Chapter 25: “Threats…”

LISA'S POV 

I woke up before dawn, the darkness outside mirroring the turmoil within me. Leo's words still lingered in my mind, "I don't know if I can keep pretending, Lisa." Pretending what? That our marriage was just business? I couldn't shake off the feeling that he was playing me again.

As I tossed off the covers, the chill of the morning air slapped me awake. I slipped into my robe and began my morning routine, determined to clear my head. The soft hum of the coffee maker and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen.

I moved with precision, preparing breakfast and setting the table. The sunlight creeping through the windows highlighted the elegant china and crystal glasses, a stark contrast to the tension simmering beneath the surface.

My father's company had been my life's focus since I was a teenager. Now, as Leo's wife, I was vulnerable to my father's wrath. Our marriage had ignited a firestorm of rivalry, with my father determined to test my loyalty.

As I expertly cooked eggs and bacon, my mind whirled with strategies. I couldn't let Leo's games distract me from the real prize: protecting my family's legacy.

The clock ticked on, but I didn't hear a stir from upstairs. I had deliberately not woken Leo, wanting a moment to myself before the day's battles began.

With breakfast ready, I took a moment to collect my thoughts. My phone buzzed with notifications – emails from our lawyers, updates on company stocks, and a text from my father.

"Dinner tonight, 7 PM. Be alone."

My heart sank. What did he have planned?

I poured myself a cup of coffee and sat down at the table, savoring the quiet morning. The stillness was short-lived, as I knew Leo would soon descend, bringing his brand of chaos with him.

For now, I savored the solitude, planning my next move.

The minutes ticked by, and I remained lost in thought. My father's text had unsettled me, but I refused to be intimidated.

Suddenly, I heard the creak of the stairs. My eyes flicked to the doorway, but I remained seated, composed.

Not yet, Leo. Not yet.

I took another sip of my coffee, my eyes never leaving the doorway. The silence stretched out, heavy with anticipation.

Leo's voice called out from the foyer, "Lisa, you up?"

I didn't respond.

My gaze remained fixed on the doorway, waiting. But Leo didn't emerge.

I pushed back my chair, the scrape of wood on tile breaking the silence. My eyes lingered on the doorway, expecting Leo to emerge, but he remained absent. I sighed, gathering my thoughts. Time to get ready for work.

I ascended the stairs, my heels clicking on the polished wood. The master bedroom door stood ajar, and I pushed it open, steeling myself for whatever lay ahead.

Leo lay on his back, phone in hand, scrolling through social media or perhaps texting someone. His eyes flicked toward me, but he didn't smile or acknowledge my presence.

"Leo, aren't you getting up for work?" I asked, dropping my purse onto the dresser.

His gaze returned to his phone, his fingers typing out a message. Silence.

I felt a spark of annoyance. Was he avoiding me? After last night's confession, I expected...something. Anything.

"Leo?" I repeated, my voice slightly sharper. He still didn't respond. Fine.

I turned away, focusing on getting ready. The hiss of the shower and the hum of the hair dryer filled the room. I moved with precision, styling my hair and applying makeup.

As I dressed in a crisp business suit, I glanced at Leo. He hadn't moved, still engrossed in his phone.

Was this his way of punishing me for not immediately accepting his newfound feelings?

I slipped on my heels, grabbed my purse, and headed for the door.

"Have a great day," I said, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

Leo's eyes flicked up, our gazes meeting for an instant. For a fleeting moment, I thought I saw something – regret, perhaps, or longing.

But it vanished, replaced by his usual impassive mask.

I left the room, closing the door behind me.

Then I turned around and held the door open again. 

“There's breakfast in the kitchen, incase you need to eat.” I said, loud enough for Leo to hear before closing the door and walking away. 

As I descended the stairs, I felt a sense of resolve. Today would be a battle, and I was ready.

I grabbed my coffee and headed out the door, the bright morning sunlight a stark contrast to the darkness brewing within me.

