Chapter 268: Power Plays and Pasta

Chapter 268: Power Plays and Pasta
Elena's POV

Ryan stormed into the office, his face flushed with anger. His momentum faltered when he spotted me standing behind Teresa. The look of surprise on his face quickly morphed into embarrassment.

I couldn't help but smirk. "I wasn't aware my office had been reassigned to the Chief Executive Assistant. It seems you're not too pleased with my return, Uncle?"

Ryan's expression shifted as he tried to regain his composure. "It's just that you've hardly been at the company this past year, so I allowed someone to temporarily use your office, that's all."

"This is my office," I stated firmly. "Please have Ms. Langley pack her things and leave immediately."

Serafina's face contorted with fury. "I'm not moving! Don't forget what you promised my father—"

"Serafina, come with me!" Ryan cut her off sharply, grabbing her arm and practically dragging her out of the office.

I watched them leave with narrowed eyes. "There's something off about this Serafina. Have Donovan look into her background," I said to Teresa.

Once they were gone, I surveyed what had once been my office. Serafina had transformed it completely—gaudy decorations, overpowering perfume, and personal items scattered everywhere.

I called in my secretary. "Remove everything in this office and replace it all. I want nothing left of the previous occupant."

"Right away, Ms. Huntington," the secretary replied eagerly. "We've all been waiting for your return."

Within an hour, my office was restored to my preferences. I had just settled in when Ryan reappeared, his face dark with barely contained anger.

"You've certainly developed quite the ego," he spat. "Throwing your weight around the moment you return? Are you so confident that your grandfather will hand over the Huntington family business to you?"

I met his gaze steadily. "Is reclaiming my own office considered 'throwing my weight around' in your eyes, Uncle? Or perhaps... you and Serafina have some arrangement I'm unaware of?"

"Nonsense!" Ryan snapped, his face reddening. "Stop trying to stir up trouble!"

"I'm merely stating facts," I replied coolly. "If you have nothing to hide, why are you so agitated?"

Ryan stood there speechless before turning and storming out.

---

By evening, I had finished reviewing the company's affairs and was preparing to leave. As I organized the files on my desk, I reflected on the day's events.

"There's definitely something between Ryan and Serafina. It's a good thing I came back when I did."

I pulled out my phone and dialed Donovan.

"I need you to investigate Serafina Langley. Get me everything you can find—the more detailed, the better."

"No problem," Donovan replied. "I'll get right on it."

I was just about to leave when a familiar figure appeared in my doorway. Reginald stood there, holding an insulated container, a hesitant smile on his face.

"I heard you were craving truffle pasta," he said, lifting the container. "I made it for you."

I stared at him in disbelief. "You made this? You can cook?"

"I did," he confirmed, setting the container on my desk. "I spent a lot of time learning, just so I could make it for you myself."

His eyes held mine as he continued, "I remember our agreement. If I don't get it right the first time, I can try again—ten days, twenty days, even a lifetime. Eventually, I'll meet your standards."

He took a deep breath. "I'm not expecting to win you back with one dish. All I'm asking for is an equal opportunity to pursue you. I know I've made many mistakes, but I want to spend the rest of my life making up for them."

I studied him carefully, wondering if he had truly changed. "You want to pursue me? It's not like I could stop you even if I wanted to."

He seems different now, but I won't be the same naive woman I once was. I'm no longer Elena Stewart.

"It's just pursuit," I added with a shrug. "It's not like I'm accepting you back. What's there to be afraid of?"

Relief and joy flashed in Reginald's eyes. "Thank you for giving me this chance. I won't disappoint you."

I opened the container and took a small bite of the pasta. "The taste... isn't bad."

"I'll keep working on it," he promised, his smile widening.

Several days later, Grandpa summoned the family to a meeting at the Huntington Estate. Miley, Henry, myself, Elbert, and Ryan all gathered in the main study. Harper was notably absent.

I observed Henry exchanging glances with Ryan, while Miley gave me a subtle nod of support. Elbert caught my eye briefly as well.

Grandpa sighed heavily. "Over the years, the Huntington family has been plagued by internal conflicts, and it deeply disappoints me."

He paused, looking at each of us in turn. "I want to divide the family assets before Huntington completely falls apart."

"Dad," Ryan protested, "this will affect the company's stock price!"

Grandpa dismissed his concern with a wave. "The stock price will truly be beyond salvation if you all create an irreparable situation."

His expression hardened. "Let me be clear: anyone who harms a family member before my passing will lose their inheritance rights. And for now, I will not be relinquishing control of Huntington Group."

What does he mean by this? Has he already seen through someone's plan?

"I've divided the properties and other companies fairly evenly," Grandpa continued, passing out documents. "The lists have been sent to each of you."

Ryan and Henry scrutinized the documents carefully, finding no obvious issues though their eyes betrayed their calculations.

"The rest belongs to me personally," Grandpa stated firmly. "Don't bother coveting it—it won't do you any good."

He stood up slowly. "I'm tired. Review these and we'll discuss any concerns tomorrow."

Miley gave me one last worried glance before following Grandpa out of the room.

The meeting ended with an uncomfortable silence. As we left, no one spoke, each person lost in their own thoughts about what Grandpa's announcement meant for their future. The estate seemed unusually tense, with everyone avoiding eye contact as they hurried away to process the news.

Later, in the estate's sunroom, Elbert pulled me aside.

"What do you think of Grandfather's decision?" he whispered.

I feigned ignorance. "What is there to think? If Grandfather wants to divide the family assets, that's his prerogative."

"You don't understand!" His voice grew urgent. "Control of Huntington Group is what really matters!"

He leaned closer. "Do you really think Uncle Ryan and Uncle Henry will quietly wait for Grandfather's announcement? They must be plotting something. By then, it will be too late!"

"What do you suggest we do?" I asked.

Elbert lowered his voice further. "We need to act first. I already have a plan, but I need your cooperation."