The Return Of The CEO

Black had transformed into my shield, my safeguard, my core identity. While I straightened my

blazer before the mirror, I took a calming breath. Today was the moment. I was no longer the

innocent, obedient girl who thought that love and kindness could solve all problems. That girl

had passed away five years prior, broken by treachery and grief.

Currently, I am Victoria Dantes. A name that inspired respect, murmured softly wherever I went.

The world may have broken me, yet I returned-more powerful.

A knock at the door broke my concentration. I stood up straight, giving my appearance one last

look before saying, "Come in."

Ethan, my assistant, entered. His deep-set eyes looked me over for an instant before he offered

a small nod. "The vehicle is prepared, madam."

I nodded and grinned, although there was no sincerity in it. "Let's get going, then."

The journey to the company was peaceful, punctuated only by the engine's hum and Ethan's

occasional attempts at chitchat. I didn't reply, far too absorbed in my reflections. My mother-in-law, the sole person who had genuinely backed me, made it certain I was ready for this

moment. Everything was coming together. This was my moment.

The vehicle halted gently, and Ethan exited first, looking around for any potential dangers. He

held the door open for me, and I walked onto the chilly marble floor, my heels striking crisply in

the otherwise quiet surroundings.

Inside, the boardroom doors stood wide open, and the conversation within ceased abruptly as I

entered. Everyone's gaze was directed at me-anxiety, unease, and, in one section, a hint of

what I could nearly identify as respect. I remained upright, allowing the quiet to linger in the

atmosphere.

I spotted my father-in-law at the far side of the table. His lips twisted into a somewhat smug grin,

but a flicker of uncertainty sparkled in his eyes. He wasn't acquainted with this aspect of me.

Nobody else was either.

"Are we ready to start?" I inquired, maintaining a calm and steady tone as I settled into my chair

at the table. From the look on their faces, they were not expecting their largest share to be own

by a young lady like me.

My father-in-law coughed gently. "Sure. Now, let's proceed to the forecasts for the upcoming

quarter."

I maintained my focus, overlooking the slight change in his stance. He was not accustomed to

facing challenges. It was time for him to realize the rules had shifted.

I spoke to the board, detailing the company's future actions with clarity. I was aware they

anticipated I would stumble, to err, yet they misjudged me. I had gained wisdom from my

experiences, and now I was invincible.

Midway through the meeting, my father-in-law attempted to interrupt with a question on resource

distribution, trying to sidetrack my presentation. His tone was saturated with disdain, yet I

remained unaffected.

"Honestly," I stated, elevating my tone slightly to capture everyone's focus, "I've already

considered the possible challenges. By examining the numbers on the fifth page of the report,

you'll notice that we have contingency strategies established."

He blinked, evidently taken aback, and looked down at the documents before him. "Ah, indeed.

Clearly, you have given this some consideration."

"Naturally," I responded effortlessly. "Unlike others, I always remember the specifics."

The other board members fidgeted uneasily, yet I sensed their respect increasing. I was no

longer the girl they could overlook. I am Victoria Dantès.

The meeting went on, but I wasn't fully focused on the figures. My gaze continually wandered to

a single individual. Williams. The man who used to mean everything to me. His eyes stayed

locked on me, inscrutable. Yet there was something-something present. Could it be guilt?

Regret?

As the meeting began to end, I stood up, collecting my documents.

"Thanks to all of you. Let's meet again next week." I spoke, facing the door.

However, when I approached the doorway, a hand suddenly emerged and seized my arm.

I stopped moving. Williams.

His touch was shocking, a reminder of the history I had concealed. I brushed it off swiftly,

maintaining my composure. "Do you need anything or have anything to say Mr. Blackwell?" I

asked, my tone icy.

"Victoria," he spoke gently, his voice nearly filled with awe, "Your voice... it resembles the voice

of someone from my past." His gaze penetrated mine with a fervor that sent a chill through my

body. "You bring to mind someone... someone truly precious."