Chapter 47

Nina's POV

As I made my way to my office, my chin held high despite yesterday's humiliation at Lucas's doorstep. That's my superpower, really-the ability to bounce back from anything. While others might still be nursing their wounds, I was already planning my next move.

My phone buzzed. Vincent's message was characteristically terse: "Ms. Sinclair wants to see you immediately."

My steps faltered for just a moment. Had Serena finally decided to confront me about yesterday? I touched up my lipstick in the elevator's reflection, adjusting my expression into one of innocent concern.

The executive floor was eerily quiet when I arrived. Vincent barely glanced up from his computer as he buzzed me in.

Serena sat behind her massive desk. She was reviewing documents, her reading glasses perched on her nose, and didn't immediately acknowledge my presence.

"Sit," she said finally, not looking up.

I perched on one of the leather chairs, my hands clasped demurely in my lap. The silence stretched between us like a rubber band about to snap. My mind raced through possible scenarios-a reprimand, a demotion, maybe even a threat about Lucas.

"I just received resignation letters from Leon Hendrix and Arthur Burton," Serena said suddenly, removing her glasses. "I approved them."

My heart skipped a beat. Those were Father's most loyal people in the company, positioned strategically in our production division. What game was she playing?

"The fall collection's production management is now unmanned," she continued, her voice neutral. "I've decided to put you in charge of it."

I kept my face carefully composed, but my mind was whirling. This made no sense. Why go through all the trouble of forcing out Leon and Arthur-only to hand their power to me? I was just as much Father's ally as they were. More so, even. The end result would be exactly the same.

"The entire production line?" I asked, my voice carefully modulated to show just the right amount of surprise and gratitude.

"Full authority," she confirmed, sliding a folder across the desk. "You'll start tomorrow. The team needs direction for the next quarter's planning."

I picked up the folder. "We're family," I said softly, letting my voice warm with emotion. "Of course I'll help shoulder the burden for you and StarRiver."

Serena's face remained impassive. I stood slowly, clutching the folder to my chest. "Thank you for trusting me with this, Sister."

She had already returned to her work, dismissing me without a word. I walked to the door, deliberately taking my time, waiting for her to mention yesterday's incident. But she remained silent, the only sound the soft rustle of papers as she turned a page.

As the door closed behind me, a small smile played at the corners of my mouth. Oh, Serena. Maybe she was afraid of antagonizing me. With Leon and Arthur gone, she needed someone to handle the production line-someone who knew the business and could keep things running.

She was truly so distracted by Lucas that she'd made a tactical error. The Serena I knew would never be so careless, but love had a way of making people stupid. I'd seen it happen countless times.

Serena's POV

The murmur of voices filled the boardroom as I took my seat at the head of the table. I could hear fragments of conversations, none of them particularly respectful - just as I'd expected.

I placed my tablet on the polished mahogany table and cleared my throat. The conversations continued. I didn't raise my voice or make any aggressive moves to demand their attention. Instead, I began speaking in my normal tone, knowing the weight of my words would do the work for me.

"I've approved the resignations of Leon Hendrix and Arthur Burton, effective immediately."

The effect was instantaneous. The room fell silent, all eyes snapping to me. Leon had been with production for over a decade, and Arthur was one of the most experienced project managers.

"Nina will be taking over Production," I continued, watching their reactions carefully. "She's shown remarkable initiative lately, and I believe this will be an excellent opportunity for her to prove herself."

I could see the shock rippling through the room. They were puzzled why I made this decision - by putting Nina in charge of Production. I kept my expression neutral as I watched Cole Anderson exchange a pointed look with person beside him.

"I'd like to thank my sister for her support," I added, injecting warmth into my voice that didn't reach my eyes. "Nina has been invaluable these past few months."

The silence that followed was deafening. Not a single person moved to applaud. Even Nina, seated three chairs down on my right, remained still, her perfect smile frozen in place.

"Moving on to our next item," I continued smoothly, "we'll be implementing several organizational changes effective next week." I paused, letting the tension build. "Cole Anderson will be transitioning to Assistant Manager in Operations."

Cole's chair scraped against the floor as he stood up abruptly. "This is ridiculous! I've been HR Director for fifteen years. You can't just-"

"I can, and I am," I cut him off, my voice level but carrying an edge of steel. "Your experience is precisely why we're offering you this opportunity rather than immediate termination. The choice is yours."

His face had turned an interesting shade of red. "This is because I supported your father's position on the Paris project, isn't it? You're punishing anyone who doesn't bow to your every whim!"

I let his words hang in the air for a moment, then responded with ice in my tone. "Your performance review is in the folder in front of you. Your decisions regarding staff allocation have cost us nearly two million in the last quarter alone. The numbers speak for themselves."

Cole grabbed his folder and stormed toward the door. "You'll be hearing from my lawyer!"

"Everett," I addressed our legal counsel without missing a beat, "please ensure Mr. Anderson receives a copy of his contract section regarding performance-based reassignment. Page thirty-seven, I believe."

As the door slammed behind Cole, I continued the meeting as if nothing had happened. "For those remaining, you have until end of day Friday to accept your new positions or submit your resignations. Everett will be available to discuss the terms with each of you individually."

I gathered my things unhurriedly, noting how no one quite dared to meet my eyes. "Nina, congratulations again on your new role. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with Production."

She managed a tight smile. "Thank you, Serena. I won't let you down."

As I walked out of the boardroom, I could feel the tension crackling in the air behind me.