dialed Cole's number.He picked up after the first ring. “Skylar,” he said in that familiar voice of his, smooth and teasing, “did you like your gift?"I smiled instantly, my eyes softening as I leaned against the edge of my desk. “I did. very well. It was perfect. Thank you so much, Cole.”He chuckled lightly. “Don’t mention it. I just knew you’d need it today. How did it go?”I breathed in deeply, feeling the weight of the day slowly lift. “Better than I expected. I wanted to thank you… for always believing in me. You always find a way to pull me through.”There was a pause on the line, followed by a soft sigh. “You’re stronger than you think, Sky. I just help you see that sometimes.”I bit my lip, caught off guard by the sudden warmth that surged through me. The way he had called me ‘Sky’— so effortlessly, so familiarly— made my heart skip a beat."Will you be coming back home today?" I
SkylarFrom the moment I stepped into the office building, I could instantly tell that something had shifted slightly. The hallway wasn’t filled with murmurs or eyes silently accusing me of things I hadn’t done. It was quiet.I blinked, wondering if I was dreaming or if maybe everyone had decided to take the day off.Had Cole done something? Was this what he meant by a "gift"?I didn’t have long to ponder before Athena, yes, Tara’s sharp-tongued assistant, walked into my office. She knocked lightly before pushing the door open, her expression surprisingly neutral. Not smug. Not irritated.“Miss Tara would like to see you in the boardroom, Skylar,” Athena said.Her voice wasn’t curt or laced with any sort of hidden contempt. There was even a calmness to it… maybe even admiration?I blinked again. “I’ll be there shortly,” I responded softly, grabbing a notepad even though I wasn’t sure I’d need it.Athena gave a small nod before stepping out.I smoothed down my skirt, took a calming br
Skylar I was buried beneath my pillow, trying to drown out the morning light and the buzz of reality that I wasn’t ready to face. My phone had rung three times now, vibrating furiously on the nightstand, but I had no intention of picking it up. I just wanted to stay in bed. Forever, if possible.Work? That was a word I didn’t want to hear.The events of the past few days had worn me out. The promotion—if I could even call it that—felt like a punishment. My colleagues looked at me differently now. No one smiled at me in the hallways. Whispers always followed me wherever I went. Even the work atmosphere felt choking and suffocating, to the point that I couldn't really concentrate anymore.How could I work in such a toxic environment?This morning, I decided enough was enough. I wasn't going back to that office anymore.I pulled the blanket tighter around me, ready to resume sleeping when the door suddenly creaked open."Skylar?" Ingrid's voice came in soft, almost coaxing. "Aren't you