THE BILLIONAIRE'S BARGAIN

CHAPTER 20

Moving into a new apartment and living with Mia seemed like a normal thing to her, as it brought back the memories of the old days back in college.

It was a new day and Carmilla had brushed off everything she was told by Mia, deciding to face what is ahead of her instead.

Only her knows the sacrifice she had to make back in the city. She also had to change her behavior to adapt into the family she married into. They were good to her in their own ways as far as she wasn't maltreated. But it just wasn't her style, she is a little bossy when it came to things about her life especially work.

The sun had risen again, penetrating into their apartment giving a warm glow. Having nothing to do for the day, Mia remained asleep.

Despite that she needed to rest more upon her arrival, Carmilla decided to kick her day at the office. She quickly rose up from bed, stretching and began preparing for work. Before leaving, she left a note on the little drawer beside the bed reading ‘ I'll be late’.

She took a deep breath as she steps outside the apartment, the chill early morning air catching her off guard. It had been a whirlwind of a weekend, Now today marks the return of her life-The return of the CEO.

Her personal assistant, Sandra, was already waiting downstairs, the sleek black SUV parked curbside. Sandra is an extension of Carmilla's will, an embodiment of efficiency and readiness, always attuned to her needs. As Carmilla approaches, Sandra steps out of the vehicle, her expression professional yet warm.

“ Good morning, ma'am Carmilla”, Sandra greeted, her tone upbeat.

“ Welcome back. Ready for your big day?”.

“ Morning to you too, Sandra”, Carmilla replies with a smile, trying to suppress the excitement that bubbles beneath her composed exterior.

“ As ready as I'll ever be”.

Once inside the car, Sandra offers her a steaming cup of coffee.

“ I made your usual-double shot, just how you like it”.

Carmilla takes a sip of it, savoring the rich taste and the warmth that spreads through her.

“ Thanks,Sandra. I'll need this today”.

As they navigated through the city street, Carmilla reflects on the journey that had brought her here. Years of hard work and relentless ambition. The position of CEO was not just a title; it was the culmination of countless late nights, sacrifices, and unwavering determination. She didn't believe she had almost traded it for marriage.

Arriving at the office building, a modern glass structure that towered above the surrounding cityscape, Carmilla felt a wave of anticipation wash over her. She quickly steps out the car, adjusting her blazer and smoothing her hair as Sandra held the door open. The sun reflected off the building, illuminating the sleek exterior.

Entering into the lobby, a sense of purpose surges within her. The space was buzzing with energy - employees mingling, the scent of fresh pastries wafting through the air. She spotted familiar faces along with many new ones she has yet to meet.

“ There are new employees, we needed them urgently”, Sandra whispers to her as if she would get a query.

“ Good morning, everyone!” She calls out, her voice carrying confidence. A chorus of greetings rings back, accompanied by smiles and nods. Further feeling her sense of belonging, she felt a camaraderie with her team, a shared goal of pushing the company to new heights.

After a quick catch-up with her team in the atrium, Carmilla made her way to her office, where the walls were adorned with inspiring quotes from various leaders and visionaries. She had it renovated again. She settles into her sleek, modern desk, taking a moment to absorb the significance of her presence before attending her first brief meeting.

The meeting was a routine update, but for Carmilla, it also felt like a significant step in establishing her leadership. As she sat at the head of the table, she observes her team members-their focused expressions, the way they collaborated, and how they moved through ideas with enthusiasm. It was exhilarating to see the potential of the company laid out in front of her, each person contributing to it's vision.

“ Let's make sure we keep our eyes on the upcoming projects?”, she advises, her voice steady.

“ It's crucial we remain aligned with our core values of innovation and community engagement. Our new product next month is a great opportunity to showcase that”.

There were nods around the table and ideas began to bounce around like sparks. Carmilla felt invigorated by their suggestions and perspectives, taking notes and occasionally steering the conversation to ensure she kept their goals in sight.

After the meeting wrapped up, she took a moment to herself once more, leaning back in her chair. Her mind raced with ideas and upcoming tasks, yet she felt a strong sense of determination guiding her. She knew today would be pivotal-not just for the company, but for her as well.

As the day unfolded, she met with the department heads, listened to their suggestions about the launching of their upcoming products and offered her insights, firmly establishing a dialogue that would encourage innovation and teamwork.

By early afternoon, her schedule opened up a bit, allowing her to reflect on her company's structure.

Midway through her refreshing lunch, her phone buzzed with a reminder: ‘welcome dinner at the end of the day’.

Even though she was a boss here, she loves to hang out with her team in all gatherings. To her it gives a connection between her and her team on a personal level.

When evening approached and the office began to empty, she quickly donned her favorite navy dress, knowing it projected both professionalism and approachability. As she slips on her heels, her heart raced a little. This dinner is a ‘ welcome back’ dinner for her.

Sandra had arranged the details, a cozy restaurant that resonate with an inviting atmosphere. The space was beautifully adorned, with soft lighting and intimate seating arrangement.

Upon arrival, she was met by the smiling faces of her team, all eager and welcoming.

“ Carmilla!”, they erupts, their collective enthusiasm dispelling any lingering tension. She joins the group exchanging hearty handshakes, feeling a palpable warmth surround her.

One could ask how can a CEO be this close with her workers, well Carmilla is that kind of CEO. She always wears a serious face to work but she is very warm inside. She cares about the needs of all her workers and always advises them to work hard if they wanted to be rewarded.

All these grew her company faster to where it is now.

“ Thank you all for this wonderful welcome dinner”, she began, raising a glass as they settled into their seats.

“ I'm thrilled to be back again to work with all of you, and thank you all for working together to handle things here while I was gone. I really appreciate your efforts, especially you Sandra. Cheers”.

Toasting to a new beginning, laughter rang around the table. Each of them shared their experiences while Carmilla was away. She on the other hand shared a bit of the story about her Married life. The team showed their support to her through words of encouragement.

“ If you ever have to leave again back to the city, we'll support you all the way”, one of them, a bright young young lady in charge of designing said.

As the dessert was served-decadent chocolate cake that lingers in the air with it rich aroma-Carmilla concludes the evening by sharing her vision for the coming year, “ Together, we'll push the boundaries of what this company can achieve, remember that I'm here not as the owner but as your partny. Let's innovate, grow-together.

Later that evening, she returns home with Sandra who drops her off. She headed into her apartment exhausted but at the same time excited.