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Chapter 6

Charlotte's POV

Sitting in the office my late parents once owned gave me a sense of hope. Amelia looked at me, I could tell she was beyond happy to see me, no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't remember anything, her face seemed hazy in my memories and the memory I have of her was her dropping me off at the orphanage home, and that has been my life ever since.

Her hand pats my shoulders, it didn't feel real, all these didn't feel real.

“I'm so glad to have you back. The company is glad to have you back.” She added, wiping the tear from her eyes, pulling me into a small hug, I reciprocated the hug,

The door opened, and unfamiliar faces walked in. I guessed they were the staff that worked all this while under Amelia and fee with Dad, I still didn't know what to say,

I stood in front of the staff, my hands shaking slightly as I tried to gather my thoughts.

I had never addressed an audience before, and the thought of speaking in front of so many people made my stomach twist into knots.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. looking out at the sea of faces in front of me, wondering how I would ever find the words to say what I needed to say. I swallowed hard and then began to speak.

"Hello everyone," I began, my voice a bit shaky but steady.

"I know this is the first time I've addressed you all like this, and I have to admit, I'm a bit nervous." I paused for a moment, my eyes flicking around the room.

"But I want to start by saying how grateful I am to all of you. You've all worked so hard, and this company couldn't have gotten to where it is without your support." I took another deep breath, feeling a little more confident now.

"So, thank you. I know we have a lot of work ahead of us, but I know that together, we can do anything. So, let's get started." I took a deep breath and smiled, feeling a surge of pride as they all clapped and cheered.

I have done it! I addressed everyone and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I felt more energised and ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.

“You did well, I'm impressed.” Amelia smiled, Her smile was like the sun breaking through the clouds, dispelling the dark and bringing warmth and light.

It was a smile that could melt away the coldest of hearts, and it seemed to radiate from within, lighting up the room like a beacon.

But then her smile turned into a small frown, I couldn't help but wonder what could be the problem. There was something wrong, and Amelia was not telling me.

“I'm afraid the company might be going bankrupt, “ she added,

The news hit me like a punch to the gut, knocking the breath out of me. It was unexpected, and I felt the world around me start to spin. My mind raced, trying to process the information, but it was hard to focus.

I suddenly felt numb, as if my body had shut down in response to the shock.

I could hear Amelia talking, but the words seemed to be muffled as if she was underwater.

“What happened?” I asked she turned to the window, and she plastered her pitiful eyes on the beautiful city,

She sighs” I've searched for you for so long, this company could use your help.

There are a lot of competitors in the market as you see, I'm too inexperienced for this bit I tried holding on till I found you. Stocks have been falling, I fear that the Audesons might target our company.” she added, her voice evident of the fear in it,

“The Audsons?” I asked, the name was horrible for me, I just left the hell of a marriage but that name seemed to be a pest that followed me around.

“Yes, they're known for targeting struggling companies and they manoeuvre them and take away their shares.” My eyes blacked out in shock, was that what they did? My hatred for them was growing deeper.

“Destroying me is not enough?” I thought to myself, as I clenched my fist in anger,

“Any news on them?” I asked her, if fighting Arthur was the last thing I'd do before I leave this earth then I would.

“Arthur? “ She drops the bombshell,

My forehead squeezed into a frown.

“He was here?” I asked, she nodded, then smiled.

“He's arranged a meeting with me tomorrow, you have to go see him in place of me.” Amelia turned to me,

“I can't” I drifted back, there was no way I was facing that monster after all he did.

After all this time, I still wasn't sure how I would feel about meeting with my ex-husband. On the one hand, there was a part of me that still felt angry and betrayed, and I didn't know if I was ready to forgive him.

On the other hand, I knew that we had a lot of history together, and there was still a part of me that cared about him. I felt a mix of emotions and wasn't sure what to do. But surely this meeting with him would be difficult, but it might just be the only way to move on.

“I don't think I am ready.” I finally breathe out.

Amelia smiled, her dimple, though covered with extra skin, was still pretty to see.

“He's been wanting to meet with the new CEO. And I think this is the perfect time to meet with him.” She added this was from the company, letting go of Arthur is the first step to doing a great job.

“What time is the meeting?” I asked,

“9 am. His secretary has been informed of your arrival.” She says, making my heart sink deep into my stomach in anxiety.

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