Mated to a werewolf

Chapter 9

Richard arrived at the company early, deliberately beating the rush to avoid prying eyes. As he entered, he couldn't help but notice his secretary's absence, a sigh escaping him. Determined to focus on the tasks at hand, he retreated to his office to prepare for the upcoming client presentation.

While immersed in his work, distant cheers and laughter reached his ears. Curious, he descended to the staff area only to find Bella making her return to the office. The team welcomed her warmly, creating a lively atmosphere. However, Marco, catching sight of Richard, swiftly redirected the attention back to work.

"Okay, let's get back to work. Bella, welcome back to the office. Now the office will be lively," Marco declared, smoothly transitioning from the impromptu celebration.

Richard, aware that Marco had noticed him, returned to his office, contemplating the dynamics at play.

Meanwhile, Bella, settling back into her routine, inquired about the recent events from her desk partner, Tina. Learning that a secretary had left due to dissatisfaction with the CEO, Bella recalled a past conversation where the secretary expressed her struggles.

Anger simmered within Bella. How could Richard treat his staff this way? Determined to bring attention to the issue, she took matters into her own hands, sending the news to the press where she interned.

Within minutes, the news had Marco rushing to Richard's office, breaching the customary knock-before-entering rule. Richard, unfazed, acknowledged the situation.

"I don't accept you not knocking before entering my office," Richard stated.

"We have a bigger problem. Didn't you check the news trending?" Marco informed him urgently.

"I am already aware. I am an introvert, not a dullard," Richard retorted.

As the tension escalated, the consequences of Bella's actions reverberated through the office, setting the stage for a confrontation that would challenge the balance of power within Montenegro Company.

"I never asked you to cover up the media; leave the matter to me. I will handle it," Richard asserted.

"Wait before you leave, is it me you are concerned about, or losing your job?" he added, probing Marco's true intentions.

"You know my stand here is not as yours. I am just a managing director, and your father hired me to be your face and cover up for you. If I fail, I have nothing to do in the company again," Marco explained, not looking back as he exited.

"But you know that you don't have to do all this. I appreciate your effort, but it is time you stop doing things for me and face your life," Richard suggested, acknowledging the strain Marco had shouldered.

After Marco left, Richard picked up his phone, searched for the secretary's number, and sent her a message.

Meanwhile, the press lingered around the company, eagerly awaiting a statement from the supposedly cruel CEO.

In less than 10 minutes, the secretary received a message. She checked it and read it. Without hesitation, she recorded a video where she apologized to Richard and the Montenegro Company.

"I apologize to the Montenegro Company and the CEO, Mr. Richard. The news circulating was false. I wasn't wronged by the CEO; I just got tired of the job. He is a nice man, only that I did not know him well. After I left the company, he offered me another placement in another firm with compensation for my work. So I am really grateful and sorry for what I caused," she sincerely conveyed and ended the video.

Eddie, an employee of Montenegro Company, stood up and urged everyone to check their phones for the latest news.

The revelation left everyone shocked. Marco's expression remained stoic, not revealing his inner thoughts. Bella, however, was torn and confused, skeptical about the sincerity of the secretary's words. She believed that the former secretary was coerced into making the video.

Richard, aware of Bella's role in informing the press, kept silent, observing how the unfolding events would shape the dynamics within Montenegro Company.

Bella left the Montenegro office as the bell rang, signaling the end of the workday. Determined to clear the air, she headed straight to Becky's house, the former secretary.

Upon arrival, Becky welcomed her inside, offering tea, which Bella declined with a simple request for water.

"I saw your video today; I was surprised. I thought you have always wanted to punish the CEO," Bella remarked, seeking clarity.

Becky admitted, "I did, but I realize that he hasn't done anything bad other than his lack of communication. I was just tired of the job, being all alone, not seeing anyone to talk to, unlike you people. I hear when you all chat while working."

Curiosity piqued, Bella inquired about the catalyst for Becky's change of heart and whether the CEO had truly assisted her in finding another job.

"He sent a message," Becky disclosed.

"Who?" Bella asked.

"The CEO sent a message to me," Becky replied, retrieving her phone to show Bella the message.

As Bella read the contents, a sense of calm washed over her. "He sent you these?" she asked.

"Yes," Becky affirmed.

After spending some time chatting, Bella left Becky's house, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. She felt a weight of confusion and guilt, sensing that she may have misjudged Richard. Seeking solace, she headed to the coffee shop where she once worked as a part-timer, grappling with the realization that perhaps there was more to the CEO than met the eye.

The familiar aroma of coffee enveloped Bella as she stepped into the quaint coffee shop where she had once been a part-timer. Memories flooded back as she settled into a corner booth, seeking solace amid the comforting ambiance.

As she sipped her coffee, lost in thought, a familiar face approached. It was Lisa, her friend and former colleague at the coffee shop.

"Bella! Long time no see," Lisa exclaimed, sliding into the seat opposite her.

"Yeah, it's been a while," Bella replied, a faint smile on her face.

Lisa leaned forward, her eyes curious. "What brings you here today? Haven't seen you around lately."

Bella took a deep breath before launching into the tale of the recent events at Montenegro Company. She recounted the news, the secretary's abrupt departure, and the subsequent revelation that had left the office in shock.

"Wait, so you're telling me the CEO isn't some heartless tyrant?" Lisa asked, eyebrows raised.

Bella nodded, unraveling the complexities of the situation. "It seems I might have misjudged him. The secretary left because she was tired of the job, not because she was mistreated. And he helped her find another job."

Lisa leaned back, absorbing the revelation. "Well, that's unexpected. So, what's on your mind?"

Bella hesitated, unsure of her feelings. "I just feel like I've wronged him, you know? Spread false information. I need to make things right."

Lisa nodded, understanding the weight of Bella's realization. "Maybe you should talk to him. Clear the air, and apologize if you have to. People make mistakes, and he might understand."

Encouraged by Lisa's words, Bella decided to confront Richard and rectify the misconceptions. With newfound determination, she finished her coffee and headed back to Montenegro Company, ready to face the challenges that awaited her. Little did she know that this decision would mark a turning point in her relationship with Richard and the dynamics within the company.