Chapter 6: The First Step
756 Words
The first rays of sunlight streamed through the curtains of Elena's small apartment.
She had been awake for hours.
The brown envelope Theodore had given her remained untouched on the coffee table.
Every time she looked at it, she remembered his words.
"The money is already yours."
It still felt unreal.
For five years, she had never asked for anything in return for the countless hours she devoted to Blackwood International. She had stayed in the background while Adrian received the praise, believing that one day they would enjoy the rewards together.
Instead, she had walked away with nothing but a broken heart.
Her phone buzzed on the table.
It was a message from Theodore.
"The board of directors will meet at ten o'clock this morning. I'd like you to come with me. No pressure. The decision is yours."
Elena stared at the message for several seconds.
The boardroom.
It had been only a few days since she left Blackwood International in tears.
Was she really ready to go back?
A knock on the apartment door interrupted her thoughts.
She opened it to find a delivery driver holding several shopping bags.
"Miss Elena Hart?"
"Yes."
"These were sent for you."
After the driver left, Elena carried the bags inside.
They contained elegant business suits, polished heels, and a handwritten note.
"Confidence begins with believing in yourself. —Theodore."
A small smile appeared on her face for the first time in days.
---
Across the city, Blackwood International buzzed with activity.
Employees hurried through the lobby, whispering among themselves.
"Did you hear? Chairman Theodore personally called for today's board meeting."
"That never happens."
"There must be something serious."
Inside his office, Adrian stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, reviewing documents.
His assistant entered with an uneasy expression.
"Sir, all board members have arrived."
Adrian nodded.
"What about my grandfather?"
"He's on his way."
The assistant hesitated before adding,
"There's another rumor."
Adrian looked up.
"What rumor?"
"People are saying Chairman Theodore is bringing a special guest."
Adrian frowned.
"My grandfather doesn't bring guests to board meetings."
"Exactly, sir."
For reasons he couldn't explain, uneasiness settled deep inside him.
---
Meanwhile, Chloe Morgan adjusted her designer jacket as she stepped out of her car.
She had no official role in the company, but everyone knew she expected to become Mrs. Blackwood.
As she entered the building, she noticed employees whispering.
"What are they talking about?" she asked her assistant.
"No one knows."
"But something big is happening today."
Chloe narrowed her eyes.
"I don't like surprises."
---
An hour later...
A black limousine stopped quietly outside Blackwood International.
The driver stepped out and opened the rear door.
Theodore emerged first.
Then Elena.
She wore a navy-blue suit that fit her perfectly.
Her long hair rested neatly over her shoulders, and although she still looked calm, determination shone in her eyes.
She took a deep breath as she looked at the towering headquarters.
Just days ago, she had walked out of those doors in humiliation.
Today...
She was walking back in on her own terms.
Employees froze as they recognized her.
"Isn't that... Miss Hart?"
"I thought she divorced Mr. Blackwood."
"Why is the chairman with her?"
The whispers spread through the lobby within seconds.
Adrian stepped out of the executive elevator just as the lobby fell silent.
His eyes met Elena's.
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.
Elena remained calm.
She simply nodded politely before turning her attention back to Theodore.
The gesture caught Adrian off guard.
Not long ago, Elena's eyes had always searched for him.
Today...
She barely acknowledged his presence.
Theodore smiled faintly.
"Shall we?"
Elena nodded.
Together, they walked toward the executive elevator.
Every pair of eyes in the lobby followed them.
Behind them, Chloe clenched her fists.
Her perfectly manicured nails dug into her palms.
"What is she doing here?" she whispered.
No one had an answer.
As the elevator doors slowly closed, Theodore looked at Elena.
"Once these doors open," he said quietly, "your life will never be the same again."
Elena drew a slow breath.
"I'm ready."
The elevator rose toward the top floor.
Neither of them noticed Chloe watching from below, her face filled with anger.
She reached for her phone.
"If Elena Hart thinks she can come back into this company..." she muttered.
"I'll make sure today is the last time she ever walks through those doors."
The elevator stopped.
The doors slid open.
On the other side waited the boardroom... and a future Elena had never imagined.
- Writer