The drive to the office was a blur, my mind consumed by strategies and counter-strategies. What would my father throw at me today? And what game was Leo playing? Only time would tell.

I pulled into my designated parking spot, took a deep breath, and stepped into the fray.

The company tower loomed before me, its sleek glass and steel façade reflecting the morning light. Time to face whatever lay ahead.

I walked through the doors, my heels clicking on the marble floor.

As I stepped into the office, a sense of unease settled in the pit of my stomach. The usual hum of productivity was replaced by hushed whispers and furtive glances. Colleagues who normally greeted me with warm smiles now avoided eye contact. Something was off.

I made my way through the maze of cubicles, my heels clicking on the polished floor. The air was thick with tension, and I could feel the weight of curious stares. What was going on?

As I approached my office, a sense of dread crept up my spine. The door was locked, and through the glass panel, I saw my assistant, Emma, packing up her things.

My mind racing, I fished out my keys and unlocked the door. Emma looked up, her eyes red-rimmed.

"Lisa, I'm so sorry," she said, her voice trembling.

"Sorry for what?" I asked, my tone firm but laced with concern.

Emma hesitated before speaking. "Your father...he's made some changes. You're no longer head of the department." I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. “What?" I demanded, my voice rising.

Emma handed me a folder. "It's all in here. The company's restructuring, and...and you're being demoted."

Demoted?

I scanned the documents, my eyes scanning the pages. It was worse than I thought. My father had stripped me of my responsibilities, relegating me to a figurehead position.

I looked up at Emma, who was watching me with tears in her eyes.

"Who's taking over?" I asked, my voice cold.

"Louisa," Emma whispered.

My sister? A chill ran down my spine.

This was my father's doing, a clever move to undermine my authority. But why?

I thought back to our conversation last night, Leo's confession and my hesitation.

Was this my father's way of punishing me for not toeing the line? I took a deep breath, my mind racing with strategies.

"Emma, gather my things," I said, my voice firm. "We're not done yet."

Emma nodded, a hint of determination in her eyes.

Together, we packed up my belongings, the silence between us thick with unspoken resolve.

As Emma and I continued packing up my belongings, the door swung open and my elder sister, Louisa, sauntered in. Her smug smile was like a slap in the face.

"Lisa, darling," Louisa cooed, her voice dripping with condescension. "I see Father's made some...adjustments."

Her eyes sparkled with triumph as she took in the scene before her. My demotion was her elevation.

"You're taking over, I presume?" I said, my tone flat, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.

She laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "Oh, I'm doing more than that. I'm restoring order to this company. Father's realized his mistake in trusting you."

Her gaze swept the office, lingering on the photos and awards that lined the walls.

"This will all be gone soon," she said, her voice laced with malice. "Erased, just like your pathetic attempts to run this company."

I didn't flinch, didn't react. She had always been a master manipulator, and I wouldn't give her the pleasure of getting under my skin.

Emma, however, wasn't as composed. "Louisa, that's enough," she said, her voice firm.

Louisa's smile widened. "Oh, Emma, dear. You're still loyal to Lisa? How quaint. And how dare you talk to me in that manner? I could get you fired for life.”

She walked over to my desk, running her fingers over the surface.

"This is where I belong. And soon, everyone will know it."

I watched her, my expression neutral, but my mind racing. Louisa’s ascension was a threat, but it also presented an opportunity.

As she continued to gloat, I caught Emma's eye, conveying a silent message. We're not done. Not yet.

"I'll make sure to send you a memo, Lisa. Just in case you need reminding of your new place.” I didn't respond.

Instead, I turned back to packing, my movements deliberate, my focus fixed on the future.

As we finished packing, Emma handed me a small box. "What's this?" I asked.

"Your personal belongings," she replied, her eyes locked on mine. "And a little something extra."

I opened the box, revealing a small USB drive.

"For the records," Emma whispered. My heart skipped a beat.

This could be the key to reclaiming my rightful place.

With the USB drive safely in my possession, I smiled inwardly.