Chapter 45

Chapter 45:

The air in the conference room was heavy as everyone tried to process what had just been announced. Dane, sensing the tension, stepped forward. “I trust you’ll cooperate with your new president,” he said, his voice firm.

A chorus of “Of course!” and nods of affirmation followed, though a sense of unease lingered among the staff, particularly with Mina.

As the meeting ended, Mina’s gaze flitted nervously toward Madisyn. She had been blatantly disrespectful earlier—would Madisyn hold a grudge? Mina still couldn’t wrap her head around who Madisyn was and how she had suddenly become president. Was she Dane’s romantic partner or something else entirely?

Madisyn caught Mina’s glance and spoke calmly, “Mina Atkins, right? Please come to my office.”

Mina pressed her lips together and nodded, following her. She had expected a scolding but was instead met with professionalism as Madisyn asked, “Could you give me a brief overview of the company’s current state?”

Mina gave a rushed explanation, but it was clear she lacked important details.

“You’re the vice president and can’t answer basic questions?” Madisyn’s voice had a cold edge, sharp enough to make Mina flinch.

Feeling cornered, Mina’s irritation boiled over. “The company has been stagnant for a while, and I’ve had to focus on external engagements… socializing,” she retorted, trying to justify her lack of knowledge.

“Socializing?” Madisyn echoed, unimpressed but choosing not to challenge the lie. “From now on, your focus is here. If you continue disappearing during office hours, I won’t hesitate to let you go.”

Mina bit her tongue, realizing she had misjudged Madisyn. She left the office feeling uneasy, but she couldn’t shake her growing resentment.

Back in her own office, Mina’s assistant noticed her sour mood and asked, “What happened?”

“The new president… she’s young but definitely not easy to handle,” Mina replied bitterly.

The assistant, trying to comfort her, said, “Don’t worry, Ms. Atkins. If she can’t gain control, she won’t last long. Everyone knows the company’s in bad shape. Maybe Mr. Johns is just setting her up for failure.”

Mina smiled, nodding. “Exactly. I still don’t get her connection with Mr. Johns. They share the same last name… could they be related?”

The assistant scoffed, “Impossible. Everyone knows Kristine is his only sister. And if this Madisyn were truly his sister, she’d be working at headquarters, not in a struggling company like this.”

Mina agreed, her mind spinning with the possibility that Madisyn was simply someone Dane was involved with—nothing more.

Meanwhile, back in the president’s office, Madisyn spent the day getting a firm grasp of the company’s issues and began delegating tasks accordingly. Just as she was wrapping up, her phone rang.

“Are you at Natural Beauty?” came Andrew’s familiar, deep voice.

“How did you know?”

“I’m outside the building.”

Madisyn, curious, grabbed her things and made her way downstairs. She spotted Andrew leaning against a sleek blue Lamborghini, drawing admiring glances from passersby. Despite his serious expression, his eyes softened when they landed on her.

“I heard from Waylon about your new job,” Andrew said as he opened the car door for her with a smile.

“You didn’t have to come. What’s this all about?” Madisyn asked, though she had a suspicion.

“We’re going to pick up your car,” Andrew said, taking the driver’s seat as they sped off.

They arrived at the dealership, and Madisyn’s eyes widened when she saw the car waiting for her. It was a stunning blue and white vehicle, sleek and elegant.

“It’s beautiful. Was it custom-made?” she asked, her excitement barely contained.

“Yes, I thought it would suit you. Do you like it?” Andrew’s voice was warm.

“I love it!” Madisyn beamed, turning to him. “Thank you, Andrew.”

Andrew chuckled, surprised. “It’s not often you call me Andrew… I like it.”

Madisyn, feeling slightly flustered, responded, “Doesn’t Kristine call you that all the time?”

Andrew’s smile faded slightly. “I only want you to call me that.”

His comment lingered in the air, leaving Madisyn momentarily speechless. Was he flirting with her? Susan’s earlier words echoed in her mind: Mr. Klein must have feelings for you.

Madisyn shook off the thought, trying to focus. “Can I drive it now?”

“Of course, it’s all yours.”

Madisyn slid into the driver’s seat with Andrew beside her, and the car was even more comfortable and smooth than she had imagined. As she drove, they headed toward a restaurant.

“I’m treating you to dinner as thanks for the car. It’s one of my favorite places,” Madisyn said, glancing at Andrew with a smile.

Andrew nodded, clearly pleased. “Sounds perfect.”

When they arrived at the restaurant, heads turned—first at the car, then at Madisyn. She was radiant, and even Andrew couldn’t help but admire her.

.

.

.