It was Monday morning.
The elevator doors opened to the executive floor of Laurent Entertainment.
Selene stepped out with her tablet tucked beneath one arm as several employees greeted her.
“Good morning, Director.” She acknowledged them with a nod before walking toward her office.
Only… She stopped seeing several of her employees were inside.
Boxes were stacked neatly across the floor while others carefully packed away the books, awards, and framed certificates that had decorated her office for years.
Her brows furrowed.
“What is going on?”
The room immediately fell silent.
The employees exchanged nervous glances before one of them quickly lowered his head.
“Director… we were instructed to clear the office.”
“By whom?”
Before anyone could answer, a familiar voice came from behind.
“Miss Selene.”
She turned.
It was her father’s executive assistant.
“Chairman Laurent would like to see you.”
…
Selene went to her father’s office without delay. Demanding for an answer.
Her father looked unusually calm seeing her.
He gestured toward the chair in front of him.
“Sit.”
However, she just stared at him and remained standing. “I’d rather know why my office is being emptied.”
The chairman sighed. “This morning, Richard and I came to an agreement.”
Selene suddenly had a bad feeling.
“We believe it’s time for you and Lucien to spend more time together.”
Her expression hardened.
“So? What does that have to do with emptying my office?”
“You’ll be transferred.”
“Transferred?” She asked, confused.
“You’ll assume the position of Chief of Staff at Voss Holdings.” His father said, his voice laced with seriousness.
For several seconds, Selene simply stared at him. Thinking she must have misheard him.
“You’re assigning me to move to Voss?”
“It’s temporary.”
“No.” She said, the veins in her neck showing.
“It isn’t a request, Selene.”
Her fingers tightened around the tablet she was holding.
“What about my division? Who do you think is capable of replacing me?”
“I’ve already appointed your replacement.”
All of a sudden, the office door suddenly opened.
“Father?” A gentle, syrupy voice drifted into the room.
Selene didn’t even have to turn around to know who it was.
Yvonne Laurent. Her younger half-sister. She stepped inside, wearing a graceful smile.
“Sister.”
“I heard the news.”
“I’ll do my best to manage the department.”
Selene looked at her quietly, then at her father.
Then… She smiled.
Of course. She would dote on his mistress daughter. I can only imagine how happy they were when they heard about my vacant position.
They really are capable.
She laughed inside her head.
“Are you serious, father? You really chose her among all possible candidates?” Selene said in a mocking tone.
Selene could see in her peripheral vision, how Yvonne’s face twisted at her words.
“Selene, this is…”
“I’ve managed that division for years, father.” Selene cut him off. “It carries responsibilities beyond what most people imagine.”
She removed a business card from her handbag and placed it neatly on the desk.
“But I know there is probably nothing I can do now.” She said, then turned to Yvonne who was still keeping up her facade.
“If you ever find yourself overwhelmed… You know how to reach me. I’ll gladly explain anything you fail to understand.”
Yvonne’s smile faltered. “Sister… I know I still have a lot to learn.”
“That’s true.” Selene answered without hesitation.
“But don’t worry. I’m sure Father wouldn’t entrust the company to someone incapable.”
The office became eerily quiet.
Yvonne then bit her lip. “I’ll work hard…”
“I hope so.” Selene replied.
But then… Yvonne suddenly started wiping her eyes as fake tears dripped.
Seeing her youngest daughter crying, Chairman Laurent’s expression immediately darkened.
“That’s enough, Selene.” His voice was stern. “Yvonne is your sister. You don’t have to make things difficult for her.”
Selene chuckled softly. One devoid of warmth.
“Difficult?” She looked at her father. “I merely wished her well. ”
Chairman Laurent slammed his palm against the desk.
“You!”
Selene smirked seeing her father so worked up. If the roles were reversed he’d probably not even bat an eye of her crying.
“I sincerely wish both of you the best.” Her eyes shifted toward Yvonne. “I only hope the position isn’t more than what you can handle. After all…” She paused. Looking at her sister with a condescending look. “It would be unfortunate if years of work unraveled because of inexperience.”
“Selene!” Her father’s voice thundered through the room.
But she was already walking toward the door. Not bothering to look back.
The moment she stepped outside, the victorious smile on her face disappeared.
Her fingers slowly curled into a fist.
For the first time in a long while…
She truly felt angry.
However, thinking about it.
With what happened yesterday. She can only connect the dots and think of only one person capable of doing this.
“Lucien…” she muttered venomously.
He must be laughing right now.