Elena walked into the office with her head held high, ignoring the stares and whispers that followed her. She could hear the quiet jokes and gossip, but she didn't let them see how much it stung. Her pride remained intact as she made her way through the hall.
A manager came rushing toward her. "Miss Cross, you're needed in the meeting room. All the executives are waiting."
As head of the research and development department, this wasn't unusual for Elena. She stepped into the meeting room, nodding at the executives as she walked past them. Some greeted her warmly, others more formally, but none could deny her value. No matter the rumors outside these walls, Elena's work spoke for itself.
Two years ago, when Brown Industries was on the verge of collapse, it was Elena who helped Reed save the company. Her creation—a perfume that became a national sensation—still topped sales charts. Over time, her skills as a perfumer had driven Browns to the top of the industry, making her an indispensable asset.
She sat in her chair, pen in hand, doodling lightly on her notebook when Reed finally entered the room with Selena at his side. His eyes brushed over Elena briefly, then turned away as if the sight of her was unbearable. Like a perfect gentleman, he pulled out a chair for Selena, announcing her place by his side, before taking his own seat at the head of the table.
Selena's mocking smile found Elena, but Elena ignored it, her focus fixed on her notebook. Selena's sudden presence in the company said enough. Despite being known as a pianist, she had recently started presenting herself as a perfumer as well. Elena couldn't help but wonder if today's meeting was meant to strip her of her position.
Reed, noticing Elena's calm indifference, felt a flicker of irritation in his chest. Before he could dwell on it, his assistant cleared his throat and called him to attention. Reed rose to his feet, drawing every eye in the room.
"I'd like to introduce my fiancée, Miss Selena," he said firmly. "I'm sure you all already know her."
Polite nods circled the table. Everyone recognized Selena, not just as a celebrated pianist but now as the woman Reed had chosen.
"Miss Selena's presence means that she is going to endorse our company's product?" one executive inquired.
"Yes, but she has an even more important role." His gaze passed by Elena as he continued, "From today onwards, along with being our brand ambassador, Miss Selena will be the lead perfumer and the director of the research and development department. She will report directly to me."
Just like everyone else, Elena showed a moment of surprise before her face returned to its usual calm. A slight smirk tugged at her lips, revealing a hint of sarcasm.
Who was the lead perfumer and director of R&D? That was Elena. So her position was being given to Selena. Reed was clearly retaliating for what happened at their wedding!
Elena had thought he would keep personal and professional matters separate for the sake of the company, but she was wrong. Then again, what could she do when someone insists on courting their own doom?
"Mister Brown, you're not serious, right?" one of the executives asked. "I believe your decision is not influenced by personal matters? Miss Elena has been managing the department exceptionally well, and we appreciate her abilities. No one knows the department better than she does."
"I agree with Miss Selena endorsing our products, but giving her the lead position isn't convincing," one executive said. "There are many capable employees waiting for promotions. Giving this position directly to Miss Selena isn't fair."
Other executives began to voice their doubts as well.
"I've made my decision, and I know we won't regret it," Reed responded firmly.
Just then, another executive spoke up. "I support Mr. Brown's decision because I know Miss Selena is a capable perfumer. Have any of you ever heard the name Aroma? That's Miss Selena."
Hearing this, Elena's gaze turned to surprise as she looked at Selena, only to find her sister averting her eyes.
Selena smiled lightly and spoke. "Do not mention it. It's just something I do to pass my time."
Everyone had heard about the secret perfumer Aroma, and knowing it was Selena, they had no reason to oppose Reed's decision.
The executive who sided with Selena spoke again. "Here we have a skilled perfumer, Aroma, and on the other side, we have Miss Elena, who was disqualified in the international competition for plagiarism six years ago and was even expelled from school."
Elena's face turned pale. Her hands clenched tightly together. Plagiarism, revocation of student status—her life had almost been ruined.
The executive seemed satisfied with Elena's reaction and shared a smug smile with Selena. Both had planned this together.
"I even heard the one she plagiarized from is none other than Miss Selena, her own sister," the executive added.
"Shut up!" Reed snapped, stopping him from speaking further. Though he hated Elena at the moment, those difficult days of her life had been painful, and Reed had been by her side. Despite his anger, he couldn't bring himself to scratch her old wounds. All he wanted was to hurt her in the same way she had hurt him, which was why he preferred to engage with Selena.
The executive fell silent, his work done. Selena remained quiet as well, her expression triumphant but restrained.
Reed turned to Elena, and after a moment of silence, his deep voice reached her shocked ears. " Elena, you have been managing this department for a long time, and it must have been difficult for you. Selena will share your burden while you work under her as a deputy director. She is new here and will need your help. Although your position has been revoked, you will still—"
"Huh?" Elena's sarcastic laugh interrupted him, making everyone look at her cold face, full of mockery for Reed.
"Mister Reed, what is the reason for revoking my position? Is it because of what happened during our wedding?"
Reed chose not to answer her. Elena closed her book and stood up. "You revoked my position either for no reason or because of personal reasons, which you should not involve in business. And you even want me to take care of your fiancée and help her handle the R&D department. Isn't it nothing but trouble for me? What right do you have to tell me what I shall do with my work?"
Her cold voice and words brought silence to the meeting room.
"I have made my decision," Reed finally broke the silence, looking straight into her cold and angry gaze.
"You can make your decision. I never planned to stay here, but out of responsibility towards my work, I wished to finish the project in hand. But it seems like there is no need. I will send my resignation letter to you today. You can find someone else to cater to your fiancee. I am out."
Hearing this, panic rose among the executives as they started to persuade her to reconsider her decision. Work experience and abilities were important, and they knew it was about Elena. They didn't want to think about the personal feud between Reed and her. They simply wished to keep someone capable.
Reed was surprised as well, and it wouldn't be wrong to say a little panicked. He was used to Elena's obedience and understanding in the company. If he agreed to let her go, he was sure the company would be in trouble.
" Elena, you should understand my decision—"
"I don't need to understand anyone's decision. I decided for myself, and my decision is final," she interrupted him, her words and gaze determined.
"You cannot leave like this," he spoke again.
"I'm sure I can. I don't remember signing any labor contract with the company while joining, so don't try to hold me back," she glanced at everyone. "All the best to the R&D department for being in the capable hands of Miss Selena." She walked out, slamming the conference room door behind her.